Clonal Populations of Thermotolerant Enterobacteriaceae in Recreational Water and Their Potential Interference with Fecal Escherichia coli Counts

Bacterial strains were isolated from beach water samples using the original Environmental Protection Agency method for Escherichia coli enumeration and analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Identical PFGE patterns were found for numerous isolates from 4 of the 9 days sampled, suggesting environmental replication. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, API 20E biochemical testing, and the absence of β-glucuronidase activity revealed that these clonal isolates were Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter spp. In contrast, 82% of the nonclonal isolates from water samples were confirmed to be E. coli, and 16% were identified as other fecal coliforms. These nonclonal isolates produced a diverse range of PFGE patterns similar to those of isolates obtained directly from untreated sewage and gull droppings. β-Glucuronidase activity was critical in distinguishing E. coli from other fecal coliforms, particularly for the clonal isolates. These findings demonstrate that E. coli is a better indicator of fecal pollution than fecal coliforms, which may replicate in the environment and falsely elevate indicator organism levels.     

Determining Observer Reliability in Counts of River Otter Tracks

ABSTRACT In many research projects, reliability of collected data is dependent on reliability of field observers. However, it is uncommon for observer reliability to be either measured or reported in wildlife research. We tested whether observer skill affected outcomes of a northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) track survey conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Observers recorded presence of tracks at bridge sites (n = 250) throughout a 27-county region in east Texas, USA. Logistic regression indicated that observers were significantly associated with frequency of reported otter tracks. Because observers were not assigned to bridges at random, we tested and found associations between the bridges surveyed by each observer (SURVEY ROUTE) and habitat variables (WATERSHED, VEGETATION-TYPE, WATER-TYPE, BRIDGE-AREA) that may have influenced otter presence and probability of detection. A standardized tracker evaluation procedure indicated that experienced observers (n = 7) misidentified 37% of otter tracks. Additionally, 26% of tracks from species determined to be “otter-like” were misidentified as otter tracks. We recommend that observer skill in identification of animal tracks and other indirect signs be measured to detect and reduce observer errors in wildlife monitoring.     

Mineralization Potential of Polarized Dental Enamel

Background

Management of human teeth has moved from a surgical to a more conservative approach of inhibiting or preventing lesion progression. Increasing enamel mineralization is crucial in this regard. A potential difficulty is the preferential mineralization of the outermost portion of the enamel that can prevent overall mineralization. We describe a strategy for increasing the mineralization potential of dental enamel.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Extracted human premolar teeth enamel (n = 5) were exposed to a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide with an energizing source. Samples were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 1 wk. A desktop X-ray micro-CT system was used to evaluate the mineral density of samples. Mineral distribution was polarized between the lower and the higher mineralized portion of enamel by charged oxygen free radicals due to activation of permeated hydrogen peroxide. The kinetics of energy absorption in the deeper enamel region demonstrated improvement of preferential mineralization into the region without restricting overall mineralization of the enamel. Subsequent increasing mineralization, even in the dense mineralized outer portion of enamel, was also achieved.

Conclusions/Significance

This increased mineralization may promote resistance to acidic deterioration of the structure. The present study is one of the primary steps towards the development of novel application in reparative and restorative dentistry.     

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

The generation and subsequent measurement of far-infrared radiation has found numerous applications in high-resolution spectroscopy, radio astronomy, and Terahertz imaging. For about 45 years, the generation of coherent, far-infrared radiation has been accomplished using the optically pumped molecular laser. Once far-infrared laser radiation is detected, the frequencies of these laser emissions are measured using a three-laser heterodyne technique. With this technique, the unknown frequency from the optically pumped molecular laser is mixed with the difference frequency between two stabilized, infrared reference frequencies. These reference frequencies are generated by independent carbon dioxide lasers, each stabilized using the fluorescence signal from an external, low pressure reference cell. The resulting beat between the known and unknown laser frequencies is monitored by a metal-insulator-metal point contact diode detector whose output is observed on a spectrum analyzer. The beat frequency between these laser emissions is subsequently measured and combined with the known reference frequencies to extrapolate the unknown far-infrared laser frequency. The resulting one-sigma fractional uncertainty for laser frequencies measured with this technique is ± 5 parts in 10⁷. Accurately determining the frequency of far-infrared laser emissions is critical as they are often used as a reference for other measurements, as in the high-resolution spectroscopic investigations of free radicals using laser magnetic resonance. As part of this investigation, difluoromethane, CH₂F₂, was used as the far-infrared laser medium. In all, eight far-infrared laser frequencies were measured for the first time with frequencies ranging from 0.359 to 1.273 THz. Three of these laser emissions were discovered during this investigation and are reported with their optimal operating pressure, polarization with respect to the CO₂ pump laser, and strength.     

