桔小实蝇肽聚糖识别蛋白基因BdPGRP-SB1的克隆及功能鉴定

【目的】为探究肽聚糖识别蛋白(PGRP)基因BdPGRP-SB1在桔小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis免疫中的作用。【方法】本研究利用PCR克隆桔小实蝇BdPGRP-SB1全长cDNA序列;利用生物信息学软件对该基因核苷酸序列及其编码的氨基酸序列特征进行分析。采用RT-qPCR分析BdPGRP-SB1在桔小实蝇不同发育阶段(卵、幼虫、蛹、成虫)及5日龄成虫不同组织(中肠、马氏管、后肠、脂肪体、卵巢和精巢)中的表达模式;对桔小实蝇5日龄雌成虫分别注射大肠杆菌Escherichia coli 0111:B4肽聚糖(PGN-EB)和金黄色葡萄球菌Staphylococcus aureus肽聚糖(PGN-SA)后检测BdPGRP-SB1表达水平变化。利用RNAi沉默BdPGRP-SB1的表达,测定大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌诱导后桔小实蝇雌成虫的死亡率及大肠杆菌诱导后抗菌肽(AMP)基因attacin-A, defensin和diptercin表达变化情况。【结果】克隆获得桔小实蝇BdPGRP-SB1的全长cDNA序列(GenBank登录号: MN892482),开放阅读框长558 bp,编码185个氨基酸,其编码蛋白预测分子量为21.45 kD,等电点为8.57。序列分析表明,BdPGRP-SB1无跨膜结构域,具有PGRP保守结构域,前端具有信号肽,为分泌型蛋白;具有Zn²⁺依赖性酰胺酶活性和DAP型肽聚糖识别位点。系统进化分析发现,BdPGRP-SB1与辣椒实蝇B. latifrons的PGRP-SB1亲缘关系最近,氨基酸序列一致性达96%。发育表达模式表明,BdPGRP-SB1在桔小实蝇3日龄幼虫和成虫期高表达;组织表达谱结果显示BdPGRP-SB1在5日龄成虫各组织中均有表达,在脂肪体内表达量最高。PGN-EB和PGN-SA均能诱导桔小实蝇雌成虫体内BdPGRP-SB1表达水平变化。通过RNAi抑制BdPGRP-SB1表达后,注射大肠杆菌导致桔小实蝇雌成虫死亡率显著升高,以及attacin-A, defensin和diptercin表达量显著上调。【结论】结果说明桔小实蝇BdPGRP-SB1参与识别革兰氏阴性细菌,并可能参与桔小实蝇Imd途径调控其免疫反应。     

fruitless在桔小实蝇求偶和交配行为中的作用

【目的】fruitless (fru)是昆虫求偶和交配行为中的关键基因,但是其在桔小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis中的具体功能尚不清楚。本研究旨在明确fru在桔小实蝇求偶交配行为中的作用,进一步明确fru的生物学意义。【方法】根据NCBI上桔小实蝇fru的预测序列设计两端引物,以桔小实蝇羽化10 d已交配的成虫头部cDNA为模板克隆fru基因的全长cDNA,并对其编码蛋白的结构域进行预测。通过实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)技术检测该基因在桔小实蝇交配前后表达量的变化。待合成fru基因的dsRNA后,注射到羽化9 d后的桔小实蝇雄成虫腹部进行RNAi,分别于注射后48 h和72 h取样,检测fru基因的相对表达量;并于RNAi后72 h进行求偶交配行为观察,测定桔小实蝇的交配频率和交配持续时间。【结果】克隆获得桔小实蝇fru的全长cDNA,长2 865 bp,编码954个氨基酸,预测蛋白分子量104.1 kD,等点为6.01。该基因所编码的蛋白具有特殊结构域,分别为一个BTB (Broad-complex, Tramtrack and Bric-a-bric)结构域和两个锌指(zinc finger)结构域。RT-qPCR结果表明,相比未交配的桔小实蝇成虫,fru基因在雄成虫头部中的表达量在与雌成虫交配后显著上升。相对于空白对照组(注射DEPC水)和阴性对照组(注射dsGFP),注射dsfru的RNAi处理组的雄性求偶时间延长(延长了25~35 min),且交配频率下降(降低了17%~22%),说明fru基因在雄性桔小实蝇的求偶交配行为中发挥着重要作用。【结论】本研究结果为明确fru在非模式昆虫桔小实蝇求偶交配行为中的功能提供参考,并为深入研究桔小实蝇的求偶交配行为和绿色防控提供了理论基础。     

