Queen attendance behavior of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) that are high and low responding to queen mandibular pheromone

Summary Queen attendance behavior of workers from selected honey bee colonies with high and low worker retinue response to synthetic queen mandibular gland pheromone (QMP) was investigated. Antennating, licking, grooming, and feeding of the queen by workers from high and low responding colonies were examined. High and low QMP responding workers did not attend the queen differently. However, workers originating from different colonies antennated and licked the queen more frequently than others, suggesting there may be a genetic basis for queen attendance behavior not necessarily associated with response to QMP. The median age of queen attendance was independent of strain.     

“Spraying” Behavior During Queen Competition in Honey Bees

In honey bees (Apis mellifera), virgin queens may eject a liquid substance from their abdomens while they are engaged in fatal combat. We investigated the functional significance of spraying behavior by staging queen duels within colonies housed in observation hives. Spraying occurred in 39.7% of all interactions between rival queens and was recorded in 12 of 15 duels. Workers were highly attracted to the surfaces and individuals contaminated by spraying, forming tight clusters with hundreds of bees in which movement was severely restricted. One or both queens in a pair became immobilized by the workers in 37.5 and 29.2% of all spraying events, respectively, but the queens were never killed by the workers. Conversely, a mobile queen penetrated the worker aggregation and stung an immobilized queen in one-third of the observed bouts. Thus spraying may serve as a fighting tactic by virgin queens to increase their chances of winning by temporarily immobilizing their rivals.     

Modulation of natural killer activity by thymosin alpha 1 and interferon

Summary A single injection of -interferon (-IFN) (30 000 units/mouse), a major biological modifier of natural killer (NK) cytolytic activity, strongly stimulated NK activity in normal mice, as expected, while the same treatment did not statistically alter the NK response in cyclophosphamide (CY)-suppressed animals.We investigated the possibility of thymosin ₁ cooperating with -IFN in boosting NK activity in CY-suppressed animals.The results show that treatment with thymosin ₁ (200 g/kg) for 4 days, followed by a single injection of -IFN 24 h before testing, strongly restored NK activity in CY-suppressed mice. Thymosin ₁ was, moreover, able to accelerate the recovery rate of NK activity in bone marrow reconstituted murine chimeras.Taken together the data support the concept that the synergic effect between thymosin ₁ and -IFN could be the result of effects on differentiation of the NK lineage at different levels.     

Structural comparison of the genes of two HLA-DR supertypic groups: The loci encoding DRw52 and DRw53 are not truly allelic

The organization and sequence of the HLA-DR chain genes are compared in the two supertypic groups, DRw52 and DRw53, which together account for more than 80% of HLA-DR alleles. From the structural data, we conclude that these two groups represent distinct lineages which have followed different patterns of evolution. The fine structure of the chain locus encoding the DRw53 specificity corresponds most closely to the DR II pseudogene in the DRw52 haplotypes. Concomitantly, the DR I locus in DRw53 haplotypes is more closely related to both of the two expressed DR loci of theDRw5 haplotypes (DR I and DR III). These two loci are the result of a recent duplication. This leads to the proposal that both expressed DR chain genes in the DRw52 haplotypes (DR I and DR III) are derived from a single precursor locus, while the two loci expressed in the DRw53 haplotypes are derived from distinct ancestral loci. The genes encoding DRw52 and DRw53 are therefore not true alleles of the same original locus. A scheme is proposed that accounts for the evolution of DR specificities within the DRw52 and DRw53 groups of haplotypes. It is evident that the differentHLA-DR alleles are not structurally equidistant and that one must take into consideration different degrees of heterozygosity or mismatch among the DR alleles.     

