Estimation of total body volume from arm measurements in Punjabi girls aged 10–19 years

Mean values and standard deviations of total body volume, body density, arm volume, height, weight and a battery of 15 measurements of arm comprising different lengths, girths, diameters and skinfolds of 200 Punjabi girls aged 10–19 years are presented. Relationship between arm volume and total body volume in different age groups are also studied. Highly significant and positive correlations existed between arm volume and total body volume and the values of correlation coefficients r ranged between 0.78 to 0.92 in different age groups. Body volume was estimated also from arm measurements by using selective stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for each age group. Highly significant multiple correlation coefficients R were obtained for predicting total body volume from arm measurements and the values of multiple R ranged between 0.92 to 0.97 in different age groups even with a combination of just three or four arm measurements. The most commonly selected measurements up to fourth step in most of the age groups were upper arm girth and maximum forearm girth.     

Ultrastructural and functional development of macrophages in the dermal tissue of rat fetuses

Summary After about 12 days of gestation, fetal macrophages begin to appear in the subepidermal mesenchyme of rat fetuses. The macrophages are ultrastructurally characterized by cytoplasmic vacuoles, abundant polyribosomes and long filopodia. Immunocytologically, they possess Fc and complement (C3) receptors on the cell surface and are capable of immune phagocytosis, Latex or carbon phagocytosis, and glass adherence. From 15 days of gestation, lysosomal granules and miropinocytic vesicles gradually develop, together with an enlargement of Golgi complexes, whereas the number of polysomes and the number and size of cytoplasmic vacuoles are gradually reduced when gestation ends. Finally, the macrophages become amoeboid. Non-specific esterase and endogenous peroxidase activities are always absent in these macrophages. In culture experiments with cell suspensions prepared from the mesenchyme, fetal macrophages show a similar maturation process. Autoradiography with ³H-thymidine demonstrates a high proliferative capacity of the macrophages, particularly during the fetal stage.Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan (No. 401057)     

冬虫夏草不同生长阶段甾醇类含量分析

冬虫夏草是一味传统名贵中药材,甾醇类成分是其重要的活性成分之一。为了探讨冬虫夏草不同生长阶段甾醇类成分的变化,本研究采用高效液相-蒸发光散射检测器技术对冬虫夏草5个不同阶段样品（冬虫夏草发酵菌丝体、僵虫、1cm子座冬虫夏草,4-6cm子座冬虫夏草,孢子弹射冬虫夏草）和对照样品（蝙蝠蛾幼虫）中麦角甾醇、胆甾醇和谷甾醇的含量进行了分析。结果显示4-6cm子座冬虫夏草样品总甾醇含量较高,该结果为冬虫夏草采收期的选择提供了参考。     

Nodulin gene expression in effective alfalfa nodules and in nodules arrested at three different stages of development

Nodulin gene expression was analyzed in effective and ineffective root nodules of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Iroquois) elicited by three different Rhizobium meliloti mutants: an exoB mutant having defective acidic exopolysaccharide that does not fluoresce on plates containing the fluorescent brightener Calcofluor; fix21, a spontaneous mutant that has defective lipopolysaccharide and is Calcofluor bright; and a Rhizobium mutant resulting from a Tn5 insertion in the nifH gene of the nif operon. The ineffective nodules elicited by these various mutant rhizobia are blocked at different stages of nodule development and have unique phenotypes. A distinctive pattern of nodulin gene expression as determined by in vitro translations of total nodule RNA characterizes each nodule phenotype. Seventeen nodulins are found in effective nodules including five leghemoglobins. Only one nodulin gene is expressed in the bacteria-free nodules elicited by the exoB mutant. Other nodulin genes (leghemoglobin and nine others) are expressed in fix21-induced nodules. The genes for nodule-enhanced glutamine synthetase as well as for all the other nodulins are expressed in nodules induced by the nifH mutant. The expression of genes for the nodulins, including leghemoglobin, is independent of the nitrogen-fixing ability of the nodule and appears to correlate with the differentiation of densely cytoplasmic host cells in the nodule and, to some extent, with bacterial release from infection threads.     

