The mass‐produced postcard and the photography of emotions

During its heyday, roughly 1890–1940, the mass‐produced European picture‐postcard brought a tremendous variety of scenes, real and fabricated, within the reach of an avid buying public. While many people early in the present century did put together albums of postcards—commonly unused ones—others were able to use these for brief formalized messages to friends and family once the post office had decided to transmit such things. Amateurs and local commercial photographers alike could also make up their own picture‐postcards, to memorialize local scenes or even fleeting emotional states. Yet in the main postcard production was a large industry and a genuine mass medium. At the beginning of the century Germany alone was producing about 9 million cards a month. Examples from several countries are presented here.     

In situ activation of β-galactosidase of Kluyveromyces bulgaricus resting cells by sodium and potassium phosphates and chlorides

Summary Incubation of Kluyveromyces bulgaricus in sodium and potassium salts led to in vivo activation of -galactosidase. The activation reaction was relatively slow since, at 37°C, it took 30 min to come to completion. The reaction was irreversible and was favoured by high salt concentrations with chlorides proving to be more efficient than phosphates. After incubation in KCl, the final activity obtained was 1.49 U/mg dry yeast and this represented a 10-fold increase in activity compared with the control value measured in ammonium phosphate. Hydrolysis of onitrophenyl--galactoside (ONPG) was insensitive to inhibitors of the transport systems and energy metabolism. There results suggest that K. bulgaricus resting cells take up substrates and ions that readily influence -galactosidase activity.     

Temporal and spatial variations in macrofouling of silicone fouling‐release coatings

Nontoxic, low surface free energy silicone coatings having reduced biofouling adhesion strength have been developed as an alternative to antifouling paints. Silicone coatings permit macrofouling to adhere; however, fouling can be removed easily by water pressure or light scrubbing. One of the current methods used to evaluate the performance of non‐toxic silicone fouling‐release coatings relies heavily on fouling coverage. The organismal community structure as well as total coverage can affect the ease of fouling removal from these coatings. This paper explores fouling coverage and organismal adhesion over time. Long‐term fouling coverage data were collected at four sites (in Massachusetts, Hawaii and Florida) using static immersion panels coated with silicone and oil‐amended silicone systems. Inter‐site differences in fouling coverage and community structure were observed for each coating. Intra‐site variation and temporal change in coverage of fouling was minimal, regardless of coating formulation. The extent of coverage was affected by the duration of immersion and the local environmental conditions; these factors may also have an impact on the foul‐release capability of the silicone coatings. Organismal adhesion data was collected in Hawaii and Florida. These adhesion measurements were used as a tool to discriminate and rank fouling release coatings.     

Does underwater flash photography affect the behaviour,movement and site persistence of seahorses?

The effect of flash photography on seahorse species has never been tested. An experiment was established to test the effect of flash photography and the handling of Hippocampus whitei, a medium‐sized seahorse species endemic to Australia, on their behavioural responses, movements and site persistence. A total of 24 H. whitei were utilized in the experiment with eight in each of the three treatments (flash photography, handling and control). The effect of underwater flash photography on H. whitei movements was not significant; however, the effect of handling H. whitei to take a photograph had a significant effect on their short‐term behavioural responses to the photographer. Kaplan–Meier log‐rank test revealed that there was no significant difference in site persistence of H. whitei from each of the three treatments and that flash photography had no long‐term effects on their site persistence. It is concluded that the use of flash photography by divers is a safe and viable technique with H. whitei, particularly if photographs can be used for individual identification purposes.     