Cockroach mating behaviors,sex pheromones,and abdominal glands (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae)

Two chemical signals are essential in all cockroach sexual behavioral sequences: the sex pheromone released by one partner, generally the female (for long distance attraction), and an aphrodisiac sex pheromone produced exclusively by male tergal glands (for female mounting and tergal contact or feeding behavior). Unlike the other cockroach groups, the males of the Oxyhaloinae species produce both chemical signals: the pheromone and the aphrodisiac. The occurrence of three patterns of mating behavior (A, B, and C), the production of male sex pheromones, and the existence in the male of developed sternal and tergal glands in seven related Oxyhaloinae species, make these cockroaches a useful model for studying the evolution of mating behavior patterns. The various types of mating behavior were not classified in the previous studies by Roth and Barth. In this report, they have been named type A (female in upper position), B (male in upper position), and C (male and female end to end). In type A mating, the male tergal glands, which are licked by the females, are well developed, whereas in types B and C, there is no licking of the male's tergal secretion by the females and the tergal glands are much less developed; the aphrodisiacs secreted by the tergal glands may no longer act in this case through contact chemoreception, but through an olfactory process involving volatile components. One common sex pheromone component seems to be acetoin. I suggest that the mating behavior tends from A toward B and C during the evolutionary process with a concomitant regression of the tergal glands and changes in the aphrodisiac emission levels. The mating behavioral sequences of cockroaches (Dictyoptera) and crickets (Orthoptera) show a striking degree of similarity and are probably examples of convergent evolution.     

A Glandular Gift in the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae): The Courtship Feeding of a Female on Secretions from Male Tergal Glands

In the courtship behavior of the German cockroach, the male presents tergal glands to the female and feeds her with glandular secretions to place her in the appropriate precopulatory position. The phagostimulant activity of the secretions was quantitatively examined using the polyethylene glycol film method. The methanol extract of the glands on the eighth tergite induced a potent feeding response in 6-day-old virgin females (EC ₅₀ = 0.0037 male equivalent/40 g PEG spot). However, there was no temporal relation between the feeding response and the sexual receptivity of the females. Moreover, besides virgin females, the extract induced a feeding response in gravid or mated females, males, and the last-instar nymphs. These results strongly suggest that the secretions function as a dietary feeding stimulant in principle but as a courtship pheromone in the context of courtship behavior where the stimulants are offered as a nuptial gift.     

Susceptibility of clinical isolates of yeasts to anti-fungal agents

The antimicrobial activity of amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, nystatin, clotrimazole and miconazole were compared in vitro against 244 strains of yeasts that had been isolated from clinical specimens. The yeasts used in this study included 20 species of Candida, Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces Geotrichum, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis and Trichosporon. The majority of the strains (78%) had an MIC of 0.5 g/ml for amphotericin B, 81% an MIC of 1 g/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 99% 8 g/ml for nystatin, 91%, 8.0 g/ml for clotrimazole and 98% had an MIC of 4.0 for miconazole. Of the anti-fungal agents tested, 5-fluorocytosine and nystatin were found to have the greatest antifungal activity.     

Histoenzymatic characterization of sub-types of Type I fibres in fast muscles of rats

Summary The histochemical activities of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), myofibrillar Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and alpha glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were studied in serial sections of rat vastus lateralis (red) (RVL), gastrocnemius and diaphragm muscles. Three main fibre-types were distinguished. The Type I fibres of RVL and gastrocnemius muscles fell into two distinct groups: one category-Type IA showed very low ATPase activity. The second category of Type IB fibres displayed moderate ATPase reaction. The Type IA fibres were divisible into two sub-groups when tested for SDH reaction. Type IA₁ fibres possessed a homogenous distribution of diformazan·granules throughout the fibre: Type IA₂ fibres displayed characteristic moth-eaten pattern of diformazan localization. The diaphragm muscle did not show either Type IB or Type IA₂ varieties. The great majority of Type I fibres were sub-type IA₁ in the three fast muscles studied. It is also demonstrated here that an inherent heterogeneity exists between Type I fibres of diaphragm and leg muscles in regard to -GPD localization. This histochemical data emphasizes the fact that subdivision of Type I striated muscle fibres of mammalian animals into two sub-types is only approximate and that a further subcategorization is possible.     