黄瓜(Cucumis stavius L.)CSEBF1基因的克隆及其表达特性分析

通过对乙烯利诱导黄瓜茎尖SSH文库的筛选,采用RT-PCR和电子克隆技术,从黄瓜中克隆到一个EIN3-Binding F box protein 1基因,命名为CSEBF1基因(GenBank登录号为KF366911)。结果表明:CSEBF1基因的cDNA全长1 964bp,编码640个氨基酸,含有F-box蛋白保守区域和蛋白质泛素化作用底物识别必需结构—LRRs(leucine-rich repeats),氨基酸序列与拟南芥的同源性为60.47%。实时荧光定量RT-PCR法分析了CSEBF1基因在乙烯利诱导后植株不同部位的表达情况,表明该基因在叶片和根部处理8 h达到最高值,而在茎部16 h达到最高值。同时通过RTPCR方法检测茎、叶部乙烯信号转导相关基因的表达情况发现,CSEIN3基因于处理4 h在茎、叶诱导表达;CSCTR1基因在处理后8 h的茎和16 h的叶片有表达量;CSACS2基因在处理后2 h的叶片被诱导表达,并且表达量随后增加。CSACS1G基因(即F基因)于处理后4 h的叶片增强表达,随后持续较微弱的水平。     

霍乱弧菌zot基因的克隆及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

从霍乱疫苗菌中抽提基因组DNA,用PCR的方法扩增zot基因。序列分析表明,zot基因编码399个氨基酸,其中4个氨基酸与文献报道有差异。将zot基因插入含T7启动子的质粒pET28(a+)构建表达质粒pET-ZOT,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)筛选表达菌株BLZOT。表达菌株经1mmol/L IPTG诱导表达3～5h后,表达大量ZOT蛋白,并形成包涵体。经SDS-PAGE分析重组ZOT蛋白分子量约为47kD,凝胶自动扫描分析表明,重组ZOT约占菌体可溶性蛋白量的15%以上。本工作为进一步研究蛋白多肽类药物的口服奠定了良好的基础。     