In situ Protection Management and Conservation Study of Some Medicinal Plants

In situ study on eleven commercially important species viz;Adiantum capillus veneris L,Bergenia ciliata (Haw) Sternb,Colchicum luteum Baker,Polygonum amplexicaule D.Den,Cuminum cyminum L,Dioscorea deltoidea Wall Kunth,L Morchella esculenta L,Paeonia emodi Wall ex H Kf,Podophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Chatt & Mukh,Valeriana wallichii DC and Viola serpens Wall ex Roxb was conducted in four locations viz; Malam (1 400 to 2 000?m),Bargin (1 700 to 2 300?m),Biakand (1 500 to 2 100?m) and Shinko (2 100 to 2 700?m).The data was recorded from both protected and unprotected sites of each site.Each site had 3 altitudinal sampling point.The density, herbage coverage and fresh biomass were determined in each locations for every species.All the investigated parameters generally showed an increase of 3 to 6 times over unprotected sites in each locations.Morchella esculenta,Dioscorea deltoidea,Colchicum luteum and Podophyllum hexandrum were absent in all unprotected sites while other species had low values in these stes.The investigated parameters of Colchicum luteum,Bergenia ciliata,Paeonioa emodi,Dioscorea deltoidea and Podophyllum hexandrum generally increased with the increasing elevation.Soil analysis,soil and air temperatures were recorded for each site.The air and soil temperature were slightly higher in open areas than in the protected site and showed decrease with increasing elevation.While the soil fertility was relatively high in protected sites as compared to unprotected area.The study shows that protection promotes the growth, distribution and occurrence of medicinal plants.It is possible with the participation of local communities to conserve these resources.     

In search of a “cultured fish phenotype”: a systematic review,meta-analysis and vote-counting analysis

The notion that cultured fishes develop a morphology that differs from their wild conspecifics has become nearly axiomatic. A commonly supervened corollary is that exposure to culture causes predictable and consistent morphological changes that together form a common “cultured phenotype”. While this is often asserted, it has not been formally tested. We conducted a systematic review of the literature based on PRISMA best practice protocols and identified 65 papers, composed of 106 studies that compared the morphology of 39 species of cultured fish to their wild conspecifics. From this we conducted a meta-analysis of quantitative, and vote-counting analysis of qualitative differences in 16 external morphological features and condition factor. Our results confirm that aspects of a general “cultured phenotype” exist. The meta-analysis analysis revealed that cultured fish had shorter heads, upper jaws and fins, and the vote-counting analysis was suggestive of this as well. The vote-counting analysis showed that across all studies cultured fish had greater body depth and condition factor than wild fish, but this was not supported by the meta-analysis. In addition to matching those required to develop the “cultured phenotype”, the detected morphological changes are consistent with experimentally observed plastic responses to conditions typical of the cultured environment. This is discussed, as is how the observed changes may be influenced or reinforced by intentional and unintentional selection.     

In situ recovery of 2,3-butanediol from fermentation by liquid–liquid extraction

End-product conversion, low product concentration and large volumes of fermentation broth, the requirements for large bioreactors, in addition to the high cost involved in generating the steam required to distil fermentation products from the broth largely contributed to the decline in fermentative products. These considerations have motivated the study of organic extractants as a means to remove the product during fermentation and minimize downstream recovery. The aim of this study is to assess the practical applicability of liquid–liquid extraction in 2,3-butanediol fermentations. Eighteen organic solvents were screened to determine their biocompatibility, and bioavailability for their effects on Klebsiella pneumoniae growth. Candidate solvents at first were screened in shake flasks for toxicity to K. pneumoniae. Cell density and substrate consumption were used as measures of cell toxicity. The possibility of employing oleyl alcohol as an extraction solvent to enhance end product in 2,3-butanediol fermentation was evaluated. Fermentation was carried out at an initial glucose concentration of 80 g/l. Oleyl alcohol did not inhibit the growth of the fermentative organism. 2,3-Butanediol production increased from 17.9 g/l (in conventional fermentation) to 23.01 g/l (in extractive fermentation). Applying oleyl alcohol as the extraction solvent, about 68% of the total 2,3-butanediol produced was extracted. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Earning the model‐minority image: Diverse strategies of economic adaptation by Asian‐American women

Using the 1980 US Population Census data, this article documents the diverse strategies of economic adaptation adopted by a group of working‐age immigrant women: Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Indian and Vietnamese. A comparable sample of non‐Hispanic white women serves as the reference group. Striking heterogeneity in the individual and collective resources of these groups, together with differences in labour market opportunities and historical context of immigration, have led to a variety of patterns of labour force participation and methods of income attainment. In order to move beyond the oversimplified image of Asian‐Americans as a model minority in their economic success, the article applies four different theories to the census data ‐ assimilation, dual economy, ethnic‐enclave economy and middleman minority. The article closes with a discussion of theoretical implications and methodological suggestions for future studies concerning labour force position and economic adaptation of minority and immigrant women.     