Methodological problems in evolutionary biology VII. The species plague

Various philosophers and evolutionary biologists have recently defended the thesis that species are individuals rather than sets. A decade of debates, however, did not suffice to settle the matter. Conceptual analysis shows that many of the key terms involved (individuation, evolutionary species, spatiotemporal restrictedness, individual) are ambiguous. Current disagreements should dissolve once this is recognized. Explication of the concepts involved leads to new programs for philosophical research. It could also help biology by showing how extant controversies concerning evolution may have conceptual rather than factual roots.     

In vitro comparison of ceftazidime,aztreonam, cefpirome,gentamicin, imipenem,enoxacin, and ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid against 108 strains ofPseudomonas maltophilia

Pseudomonas maltophilia is an uncommon cause of hospital-acquired infection and is resistant to most of the antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of gram-negative infections. Susceptibility of 108 isolates ofP. maltophilia to ceftazidime, aztreonam, defpirome, gentamicin, imipenem, enoxacin, and ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid was determined by an agar dilution method. The isolates were in general resistant to the antibiotics. Imipenem and cefpirome were not active at clinically achievable levels. Of the isolates, 20% were susceptible to 16 g/ml ceftazidime, 53% were susceptible to 4 g/ml enoxacin, 10% were susceptible to 4 g/ml gentamicin, and 25% were susceptible to 64 g/ml ticarcillin plus 2 g/ml clavulanic acid.     

Variation in worker response to honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) queen mandibular pheromone (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Genetic and environmental influences on the worker honey bee retinue response to queen mandibular gland pheromone (QMP) were investigated. Worker progeny were reared from queens originating from four sources: Australia, New Zealand, and two locations in British Columbia, Canada (Simon Fraser University and Vancouver Island). Progeny from New Zealand queens responded significantly higher (P < 0.05) than progeny from Australia in a QMP retinue bioassay. Retinue response was not related to queen production of pheromone or colony environment, and the strain-dependent differences in retinue bioassay responses were maintained over a wide range of dosages. Selected high- and low-responding colonies were bioassayed over the course of 1 year. High-responding colonies contacted QMP lures more frequently than low-responding colonies (P < 0.05) throughout the year except in late summer. We conclude that there is a strong genetic component to QMP response by worker honey bees, as well as a seasonal effect on response.     

蜜蜂上颚腺及其分泌物研究进展

上颚腺是蜜蜂重要的外分泌腺体,其分泌物是维系蜂群社会性结构的重要物质。蜂王和工蜂上颚腺分泌物合成均以硬脂酸为合成前体,但在脂肪酸的β-氧化过程中表现出级型差异性,导致分泌物组分比例不同。蜂王上颚腺分泌物以9-羰基-2癸烯酸(9-ODA)为主,有吸引工蜂和雄蜂、抑制工蜂卵巢发育等作用;工蜂上颚腺分泌物以10-羟基-2癸烯酸(10-HDA)和10-羟基癸酸(10-HDAA)为主,是蜂王浆的重要组成部分。同时,这种具备典型级型差异的分泌物组成又具有级型间可塑性,在不同蜂种间也存在区别。近年来在转录水平和蛋白水平的一些研究进一步揭示了级型间差异的分子基础。针对蜜蜂上颚腺及其分泌物的研究在蜜蜂生物学、行为学和蜂产品质量控制等方面具有重要的意义。本文通过总结国内外相关研究进展,旨在为上颚腺分泌物的作用机制、生物合成机制等领域的进一步深入研究提供借鉴。     

Effects of light quantity and quality during development on the morphology and stomatal physiology of Commelina communis

Summary The effects on plant growth and stomatal physiology of alterations in light quantity and quality during development were investigated in the C₃ monocot, Commelina communis. Reduction in light intensity resulted in decreased branching and stem elongation, with effects more severe under neutral shade (R:FR1.0) than under leaf shade (R:FR0.4) conditions. Shade treatments had no effect on the leaf area or stomatal density of newly expanded leaves. Gas exchange measurements on leaves that had expanded under the different treatments indicated that a reduction in light intensity decreased the magnitude and slowed the kinetics of stomatal responses to pulses of blue light, particularly in plants from the neutral shade treatment. These results indicate that the specific stomatal response to blue light is plastic, and is modulated by the light environment prevailing during leaf development.     