Amphibian Anomalies as a Source of Information on the Adaptive and Evolutionary Potential

Long-term data on the morphological anomalies of four anuran species (family Ranidae) and two tailed amphibian species (families Hynobiidae and Salamandridae), inhabiting forest and urbanized areas in the eastern slope of the Middle Urals, have been studied. The morphological deviations of amphibians were investigated in terms of the module principle, which predetermines the similarity of evolutionary transformations in different taxa and limit the number of possible directions of diversification in morphogenesis. The definitive spectra and frequencies of morphological anomalies in juvenile and adult individuals are compared in the urbanization gradient. Original methodological and methodical approaches to using the potential and implemented spectra of deviation are proposed for assessing the role of the ecological component in their formation. The possibility of using deviant forms of variability for assessing the evolutionary and adaptive potentials of the species is discussed.     

A Perspective on the Complexity of Dietary Fiber Structures and Their Potential Effect on the Gut Microbiota

Even though there are many factors that determine the human colon microbiota composition, diet is an important one because most microorganisms in the colon obtain energy for their growth by degrading complex dietary compounds, particularly dietary fibers. While fiber carbohydrates that escape digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract are recognized to have a range of structures, the vastness in number of chemical structures from the perspective of the bacteria is not well appreciated. In this article, we introduce the concept of “discrete structure” that is defined as a unique chemical structure, often within a fiber molecule, which aligns with encoded gene clusters in bacterial genomes. The multitude of discrete structures originates from the array of different fiber types coupled with structural variations within types due to genotype and growing environment, anatomical parts of the grain or plant, discrete regions within polymers, and size of oligosaccharides and small polysaccharides. These thousands of discrete structures conceivably could be used to favor bacteria in the competitive colon environment. A global framework needs to be developed to better understand how dietary fibers can be used to obtain predicted changes in microbiota composition for improved health. This will require a multi-disciplinary effort that includes biological scientists, clinicians, and carbohydrate specialists.     

细胞-场效应管传感器及其应用

细胞膜电位是由细胞膜内外两侧离子浓度差所产生的电位差,包含静息电位和动作电位.电压钳和膜片钳是细胞膜电位检测和记录的主要技术,电压钳的电极和膜片钳的玻璃管对细胞膜有刺激,并且不能对细胞进行在线监测和记录.细胞-场效应管传感器是一种用细胞膜电位通过场效应管栅极控制漏源电流,从而感受细胞膜电位的新型器件,具有对细胞膜无刺激、在线、长时程、实时等特点,是细胞膜电位检测和记录的新技术,可广泛应用于科学研究、药物开发、医疗器械、检验检疫、环境保护、公共安全等领域.本文主要介绍这种传感器的结构、转移特性、等效电路、制备工艺以及动作电位记录、细胞生长实时监测、细胞外分泌监测、肿瘤标志物检测等方面的应用.     

密码结构域及其功能表现

能组织成超级结构的各种序列组块,因其具有特定一级序列、或者具有某种卷曲的螺旋构象和某种非β螺旋结构,可以作为有特异功能的结构域、被特异的结合蛋白质识别和结合,因而可称为密码结构域,密码结构域作为特异的分子相互作用和过程的遗传指令,参与细胞周期的各种事件乃至发育和分化过程中基因有区别的表达.     