Flow cytometric sorting of sperm: Influence on fertilization and embryo/fetal development in the rabbit

Viable, intact rabbit sperm, prepared, processed, and flow cytometrically sorted, were used in this study to determine the influence of flow sorting on fertilization and embryo development. In experiment I, flow-sorted or control (unstained and unsorted) sperm were surgically inseminated into the uterine horn of hormonally primed does (10 to 12 does per time point). At 42 hr postsurgical insemination, flushed embryos were assessed for development. Fetal development was determined at day 7, day 14, and day 21 post-surgical insemination. Embryos resulting from does surgically inseminated with control sperm at 42 hr post-insemination were observed to be at the early morula stage of development (>16 cell), whereas embryos from does inseminated with flow sorted sperm were at the 8- to 16-cell stage. No difference was observed between treatments at day 7, 14, or 21, however, there was a significant decrease in fetus number per doe inseminated with flow-sorted sperm over time. In experiment II, mature oocytes were flushed from the oviducts of superovulated does and coincubated in vitro (IVF) with flow-sorted or control rabbit sperm. Oocytes observed at 6 hr post-coincubation exhibited swollen sperm heads in the cytoplasm, demonstrating that fertilization had occurred (2 PN + T). There was a higher percentage of fertilized oocytes by 8 hr post-coincubation for both control (31%) and flow-sorted sperm (31%) when used for IVF. By 10 and 12 hr post-coincubation, little difference was observed in the number of fertilized oocytes between sperm treatments (52% and 66% for control vs. 57 and 54% for flow-sorted, respectively). These studies demonstrate that flow-sorted sperm are capable of fertilizing mature oocytes under in vitro conditions. In addition they show that flow sorting may not negatively influence fertilization events, but likely interferes during early embryonic and fetal development. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

1 This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

     

Use of statistical models based on radiographic measurements to predict oviposition date and clutch size in rock iguanas (Cyclura nubila)

The ability to noninvasively estimate clutch size and predict oviposition date in reptiles can be useful not only to veterinary clinicians but also to managers of captive collections and field researchers. Measurements of egg size and shape, as well as position of the clutch within the coelomic cavity, were taken from diagnostic radiographs of 20 female Cuban rock iguanas, Cyclura nubila, 81 to 18 days prior to laying. Combined with data on maternal body size, these variables were entered into multiple regression models to predict clutch size and timing of egg laying. The model for clutch size was accurate to 0.53 ± 0.08 eggs, while the model for oviposition date was accurate to 6.22 ± 0.81 days. Equations were generated that should be applicable to this and other large Cyclura species. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Ultrasonic assessment of pregnancy and fetal development in three species of macaque monkeys

Serial ultrasonic assessments of gestational sac (GS) and fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) were performed in the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata fuscata), rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), and crab-eating monkey (Macaca fascicularis). In the Japanese monkey, GS increased linearly for 3-8 weeks, whereas BPD increased in a linear-quadratic manner over 8 weeks to term. Ultrasonic assessments of spontaneously aborted fetuses with BPD growth retardation and diagnosis of a pelvic chocolate cyst also were reported.     

Morphological and rheological properties of the three different species of basidiomycetes Phellinus in submerged cultures

AIMS: The objective of this work was to investigate the morphological and rheological properties in submerged culture of the three different basidiomycetes Phellinus (P. baumii, P. gilvus and P. linteus) that produce pharmacologically important exopolysaccharides (EPS). METHODS AND RESULTS: In flask cultures, pH proved to be a critical factor affecting mycelial growth, morphological change and EPS production. The macroscopic morphologies observed under different pHs in flask cultures were also comparable: i.e. starfish-like pellets with a lesser extent of free mycelium appeared in P. baumii, whereas smooth pellets with higher amounts of free mycelium were observed in P. gilvus and P. linteus. The pelleted fermentations were further characterized in a 5-l stirred-tank fermenter by image analysis with respect to mean diameter, core area and pellet circularity. Phellinus baumii showed the largest pellet size (5.2 mm in diameter), whereas P. linteus had extremely small and spherical pellets. The culture broth of P. baumii and P. gilvus yielded extremely high apparent viscosities, ranging from 5 to 7 Pa s. CONCLUSIONS: Three important species of Phellinus showed significantly different morphological and rheological properties. The morphological variation of the three Phellinus species was closely linked to EPS productivity and the apparent viscosity of the whole broth. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The morphological change in the three species of Phellinus was a good indicator for identifying cell activity for EPS production. Our finding may be beneficial for further optimization of other fungal fermentation processes for large-scale production of EPS.     

Colonization rates and community structure of diatoms on three different rock substrata in a lotic system

Diatom assemblages were monitored at weekly intervals over a 5 week period on Verde limestone, Supai sandstone, and Andesitic basalt substrata in a mountain stream in northern Arizona, U.S.A. Density, Shannon-Weiner diversity, evenness, and community similarity (SIMI) were used to compare colonization patterns and community structure between individual substratum types. Average standing crop values were nearly two-fold higher on sandstone than on either basalt or limestone substrata after the first week of the study. It is proposed that differences in micro-surface features between substrata and possibly the rate of substratum solubilization may cause these differences in density early in the colonization period. Following the initial week, standing crop and community structure were significantly similar on all substrata for the remainder of the study period. Maximum densities were attained by the third week and remained relatively constant on all substrata for the remainder of the study.