In situ assay of fatty acid β-oxidation by metabolite profiling following permeabilization of cell membranes

Quantitative analysis of mitochondrial FA β-oxidation (FAO) has drawn increasing interest for defining lipid-induced metabolic dysfunctions, such as in obesity-induced insulin resistance, and evaluating pharmacologic strategies to improve β-oxidation function. The aim was to develop a new assay to quantify β-oxidation function in intact mitochondria and with a low amount of cell material. Cell membranes of primary human fibroblasts were permeabilized with digitonin prior to a load with FFA substrate. Following 120 min of incubation, the various generated acylcarnitines were extracted from both cells and incubation medium by protein precipitation/desalting and subjected to solid-phase extraction. A panel of 30 acylcarnitines per well was quantified by MS/MS and normalized to citrate synthase activity to analyze mitochondrial metabolite flux. Pretreatment with bezafibrate and etomoxir revealed stimulating and inhibiting regulatory effects on β-oxidation function, respectively. In addition to the advantage of a much shorter assay time due to in situ permeabilization compared with whole-cell incubation systems, the method allows the detection of multiple acylcarnitines from an only limited amount of intact cells, particularly relevant to the use of primary cells. This novel approach facilitates highly sensitive, simple, and fast monitoring of pharmacological effects on FAO.     

In situ Localization and Isolation of Actin Filaments from Pollen Tubes of Amaryllis vittata Ait

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Do the fluorescent red eyes of the marine fish Tripterygion delaisi stand out? In situ and in vivo measurements at two depths

Since the discovery of red fluorescence in fish, much effort has been invested to elucidate its potential functions, one of them being signaling. This implies that the combination of red fluorescence and reflection should generate a visible contrast against the background. Here, we present in vivo iris radiance measurements of Tripterygion delaisi under natural light conditions at 5 and 20 m depth. We also measured substrate radiance of shaded and exposed foraging sites at those depths. To assess the visual contrast of the red iris against these substrates, we used the receptor noise model for chromatic contrasts and Michelson contrast for achromatic calculations. At 20 m depth, T. delaisi iris radiance generated strong achromatic contrasts against substrate radiance, regardless of exposure, and despite substrate fluorescence. Given that downwelling light above 600 nm is negligible at this depth, we can attribute this effect to iris fluorescence. Contrasts were weaker in 5 m. Yet, the pooled radiance caused by red reflection and fluorescence still exceeded substrate radiance for all substrates under shaded conditions and all but Jania rubens and Padina pavonia under exposed conditions. Due to the negative effects of anesthesia on iris fluorescence, these estimates are conservative. We conclude that the requirements to create visual brightness contrasts are fulfilled for a wide range of conditions in the natural environment of T. delaisi.     

Enhanced adhesion and chemoattraction of zoospores of the fouling alga enteromorpha to some foul‐release silicone elastomers

Significantly higher numbers of zoospores of the fouling, green alga Enteromorpha adhered to silicone elastomers cured by dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) than to identical polymers cured by dibutyltin diacetate (DBTDA). Enhanced zoospore adhesion was shown to be due to the presence of DBTDL and the effect was concentration‐dependent. Further experiments revealed that enhanced zoospore adhesion also occurred to glass coverslips coated with lauric acid (C₁₂) and other saturated fatty acids. The possibility that fatty acids may act as chemical cues (chemoattractants), guiding motile zoospores to the substratum for settlement in the natural environment is discussed. Settlement of other fouling organisms to DBTDL‐cured silicone elastomers is currently being investigated.     

Chemostat and in‐situ colonization kinetics of thermothrix thiopara on calcite and pyrite surfaces

Growth and attachment rates of Thermothrix thiopara on calcite and pyrite were quantitated in a thiosulfate‐limited chemostat and in the thermal spring where the organism is found in nature. Surface growth rates were quantitated by using the surface colonization and exponential growth equations. These two models were compared as means of determining surface growth rates. In the chemostat, T. thiopara cells colonizing calcite and pyrite surfaces grew at approximately one‐third the rate of suspended cells. However, T. thiopara attached to pyrite faster than to calcite. In the thermal spring, growth and attachment rates were equal on calcite and pyrite. It was concluded that the exponential growth equation overestimates in‐situ surface growth rates and that T. thiopara grows more slowly when colonizing mineral surfaces than when growing in suspension. Lower growth rates on surfaces may be due to a reduced cell surface area for nutrient uptake or an increased specific maintenance rate.     