广义报春苣苔属 (苦苣苔科) 的染色体新计数及其分类学意义

报道了广义报春苣苔属14种3变种和7个未定名种的染色体数目,并对其近缘属——广义石山苣苔属的3个种也进行了细胞学研究。结合最近的分类处理和系统发育假设,对所得结果和以前发表的染色体数据进行了综合分析, 结果表明：广义报春苣苔属的染色体数目为2n=36,基数为x=18,表现出高度稳定性。染色体相对较小,以中间着丝粒和亚中间着丝粒染色体为主。尽管一些类群的染色体大小之间存在微小差异,但是染色体形态的均一性和染色体数目的一致性有力地支持分子系统学的研究结果。另外,相同的染色体数目及相似的染色体形态也表明广义报春苣苔属和广义石山苣苔属的亲缘关系较近,与分子系统学的结果一致。     

我国部分冬小麦品种籽粒硬度及其单籽粒频率的分布

籽粒硬度是小麦重要的品质性状之一,主要影响磨粉品质和食品加工品质.用单籽粒谷物硬度测定仪对252份冬小麦品种(品系)的籽粒硬度及其单籽粒频率分布进行了分析,结果表明,品种按籽粒硬度分为三类5级,63份软质品种(系)中,5级和4级占95.2%,3级为4.8%;31份混合品种(系)中,3级占93.6%,4级和2级各3.2%;148份硬质品种(系)以1级为主,占92.4%,2级为7.6%.籽粒硬度变幅为12~104,标准差12~29.各种硬度类型皆有,且不同麦区的品种差异较大,北部和黄淮麦区品种的硬度显著高于长江中下游和西南麦区,前者以硬质为主,后者分别以混合和软质类型为主.籽粒硬度的分类与不同硬度范围单籽粒频率分布及其硬度均值有关,软质麦硬度指数小于46的籽粒占75%~98%,大于47的籽粒为6%~36%,均值为14~40,标准差12~27;硬质麦硬度指数小于46的籽粒为1%~19%,大于47的籽粒为82%~100%,硬度均值为56~104,标准差12~20;混合麦硬度指数小于46和大于47的籽粒分别为26%~75%和23%~74%,硬度均值为32~63,标准差17~29.软质或硬质品种籽粒分布集中,一致性较好;混合型品种籽粒分布分散,一致性较差.     

Theoretical and Numerical Approaches for Determining the Reflection and Transmission Coefficients of OPEFB-PCL Composites at X-Band Frequencies

Bio-composites of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres and polycaprolactones (PCL) with a thickness of 1 mm were prepared and characterized. The composites produced from these materials are low in density, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and possess good dielectric characteristics. The magnitudes of the reflection and transmission coefficients of OPEFB fibre-reinforced PCL composites with different percentages of filler were measured using a rectangular waveguide in conjunction with a microwave vector network analyzer (VNA) in the X-band frequency range. In contrast to the effective medium theory, which states that polymer-based composites with a high dielectric constant can be obtained by doping a filler with a high dielectric constant into a host material with a low dielectric constant, this paper demonstrates that the use of a low filler percentage (12.2%OPEFB) and a high matrix percentage (87.8%PCL) provides excellent results for the dielectric constant and loss factor, whereas 63.8% filler material with 36.2% host material results in lower values for both the dielectric constant and loss factor. The open-ended probe technique (OEC), connected with the Agilent vector network analyzer (VNA), is used to determine the dielectric properties of the materials under investigation. The comparative approach indicates that the mean relative error of FEM is smaller than that of NRW in terms of the corresponding S₂₁ magnitude. The present calculation of the matrix/filler percentages endorses the exact amounts of substrate utilized in various physics applications.     