SEM micrographs demonstrated that surfaces of submerged substrata in streams are modified after the first week by the accumulation of organic aggregates. The establishment of an “organic matrix” early in the colonization process may provide relatively similar attachment surfaces for microbial invasion. This appears to reduce the initial microtopographic differences displayed by substrata and allows for a more uniform colonization pattern.     

Estimates of soil respiration and net primary production of three forests at different succession stages in South China

Soil respiration (heterotropic and autotropic respiration, R_g) and aboveground litter fall carbon were measured at three forests at different succession (early, middle and advanced) stages in Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Southern China. It was found that the soil respiration increases exponentially with soil temperature at 5 cm depth (T_s) according to the relation R_g=a exp(bT_s), and the more advanced forest community during succession has a higher value of a because of higher litter carbon input than the forests at early or middle succession stages. It was also found that the monthly soil respiration is linearly correlated with the aboveground litter carbon input of the previous month. Using measurements of aboveground litter and soil respiration, the net primary productions (NPPs) of three forests were estimated using nonlinear inversion. They are 475, 678 and 1148 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for the Masson pine forest (MPF), coniferous and broad‐leaf mixed forest (MF) and subtropical monsoon evergreen broad‐leaf forest (MEBF), respectively, in year 2003/2004, of which 54%, 37% and 62% are belowground NPP for those three respective forests if no change in live plant biomass is assumed. After taking account of the decrease in live plant biomass, we estimated the NPP of the subtropical MEBF is 970 g C m^?2 yr^?1 in year 2003/2004. Total amount of carbon allocated below ground for plant roots is 388 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for the MPF, 504 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for the coniferous and broad‐leaf MF and 1254 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for the subtropical MEBF in 2003/2004. Our results support the hypothesis that the amount of carbon allocation belowground increases during forest succession.     

喀斯特森林不同演替阶段植物群落物种多样性、功能性状、化学计量及其关联

探讨森林植物群落物种多样性、功能性状与化学计量特征及其内在关联,有助于构建结构-性状-功能的研究脉络,深入理解生态系统的过程与功能,为群落结构优化配置和调控提供科学依据。以贵州喀斯特高原峡谷区森林草灌、灌木、灌乔和乔木4个演替阶段的植物群落为对象,通过群落学调查和植物功能性状、生态化学计量测度,研究其物种多样性、功能性状和化学计量特征及其互作关系。结果表明:(1)乔木阶段的Shannon-Wiener指数与Pielou均匀度指数均为最高,依次达8.62、2.41,表明伴随着群落演替,物种分布的均匀程度增加。(2)植物群落物种多样性指数之间仅Margalef丰富度指数与Simpson优势度指数未呈显著相关(-0.644),其余均为显著或极显著相关关系,表明物种多样性指数之间存在较强的促进或抑制作用。(3)叶片厚度与其余指标,以及群落物种多样性指数与功能性状、化学计量之间均未呈显著相关,比叶面积(SLA)仅与土壤N∶P呈显著正相关(0.742),表明群落物种多样性、功能性状和生态化学计量特征之间的相关性较弱。(4)SLA为灌木阶段的272.13 cm2/g为最大,δ13C值在演替后期略高,草灌、灌木阶段倾向于受N、P共同限制,说明随演替进展,植物的适应策略和资源利用对策等均发生了一定的调整,表明植物和环境之间存在较强的协变关系。(5)该区森林培育时,应构建完整的乔木、灌木和草本层片,提高生态系统对养分矿化、转化和循环等的自调控能力。     

猴头菌不同发育阶段产生的多糖结构特征及免疫活性

采收猴头菌Hericium erinaceus 7个不同发育阶段的子实体,经热水浸提后分别采用20%、50%、70%的乙醇终浓度进行分级沉淀,获得21个多糖组分,对它们的结构特征及体外免疫活性进行了研究。结果表明,在猴头菌发育过程中,多糖总得率呈现先增大后减小的趋势,在第5阶段达到最大值0.92%。20%醇沉的多糖含量也呈先增大后减小的趋势,在第5阶段达到最大值42.87%,其大分子量多糖（1 000-5 000kDa）所占比例最高。50%、70%醇沉多糖均为小分子量多糖,约为10-40kDa。获得的猴头菌多糖组分中,单糖组成多以岩藻糖、半乳糖、葡萄糖和甘露糖为主（相对比例存在一定差异）;另外,第1阶段20%、70%醇沉多糖还含有少量的核糖,第7阶段20%醇沉多糖含有一定量的鼠李糖;7个时期50%醇沉多糖均含有一定量的葡萄糖醛酸。所得多糖样品均具有刺激巨噬细胞释放NO的活性,其中20%醇沉多糖的活性优于50% 和70% 醇沉多糖,在50μg/mL时就表现出显著的体外免疫活性。此外,在第5阶段即中菌刺期产生的多糖活性最优,说明在此阶段采摘可以获得最佳的猴头菌多糖原材料。本研究为猴头菌生长发育过程中活性多糖的动态形成研究提供了一定的理论基础。     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for shank length and growth at different development stages in chicken