Evaluation of laboratory indexes of absorption of soil phosphorus by plants: II

Summary A comparison was made of several laboratory methods for estimating the yield of phosphorus in plants grown in greenhouse cultures on samples of 22 soils from different parts of the United States. The methods investigated and their rank in order of increasing precision of the estimates of the yield of phosphorus were as follows: extraction with lactic acid, calcium lactate buffer solution extraction with 2 per cent citric acid solution < extraction with 0.03N NH₄F, 0.025N HCl solution < percentage phosphorus saturation (found as follows: 100 × labile phosphorus by isotopic dilution/ phosphorus adsorption capacity according to Langmuir adsorption equation) labile phosphorus by isotopic dilution phosphorus extracted by water.Journal Paper No. J-3747 of the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa. Project No. 1183. Contribution from the Department of Agronomy.     

Over‐expression of the murine polymeric immunoglobulin receptor gene in the mammary gland of transgenic mice

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), a transmembrane protein, transports dimeric IgA (dIgA) across the epithelial cells of the mucosal surfaces into the external secretions, for example milk from the mammary glands. The pIgR is consumed during the transcytosis of dIgA and is cleaved at the apical side of the epithelial cells, regardless of the binding to its ligand (dIgA), to form secretory component (SC). We hypothesize that the expression level of the endogenous murine pIgR gene in the epithelial cells is ratelimiting for the transport of dIgA across the epithelial cells into the secretions. We address this key issue by generating transgenic mice overexpressing the pIgR gene in their mammary glands in order to examine the effect on dIgA levels in the milk. Here we report on the generation of transgenic mice and analysis of the expression level of pIgR in their mammary glands. We cloned and characterized the murine pIgR gene and constructed an expression cassette bearing the pIgR gene under the control of the regulatory sequences of the bovine _s1casein gene. Four transgenic lines were made, expressing the pIgR construct at RNA and protein level only in their mammary glands. The levels of the SC protein in the milk ranged from 0.1 to 2.7mg/ml during midlactation. These levels are 10–270 times higher than wildtype SC levels (0.01mg/ml).     

Cyanine dye structural and voltage-induced variations in photo-voltages of bilayer membranes

Summary Flash illumination alters the voltage across bilayer lipid membranes in the presence of certain cyanine dyes. The waveforms of the photo-voltage vary systematically with dye structure and imposed transmembrane voltage. Experimental results are reported for 27 positively charged cyanine dyes, primarily oxazole derivatives, using lecithin/oxidized cholesterol bilayer membranes and 10-mm sodium chloride solutions. Several dyes do not induce any photo-voltages. Examples are 3,3 diethyl 9 ethyl 2,2 oxacarbocyanine iodide, 3,3 diethyl 2 oxa 2 thiacyanine iodide, and 3,3 dimethyl 2,2 indocarbocyanine iodide. Several dyes, when added to one side of the membranes, induce monophasic waveforms. Examples are 3,3 dimethyl 2,2 oxacarbocyanine chloride, and 3,4,3,4 tetramethyl 2,2 oxazalinocarbocyanine iodide. Other dyes induce a photo-voltage only if transmembrane voltages are imposed. These waveforms are biphasic with some dyes (3,3 diethyl 2,2 oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example) and monophasic with other dyes (3,3 dibutyl 2,2 oxacarbocyanine iodide, for example).The photo-voltage waveforms are explained by models that consider the movement of charged dye molecules within the membrane, following optical excitation. The dye movements are probably induced through charge rearrangements in the dye associated with long-lived triplet states, isomerization, or through excimer formation. These results provide information on the location and orientation of the dye molecules within bilayer membranes. The variations which occur in the waveforms with applied voltage indicate that these membranes are fluid in the direction perpendicular to the membrane plane.     