Chloride Conductance Determining Membrane Potential of Rabbit Articular Chondrocytes

Membrane conductance of cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes was characterized by means of the patch-clamp technique. The resting membrane potential of the articular chondrocytes was about -42 mV. The membrane potential shifted in accordance with the prediction by the Nernst equation for Cl- when intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Cl- were changed. On the other hand, change in extracellular concentration of K+ produced no shift in the membrane potential of chondrocytes. The Cl- channel blocker 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2'2-disulfonic acid (SITS) depolarized the membrane potential. These findings suggest that the membrane potential of the chondrocytes is determined mainly by Cl- conductance. Using the cell-attached patch-clamp method, a large unitary conductance of 217 pS was observed in the articular chondrocytes. The unitary current was reversibly blocked by SITS. Therefore, the unitary current was carried by Cl-. The Cl- channel showed voltage-dependent activation and the channels exhibited long-lasting openings. Therefore, the membrane potential of rabbit cultured articular chondrocytes was mainly determined by the activities of the large-conductance and voltage-dependent Cl- channels.     

New Chromosome Counts of Some Dicots in the Sino-Japanese Region and Their Systematics and Evolutionary Significance

New somatic chromosome numbers for nine species eight families and eight gen era in the Sino-Japanese Region are reported here as shown in Table 1. Data of six genera are previously unknown cytologically. The bearings of these new data on the systematics and evolution of the related species, genera or families are discussed as follows: (1) Platycarya strobilacea Sieb. et Zucc. (Juglandaceae). The chromosome number of this species is 2n=24, with a basic number of x=12, which deviates from 2n=32 occurred in Juglans, Carya, Pterocarya and Engelhardtia with the basic number x= 16. The Juglandaceae appears to be fundamentally paleotetraploid, with an original basic number of x = 6 in Platycarya and x-8 in the other four genera, although secondary polyploidy occurs in Carya. Based on the remarkable morphological differences between Platycarya and the rest seven genera of the family, Manning (1978) established two subfamilies: Platycaryoideae for Platycarya and Juglandoideae for the other genera. Iljinskaya (1990), however, recently established a new subfamily: Engelhardioideae for Engelhardtia. Lu (1982) points out that because of a great number of primitive characters occurring in Platycarya, the genus could not be derived from any other extant juglandaceous taxa but probably originated with the other groups from a common extinct ancestor. The present cytological data gives support to Manning′s treatment. We are also in favor of Lu′s supposition and suggest that basic aneuploid changes, both ascending and descending, from a common ancestor with the original basic number x=7, took place during the course of early evolution of the Juglandaceae and led to the origin of taxa with x=6 and 8. Subsequent polyploidy based on these diploids occurred and brought forth polyploids of relic nature today, whereas their diploid progenitors apparently have become extinct. (2) Nanocnide pilosa Migo (Urticaceae). The chromosome number of this Chinese endemic is 2n-24, with a basic number of x=12. An aneuploid series occurs in the Urticaceae, with x--13, 12, I1, 10, 9, 8, 7, etc. According to Ehrendorfer (1976), x = 14, itself being of tetraploid origin, is the original basic number of the whole Urticales, and descending aneuploid changes took place in the early stage of evolution of the Urticaceae and Cannabinaceae. In addition to Nanocnide, x= 12 also occurs in Australina, Hesperonide and Lecanthus, and partly in Chamabainia, Elatostema, Girardinia, Pouzolzia and Urtica. (3--4) Sedum sarmentosum Bunge and S. angustifolium Z. B. Hu et X. L. Huang (Crassulaceae). The former is a member of the Sino-Japanese Region, while the latter is only confined to eastern China. The chromosome number of Sedum is remarkably complex with n=4-12, 14-16…74, etc. S. angustifolium with 2n=72 of the present report is evidently a polyploid with a basic number of x =18 (9^?) Previous and present counts of S. sarmentosum show infraspecific aneupolyploidy: n = c. 36 (Uhl at al. 1972) and 2n=58 (the