Shank length affects chicken leg health and longer shanks are a source of leg problems in heavy-bodied chickens. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting shank length traits may be of value to genetic improvement of these traits in chickens. A genome scan was conducted on 238 F₂ chickens from a reciprocal cross between the Silky Fowl and the White Plymouth Rock breeds using 125 microsatellite markers to detect static and developmental QTL affecting weekly shank length and growth (from 1 to 12 weeks) in chickens. Static QTL affected shank length from birth to time t , while developmental QTL affected shank growth from time t− 1 to time t . Seven static QTL on six chromosomes (GGA2, GGA3, GGA4, GGA7, GGA9 and GGA23) were detected at ages of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 weeks, and six developmental QTL on five chromosomes (GGA1, GGA2, GGA4, GGA5 and GGA23) were detected for five shank growth periods, weeks 2–3, 4–5, 5–6, 10–11 and 11–12. A static QTL and a developmental QTL ( SQSL1 and DQSL2 ) were identified at GGA2 (between ADL0190 and ADL0152 ). SQSL1 explained 2.87–5.30% of the phenotypic variation in shank length from 3 to 7 weeks. DQSL2 explained 2.70% of the phenotypic variance of shank growth between 2 and 3 weeks. Two static and two developmental QTL were involved chromosome 4 and chromosome 23. Two chromosomes (GGA7 and GGA9) had static QTL but no developmental QTL and another two chromosomes (GGA1 and GGA5) had developmental QTL but no static QTL. The results of this study show that shank length and shank growth at different developmental stages involve different QTL.     

Molecular and morphologic analyses of expression of ESX1L in different stages of human placental development

The mRNA expression of the ESX1L gene was analyzed by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization in human normal cytogenetically placentas, of different gestational ages. Our RT-PCR analysis showed that ESX1L mRNA is expressed from 5 weeks of gestation until term, suggesting a role not only in trophoblast differentiation but also in the maintenance of the villi and microvasculature. We also observed, by in situ hybridization, that ESX1L mRNA is expressed by cytotrophoblast from chorionic plate, syncytiotrophoblast and stromal cells of all terminal, intermediate and stem villi of term placentas. ESX1L mRNA expression was more pronounced in trophoblast cells of terminal villi than in intermediate and stem villi. In conclusion, ESX1L is expressed during all stages of placental development and is localized to sparse areas of trophoblast in terminal villi in association with cytotrophoblastic cells.     

3种菊科入侵植物不同生长时期的土壤酶活性和养分变化

【目的】黄顶菊、三叶鬼针草和豚草是我国危害较严重的3种菊科入侵植物。了解3种菊科植物生长过程中土壤养分和酶活性的变化,可以为研究其入侵机制提供依据。【方法】在中国农业科学院植物保护研究所廊坊中试基地开展同质园实验,比较分析了黄顶菊、三叶鬼针草和豚草3种菊科入侵植物在幼苗期、旺盛生长期和生殖生长期根际土壤养分和酶活性的变化。【结果】3种外来菊科植物的生长时期对土壤养分和酶活性存在显著影响。3种外来植物入侵域的土壤速效磷、硝态氮含量以及磷酸酶活性随生长时期变化都表现出先升高后降低的趋势,均在旺盛生长期达到最大值。入侵域土壤速效磷和硝态氮含量的变化趋势与狗尾草明显不同。3种外来植物入侵降低了土壤速效钾含量,提高了土壤脲酶、磷酸酶活性。【结论】3种外来菊科植物的入侵改变了土壤养分和酶活性,创造出更有利于自身生长和繁殖的条件,以利于其进一步扩张。     