Ultrastructural development of the neurohemal organ joined to the ecdysial gland after imaginal moulting in the male isopod Sphaeroma serratum fab. (Crustacea Flabellifera)

Summary The present ultrastructural study deals with the lateral cephalic nerve plexus of Sphaeroma serratum, a neurohemal organ joined to the Y organ (ecdysial gland). This plexus acts as a storage centre for neurosecretory products from two sources: the two autochtonous cells (plexus cells) within the plexus itself, and the neurosecretory cells in various parts of the central nervous system, particulary the mandibular ganglion (A-cells).In prepuberal animals, plexus cells and subesophageal A-cells produce neurosecretory granules of two types measuring 1550±50Å and 1570±40Å respectively. Five categories of axon terminals were distinguished in the plexus. The granules found in two of these terminal types are believed to come from the plexus cells and from the mandibular ganglion A-cells.Cessation of production of neurosecretory granules in these A cells and plexus cells was observed in puberal animals, in the plexus with concomitant depletion and disappearance of different granule categories. The first axon terminals affected by this process are the two categories containing granules originating in the plexus and mandibular ganglion A-cells. Degeneration of the ecdysial gland in male Sphaeroma serratum might be connected with the cessation of granule formation in these two types of cell.

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Résumé Chez Sphaeroma serratum, la mue de puberté est suivie d'une dégénérescence de l'organe Y (glands de mue). Le plexus nerveux céphalique latéral, organe neurohémal accolé à cette glande a été l'objet de la présente étude ultrastructurale. Cet organe représente un centre de stockage de neurosécrétions qui proviennent d'une part, de deux cellules autochtones (cellules plexales) situées au sein même de ce plexus, d'autre part, de cellules neurosécrétrices situées dans le ganglion mandibulaire (cellules de type A).Chez les individus pubères, les cellules plexales et les cellules A du ganglion sous-oesophagien synthétisent des granules de neurosécrétion dont la taille est respectivement 1550±50Å et 1570±40Å. Il a été reconnu au sein du plexus 5 catégories de terminaisons dont les granules proviendraient pour deux d'entre elles des cellules plexales et des cellules A du ganglion mandibulaire. Chez les animaux pubères on observe un arrêt de la synthèse des granules de neurosécrétion au sein des cellules plexales et des cellules A du ganglion mandibulaire. Simultanément on enregistre dans le plexus la raréfaction puis la disparition des divers types de granules. Ce processus atteint en premier les terminaisons correspondant aux cellules plexales et aux cellules A du ganglion mandibulaire. La dégénérescence de la glande de mue chez les mâles pourrait être en relation avec l'arrêt de synthèse de ces cellules.

     

Analytical review: The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its relationship to biological aging

Summary Recent studies on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus have been reviewed. The tendency to develop the disease is inherited, but other factors influence its expression, particularly aging. The hypothesis is advanced that diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder along a continuum of severity; its basis is a thrifty genotype that promotes survival both under conditions of privation, and in early stages of the lifespan, at the expense of accelerated aging later in the lifespan and/or under conditions of excess.Supported by grants from the Medical Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Diabetic Association Foundation Fund, during the tenure of a scholarship from the Medical Research Council.     

Variant forms ofα-2-l-fucosyltransferase in human submaxillary glands from blood group ABH “secretor” and “non-secretor” individuals

The properties of the -2-l-fucosyltransferases in submaxillary gland preparations from blood group ABH secrefors and non-secretors were compared. The level of activity in the non-secretor gland homogenates amounted to about 5% only of that found in the secretor gland preparations. The enzymes from the two sources differed in solubility properties, charge and affinities for donor and acceptor substrates. The enzyme from secretor glands showed a preference for acceptors with Type 1 [d-galactosyl(1–3)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine] structures whereas the enzyme from non-secretor glands had a preference for Type 2 [d-galactosyl(1–4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine] structures.These results demonstrate that expression of the secretor gene (Se) is associated with a molecular form of the -2-l-fucosyltransferase that is different from the species present in the same tissue when theSe gene is not expressed.     