present report). These two species are sympatric in eastern China and are morphologically very similar, yet distinguishable from each other (Hsu et al. 1983) S. sarmentosum escaped from cultivation in the United States gardens exhibited high irregularity in meiosis (Uhl et al. 1972). Uhl (pets. comm. ) suspected strongly that it is a highly sterile hybrid. R. T. Clausen (pets. comm.) found that plants of S. sarmentosum naturalized in the American Gardens propagated by means of their long stolons and broken stem tips, and could not yield viable seeds. Hsu et al. (1983) found that some of the plants of S. sarmentosum and S. angustifolium did yield a few seeds, but other did not. These species are, therefore, by the large vegetatively apomictic. (5) Glochidion puberum (L. ) Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae). The genus Glochidion includes about 300 species, but only eigth species from the Himalayas have been studied cytologically, with n= 36 and 2n= 52, having a basic number of x= 13. The present count for the Chinese endemic G. puberum establishes the tetraploid chromosome number 2n= 64, and adds a new basic number x= 16 to the genus. (6) Orixa japonica Thunb. (Rutaceae). Orixa is a disjunct Sino-Japanese monotypic genus. Out of the 158 genera of the Rutaceae, chromosome numbers of 65 genera have hitherto been investigated, of which 42 genera are with x=9 (66.61%), some with x=7, 8 and 10, and rarely with x=13, 15, 17 and 19. The present count of 2n=34 for O. japonica may have resulted from a dibasic tetraploidy of n=8+9. (7) Rhamnella franguloides (Maxim.) Weberb. (Rhamnaceae). The chromosome number of this member of the Sino-Japanese Region is 2n= 24. with a basic number of x= 12. The basic number x= 12 also occurs in Hovenia, Paliurus, Sageretia, Ceanothus and Berchemia. Hong (1990) suggested that x= 12 in Rhamnaceae may be derived from descending aneuploidy of a paleotetraploid ancestor. (8) Sinojackia xylocarpa Hu (Styracaceae). The chromosome number of this rare Chinese endemic is 2n= 24, with a basic number of x =12, which is identical with that in Halesia and Pterostyrax, but deviates from that in Styrax (x=8). The basic number x=8 in the Styracaceae may be derived from the original basic number x=7 by ascending aneuploidy in the early stage of evolution of the family, and x=12 may be derived from polyploidy. (9) Thyrocarpus glochidiatus Maxim. (Boraginaceae). The chromosome number of this Chinese endemic species is 2n=24, with a basic number of x=12. An extensive aneuploid sequence of x = 4-12 occurs in the Boraginaceae, of which x = 8, 7 and 6 are the most common. The basic number x=12 also occurs in Cynoglossum and Mertensia. It is evident that aneuploid changes, both descending and ascending, from an ancestor with x = 7, have taken place in the primary phase of evolutionary diversification of the Boraginaceae, and subsequent polyploidy has given rise to x=15, 17 and 19 in a few genera (e. g. Amsinskia and Heliotropium). The origin of x=12 is not certain. Either it be a result of ascending aneuploidy, or a product of polyploidy on the basis of x = 6. The present authors are in favorof the latter.     

Analysis of the Mutagenic Potential of Copper Compounds and Modification of Their Effect by Silver Iodide

Mutagenic potential of copper compounds and its alteration in case of the interaction with silver compounds were analyzed by use of plant test systems. As test systems,Crepis capillarisL., Tradescantia clone 02, and soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merrill) were used. Mutagenic properties of copper iodide and copper sulfate were not detected. CuI, being not a mutagen by itself, remarkably enhanced mutagenic potential of AgI.     

The Effect of Partial Self-fertilization on Type Frequencies in Heterostylous Plants

A population of heterostylous plants is studied mathematicallyunder the assumption that a small amount of self-fertilizationis possible. The frequencies of the incompatibility types aredetermined as expressions involving the probabilities of self-fertilization.A comparison is made with observed frequencies of the Long,Mid and Short types in Lythrum salicaria, and it is concludedthat the differences between the type frequencies seem to betoo large to be accounted for by unequal probabilities of self-fertilization. Lythrum salicaria L, heterostyly, self fertilization, incompatibility systems     

植物体中一氧化氮的检测方法及其应用

文章介绍植物体中NO的各种检测方法及其应用的研究进展。