家蚕保幼激素结合蛋白Bmtol基因的克隆及表达分析

目的:克隆获得家蚕(Bombyx mori)Bmtol基因序列,并对其蛋白结构进行预测,分析其在组织和JHA处理后头部的表达差异,为该基因的功能研究提供参考。方法:以家蚕的全组织c DNA为模板利用RT-PCR技术扩增和克隆获得Bmtol基因c DNA全长序列,并提交至Gen Bank数据库;利用多种生物信息学软件预测分析其编码蛋白的理化特性和结构特征;采用MREGA5.0软件中的邻接法(neighbor-joining,NJ)构建Bm TOL及其它昆虫同源TO的进化树;通过q PCR技术分析Bmtol基因在5龄3天家蚕不同组织的表达情况,及JHA处理5龄蚕后在0 h、24 h、48 h、72 h和96 h家蚕头部的表达情况。结果:克隆获得了家蚕Bmtol基因的c DNA序列(Gen Bank登录号KY681053),Bmtol基因的开放阅读框(ORF)长度为759 bp,编码252个氨基酸,预测其蛋白分子量为27.72k Da,理论等电点为6.16,有信号肽,无跨膜结构,且第25~251位氨基酸之间存在一个保幼激素结合蛋白家族JHBP保守结构域;N端为疏水区域,可能与保幼激素结合蛋白的核心部位有关。亚细胞定位分析表明,Bm TOL属于分泌型蛋白,主要集中在内质网-高尔基体-质膜分泌途径上。Bm TOL蛋白具有3个α螺旋,第34位的Cys和第44位Cys形成一个二硫键链接在α1螺旋和N末端,构成Bm TOL蛋白与配体结合的核心部位。序列比对结果显示,家蚕Bm TOL序列与其他昆虫TO的氨基酸序列一致性差别较大。家蚕Bm TOL与果蝇Dm TO的相似性为25.10%,与烟草天蛾的相似性为19.69%,与冈比亚按蚊的相似性为25.78%,与埃及伊蚊的相似性为23.53%,与黑花蝇的相似性为28.17%,与意大利蜜蜂的相似性为23.05%,与苹浅褐卷蛾的相似性为21.18%。系统进化树分析表明,所有选用昆虫TO形成两个大的分支:苹浅褐卷蛾Ep TO1、烟草天蛾Ms TO、意大利蜜蜂Am TOL、果蝇Dm TO和黑花蝇Pr TOL聚为一个分支,埃及伊蚊Aa TO、冈比亚按蚊Ag TOL-2和家蚕Bm TOL聚为另一大分支。q PCR结果显示,Bmtol基因在家蚕头部、表皮和精巢有较高表达,其他组织表达量很低或没有。在JHA处理的5龄家蚕的头部,Bmtol基因在处理后0 h、24 h、48 h、72 h和96 h的表达量差异不明显。结论:Bm TOL蛋白属于JHBP家族,具有JHBP家族的典型结构;组织表达谱和JHA处理结果暗示,Bm TOL属保幼激素结合蛋白(JHBP),在家蚕中除保幼激素结合之外还参与其他多种生理功能。     

蜡样芽胞杆菌M22铜锌超氧化物歧化酶基因的克隆及表达

采用PCR技术 ,从蜡样芽胞杆菌M2 2基因组DNA扩增到长 132 0bp的基因片段 .该片段含编码 179个氨基酸残基的开放阅读框 ,推定蛋白序列与报道的BacillusanthracisCu ,Zn SOD序列有96 %同源性 ,其中N端 16个氨基酸残基推定为信号肽序列 .将Cu ,Zn SOD编码区插入载体pET 2 2b(+ )构建表达载体pET 2 2b sodC ,转化E .coliBL2 1(DE3) ,IPTG诱导融合蛋白表达 .SDS PAGE显示 ,融合蛋白表观分子质量约 2 4kD ,占菌体裂解液中总蛋白的 2 1 3% .将此表达载体转入SOD缺陷型大肠杆菌PN132 ,赋予了该菌株对paraquat的抗性 .NBT光抑制法测定SOD活性显示 ,与PN132无SOD活性相比 ,重组子在IPTG诱导前SOD活性极低 (1 79U/mg) ,诱导后活性高达 6 9 76U/mg .非变性电泳结果显示 ,该酶活性不同程度地受到 5mmol LH2 O2 和 5mmol LKCN的抑制     