不同分布区文冠果物候期的差异及其与地理-气候因子和结实性状的相关性

为明确文冠果(Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge)物候期的地理变异规律,在文冠果的主要分布区(内蒙古自治区、河北省和河南省)选择6个样地,采用定株观测方法,于2012年对文冠果的物候期进行观测,并分析了物候期与经度和纬度、气候因子和结实性状间的相关性.结果表明:在供试6个样地中,文冠果的芽萌动期、初花期、盛花期、末花期、展叶期、果速生期、果熟期、落果期、落叶期及总生长期均存在明显差异;其中,盛花期相差天数最多(40 d),果速生期相差天数最少(26 d).产自河南省三门峡市陕县(分布区南缘)的文冠果落叶期最晚,但其他各物候期均最早,总生长期最长(199 d);而产自内蒙古自治区赤峰市阿鲁科尔沁旗坤都镇(分布区北缘)的文冠果落叶期最早,但其他各物候期均最晚,总生长期最短(148 d).从结实性状看,6个样地文冠果的座果率和单位投影面积种子质量差异均较大,而种子含油率差异不明显;其中,产自河南省三门峡市陕县的文冠果座果率和单位投影面积种子质量均最低.相关性和回归分析结果表明:文冠果的大多数物候期间呈正相关,仅落叶期与其他物候期呈负相关;其中,除盛花期与果速生期无显著相关性外,花期的各物候期(初花期、盛花期和末花期)与果期的各物候期(果速生期、果熟期和落果期)均呈显著或极显著正相关.多数物候期与经度和纬度呈显著或极显著正相关,仅落叶期与经度和纬度分别呈显著和极显著负相关.总体上看,除落叶期外,文冠果各物候期与年均日照时数呈正相关,与其他气候因子多数呈负相关;其中,除果速生期和落果期外,其他物候期与年均温呈显著或极显著负相关.此外,仅总生长期与文冠果的座果率呈显著负相关,其他物候期与结实性状则无显著相关性.综合分析结果表明:文冠果的物候期呈现明显的地理变异规律,且气温是影响其物候期的主要气候因子.     

Spatial patterns and interspecific associations of three canopy species at different life stages in a subtropical forest, China

Spatial patterns of species at different life stages are an important aspect for understanding causal mechanisms that facilitate species co-existence.Using Ripley's univariate L(t) and bivariate L12(t) functions,we analyzed the spatial patterns and interspecific associations of three canopy species at different life history stages in a 20-ha subtropical forest plot in Dinghushan Nature Reserve.Based on diameter at breast height (DBH),four life stages were distinguished.Castanopsis chinensis and Schima superba showed a unimodal DBH distribution.Engelhardtia roxburghiana showed a bimodal curve.L(t) function analysis showed significantly aggregated distributions of all three species at later life stages and random distribution at early life stages at some scales.From the analysis of L12(t) function,the results showed the positive association was a dominant pattern for most species pairs at most scales but the intensity of association decreases with the increase of life stages.Juveniles of the three species had no negative intra- and interspecific associations with the older life stages.Only premature trees were suppressed by overmature trees at some scales.Considering these results,we found three canopy-dominant species that lacked regeneration.There was no direct competition occurring between understorey individuals.Young trees can grow well under conspecific species with two other species.Longevity and lack of regeneration led to a large number of trees stored in mature and overmature stages,therefore,intra-and inter-competition can be strong at later life stages.     

The detection of Glomus spp. (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) forming mycorrhizas in three plants, at different stages of seedling development, using mycorrhiza-specific isozymes

A series of glasshouse experiments was used to determine mycorrhiza-specific isozymes (MSIs) produced by five species of Glomus colonizing roots of a desert shrub legume ( Anthyllis cytisoides L.), Thymus vulgaris L. and Allium porrum L. over time. Extracts of colonized roots were electrophoresed on non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels (PAGE) and stained for 10 different enzymes. Staining protocols for esterase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and malate dehydrogenase provided MSIs for the mycorrhizas formed by different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi that had colonized roots of the three host plants. There was no apparent correlation between levels of colonization or arbuscular intensities, at or between each sampling, and the presence of MSIs. The development of colonization by the AM fungi differed little between the three plants when assessed with two methods of estimating fungal biomass. The variety of MSIs detected might reflect the diversity of metabolic activities of these Glomus species and, possibly, differing ecological functions. The high-level induction of two alkaline phosphatase MSIs in the mycorrhizas of Anthyllis cytisoides colonized by Glomus microaggregatum BEG56 was used to track the fate of this fungus when the same plant was inoculated and transplanted into a semi-arid site in south-east Spain. The probable fungal origin of the isozyme was indicated by detection of the same isozyme in the extraradical mycelium formed by Glomus microaggregatum BEG56 on Allium porrum . The use of MSIs to detect the mycorrhizas of species of Glomus in colonized roots is discussed.