UDP-GlcNAc: Galβ3GalNAc-Mucin: (GlcNAc → GalNAc) β6-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase and UDP-GlcNAc: Galβ3(GlcNAcβ6) GalNAc-Mucin (GlcNAc → Gal)β3-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase from Swine Trachea Epithelium

Summary Two specific -N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases involved in the branching and elongation of mucin oligosaccharide chains, namely, a 1,6 N-acetylglucosaminylsaminyltransferase that transfers N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to Gal3GalNAc-Mucin to yield Gal3(GlcNAc6)GalNAc-Mucin and a 3-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase that transfers N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to Gal3(GlcNAC6)GalNAc-mucin to yield GlcNAc3Gal3 (GlcNAc6)GalNAc-Mucin were purified from the microsomal fraction of swine trachea epithelium. The 1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase was purified about 21,800-fold by procedures which included affinity chromatography on DEAE columns containing bound asialo Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein with Gal1,3GalNAc side chains. The apparent molecular weight estimated by gel filtration was found to be about 60 Kd. The purified enzyme showed a high specificity for Gal1,3GalNAc chains and the most active substrates were mucin glycoproteins containing these chains. The apparent Km of the 6-glucosaminyltrans-ferase for Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein containing Gal1,3GalNAc chains was 0.53 µM; for UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, 12 µM; and for Gal 1,3GalNAc NO₂ø, 4 mM. The activity of the 6-glucosaminyltransferase was dependent on the extent of glycosylation of the Gal3GalNAc chains in Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein.The best substrate for the partially purified 3-Glucosaminyltransferase was Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein containing Gal1,3(GlcNAc6)GalNAc side chains. This enzyme showed little or no activity with intact sialylated Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein or derivatives of this glycoprotein containing GalNAc or Gal1,3GalNAc side chains.The radioactive oligosaccharides formed by these enzymes in large scale reaction mixtures were released from the mucin glycoproteins by treatment with alkaline borohydride, isolated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-6 and characterized by methylation analysis and sequential digestion with exoglycosidases. The oligosaccharide products formed by the 6- and 3-glucosaminyltransferases were shown to be Gal3(GlcNAC6) GalNAc and GlcNAc3 Gal3(GlcNAC6)GalNAc respectively.Taken collectively, these results demonstrate that swine trachea epithelium contains two specific N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases which catalyze the initial branching and elongation reactions involved in the synthesis of O-linked oligosaccharide chains in respiratory mucin glycoproteins. The first enzyme a 6-glucosaminyltransferase converts Gal3GalNAc chains in mucin glycoproteins to Gal3(GlcNAc6)GalNAc chains. This product is the substrate for a second 3-glucosaminyltransferase which converts the Gal3(GlcNAc6)GalNAc chains to GlcNAc3Gal(GlcNAc6)GalNAc chains in the glycoprotein. The 3-glucosaminyltransferase did not utilize Gal3GalNAc chains as a substrate and this results in an ordered sequence of addition of N-acetylglucosamine residues to growing oligosaccharide chains in tracheal mucin glycoproteins.Abbreviations NeuNAc N-acetylneuraminic acid - GalNAcol N-acetylgalactosaminitol - CGMG Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein - GalNAc-CGMG Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein containing GalNAc side chains O-glycosidically linked to serine or threonine - Gal3GalNAc-CGMC Cowper's gland mucin glycoprotein containing Gal3GalNAc side chains - MES 2-(N-morpholino) Ethane Sulfonic acid - PBS Phosphate Buffered Saline