齐口裂腹鱼CDH5基因特性及其对温和气单胞菌感染的应答

探讨齐口裂腹鱼(Schizothorax prenanti)血管内皮黏附分子(Cadherin 5,CDH5)的基因特性。用生物信息学软件分析齐口裂腹鱼CDH5基因序列,用Real-time PCR检测CDH5基因在齐口裂腹鱼感染温和气单胞菌后0 h、24 h和48 h的表达变化。获得CDH5基因全长c DNA序列,Gen Bank登录号为KT329441。该序列长4 825 bp,开放阅读框长2 313 bp,编码770个氨基酸。蛋白预测结果显示,该蛋白相对分子量为85.19 k D,等电点为5.01。存在信号肽序列,二级结构以随机卷曲、延伸链、α-螺旋为主。齐口裂腹鱼CDH5氨基酸序列与斑马鱼同源性达74%,与人的相似性为43%。CDH5在感染温和气单胞菌后在各组织中均有表达。脾脏中CDH5基因在24 h表达量显著高于0 h和48 h(P0.05)。肝脏、肾脏和肌肉中CDH5在48 h的表达量均显著高于24 h(P0.05)。心脏和肠道中CDH5基因在48 h的表达量显著高于0 h(P0.05)。CDH5基因在可能参与了齐口裂腹鱼抗温和气单胞菌感染的免疫应答,为深入研究CDH5在齐口裂腹鱼中的功能奠定基础。     

家蝇伴侣蛋白TCP-1基因的序列分析、克隆及诱导表达

旨在对EST筛选得到的家蝇伴侣蛋白TCP-1(MD-TCPⅠ)基因进行序列分析,克隆其cDNA序列并在大肠杆菌中诱导表达。采用EST测序技术从已构建的家蝇幼虫cDNA质粒文库中筛选到MD-TCPⅠ基因,对其进行序列测定和分析。以该基因的cDNA文库质粒为模板,通过PCR的方法进行扩增,以pET-28a(+)为载体构建重组质粒,再转化到表达宿主大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,IPTG诱导表达。表达产物通过SDS-PAGE进行鉴定。结果显示,MD-TCPⅠ基因ORF全长753 bp,编码250个氨基酸,理论分子量27.07 kD;等电点5.92,该序列编码的蛋白属于热休克蛋白60家族的TCP。构建了正确基因序列MD-TCPⅠ重组表达质粒,重组蛋白在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中诱导表达。     

湖北海棠MhPR1a基因的克隆与表达特性分析

以水杨酸诱导的湖北海棠[ Malus hupehensis (Pamp.) Rehd.]全长cDNA文库和基因组DNA为模板,克隆其PR1a基因(MhPR1a)的全编码区序列,并对该序列进行生物信息学分析;在此基础上利用荧光定量RT-PCR技术对湖北海棠根、茎和叶中该基因的表达特性及经过10μmol·L-1ABA、4℃低温处理及苹果蚜虫(Aphis citricola van der Goot)侵染后叶中该基因的表达特性进行了测定.结果表明:克隆获得的MhPR1a基因全长518 bp,最大开放阅读框为492 bp,编码162个氨基酸残基;编码的蛋白质为酸性蛋白,其相对分子质量为16 960,等电点pI 5.46;其基因组DNA序列与cDNA序列完全一致,说明MhPR1a基因内部没有内含子.湖北海棠MhPR1a基因与苹果(M.domestic Borkh.)和沙梨[Pyrus pyrifolia( Burm.f.)Nakai] PR1基因的cDNA序列及其编码的氨基酸序列同源性均较高,其中cDNA序列的同源性均为97％,氨基酸序列的同源性分别为95％和97％;系统树也显示MhPR1a基因编码的氨基酸序列与苹果和沙梨的亲缘关系最近,聚为一类.MhPR1a基因编码的氨基酸序列具有SCP保守结构域,含有1个信号肽和6个保守的半胱氨酸残基.在湖北海棠的叶、茎和根中MhPR1a基因均能表达,在根中的表达量最高.10 μmol·L-1ABA和4℃低温处理48 h后均可诱导MhPR1a基因的表达,且相对表达量明显高于对照(处理0h);苹果蚜虫也可诱导MhPR1a基因的表达,说明MhPR1a基因在湖北海棠抵抗植食昆虫和低温胁迫的过程中可能发挥着重要作用.     