Meta‐analysis and candidate gene mining of low‐phosphorus tolerance in maize

Plants with tolerance to low‐phosphorus(P) can grow better under low‐P conditions, and understanding of genetic mechanisms of low‐P tolerance can not only facilitate identifying relevant genes but also help to develop low‐P tolerant cultivars. QTL meta‐analysis was conducted after a comprehensive review of the reports on QTL mapping for low‐P tolerance‐related traits in maize. Meta‐analysis produced 23 consensus QTL(cQTL), 17 of which located in similar chromosome regions to those previously reported to influence root traits. Meanwhile, candidate gene mining yielded 215 genes, 22 of which located in the cQTL regions.These 22 genes are homologous to 14 functionally characterized genes that were found to participate in plant low‐P tolerance, including genes encoding miR399s, Pi transporters and purple acid phosphatases. Four cQTL loci(cQTL2‐1,cQTL5‐3, cQTL6‐2, and cQTL10‐2) may play important roles for low‐P tolerance because each contains more original QTL and has better consistency across previous reports.     

Salivary protein adsorption onto hydroxyapatite and sds‐mediated elution studied by in situ ellipsometry

Whole unstimulated saliva from two donors was investigated both with respect to adsorption characteristics and SDS‐induced elutability. Salivary protein adsorption onto hydroxyapatite (HA) discs was studied by means of in situ ellipsometry in the concentration range 0.1–20% saliva. The adsorbed amounts on HA were found to be similar to those on silica, but the rates of adsorption were lower. Protein adsorption was virtually unaffected by the presence of Na⁺, whereas Ca²⁺ induced nucleation of calcium phosphate at the surface, the deposition rate being influenced by the pellicle age but not by the presence of saliva in bulk solution. The SDS elutability of adsorbed pellicles was determined on HA as well as on silica surfaces. Desorption from both surfaces was found to occur in the same SDS concentration range, although a residual layer was observed on HA. The slight net positive charge and lower charge density of HA as compared to the strongly negatively charged silica, may, at least partly, account for this observation by causing a reduction in the repulsive force between protein‐surfactant complexes and the surface. Inter‐individual differences, observed in the adsorption as well as elution experiments, are thought to relate to the compositional differences observed by SDS‐PAGE.     

Critical points of DNA quantification by real-time PCR – effects of DNA extraction method and sample matrix on quantification of genetically modified organisms

Background  

Real-time PCR is the technique of choice for nucleic acid quantification. In the field of detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) quantification of biotech products may be required to fulfil legislative requirements. However, successful quantification depends crucially on the quality of the sample DNA analyzed. Methods for GMO detection are generally validated on certified reference materials that are in the form of powdered grain material, while detection in routine laboratories must be performed on a wide variety of sample matrixes. Due to food processing, the DNA in sample matrixes can be present in low amounts and also degraded. In addition, molecules of plant origin or from other sources that affect PCR amplification of samples will influence the reliability of the quantification. Further, the wide variety of sample matrixes presents a challenge for detection laboratories. The extraction method must ensure high yield and quality of the DNA obtained and must be carefully selected, since even components of DNA extraction solutions can influence PCR reactions. GMO quantification is based on a standard curve, therefore similarity of PCR efficiency for the sample and standard reference material is a prerequisite for exact quantification. Little information on the performance of real-time PCR on samples of different matrixes is available.     

In situ observation of a cell adhesion and metabolism using surface infrared spectroscopy

In this study, we report on an in situ monitoring system of living cultured cells using infrared absorption spectroscopy in the geometry of multiple internal reflections (MIR-IRAS). In order to observe living cultured cells, the temperature in the sample chamber of a FT-IR spectrometer was maintained at 37 °C and a humidified gas mixture containing 5% CO₂ was introduced into the sample chamber. Human breast cell line MCF-7 cultured on Si MIR prisms were placed in the sample chamber and infrared spectra of MCF-7 cells were collected for 5 h. It was found that the adhesion and metabolism of MCF-7 cells could be monitored by the absorption intensity of amide-II protein band (1,545 cm⁻¹) and also by the absorption intensities of CH _x bands (2,700–3,100 cm⁻¹). These results suggest that our system is useful for a nondestructive and non-label monitoring of cell viability. Our method based on infrared absorption spectroscopy has a potential for bioscreening application.