花椒窄吉丁气味结合蛋白基因AzanOBP3的克隆、原核表达及组织表达谱分析

【目的】本研究克隆花椒窄吉丁Agrilus zanthoxylumi气味结合蛋白(odorant binding protein, OBP)基因AzanOBP3,并对其进行序列和表达分析,旨在更好地了解OBP基因在花椒窄吉丁成虫触角识别气味物质过程中的作用,为农林害虫的绿色防控提供理论依据。【方法】利用RT-PCR扩增花椒窄吉丁气味结合蛋白基因AzanOBP3的cDNA序列,采用生物信息学软件分析其核苷酸和氨基酸序列;构建重组表达载体pET-28a(+)/AzanOBP3,转化到大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)感受态细胞中进行融合蛋白的IPTG诱导表达,SDS-PAGE及Western blot鉴定重组表达蛋白;基于qPCR技术分析AzanOBP3基因在花椒窄吉丁雌雄成虫不同组织(头、胸、腹、足和翅)中的表达情况。【结果】克隆获得了花椒窄吉丁气味结合蛋白基因AzanOBP3的cDNA全长序列(GenBank登录号:MT318832),预测到其开放阅读框长414 bp,共编码137个氨基酸,等电点为4.79,蛋白分子量为16.038 kD,N末端具有29个氨基酸组成的信号肽序列,蛋白序列中具有6个保守的半胱氨酸残基,属于典型的昆虫OBP。序列分析表明,AzanOBP3的氨基酸序列分别与苹果小吉丁Agrilus mali AmalOBP2和白蜡窄吉丁Agrilus planipennis AplaGOBP的一致性最高,分别为74.45%和76.92%,在进化关系上更加同源。构建了重组表达载体pET-28a(+)/AzanOBP3。在37℃180 r/min摇床培养及1 mmol/L IPTG诱导4 h条件下,AzanOBP3在大肠杆菌中成功地表达出了与预测蛋白分子质量大小一致的AzanOBP3融合蛋白。qPCR检测结果表明,AzanOBP3基因在雌性和雄性成虫的不同组织中都有表达,其中在雄成虫足中的表达量最高。【结论】明确了AzanOBP3的核苷酸和氨基酸序列组成及编码蛋白的理化特性。组织表达谱结果提示, AzanOBP3的功能可能不仅局限于嗅觉识别,在非嗅觉器官中可能也具有重要的生理功能,特别是在其寻找寄主植物与取食的过程中可能发挥着重要作用,AzanOBP3功能还需更深入的研究。本研究为今后更深入地探究气味结合蛋白的结构及其在花椒窄吉丁化学感受系统中的作用机制提供依据。     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of a blue-emitting Sr(3.5) Y(6.5) O(2) (PO(4) )(1.5) (SiO(4) )(4.5) :Eu(2+) phosphor

A novel blue‐emitting Sr_3.5Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5:Eu²⁺ phosphor was synthesized via a solid‐state reaction. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the Sr_3.5Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5 host had a hexagonal crystal structure in the space group P6₃/m and unit cell parameters a = 9.418 Å, c = 6.900 Å. The as‐prepared phosphor showed a blue emission and all the main emission peaks were located at around 466 nm for different excitation wavelengths of 297, 333 and 391 nm. The temperature dependence of the photoluminescence property was investigated in the range 20–250 °C, and the emission intensity decreased to 71% of the initial value at room temperature on increasing the temperature to 150 °C. According to the classical theory of fluorescent thermal quenching, the activation energy (ΔE) for the thermal quenching luminescence of the as‐prepared Sr_3.45Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5:0.05Eu²⁺ phosphor was determined to be 0.20 eV. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Collagen-like triple helix formation of synthetic (Pro-Pro-Gly)10 analogues: (4(S)-hydroxyprolyl-4(R)-hydroxyprolyl-Gly)10, (4(R)-hydroxyprolyl-4(R)-hydroxyprolyl-Gly)10 and (4(S)-fluoroprolyl-4(R)-fluoroprolyl-Gly)10.

For the rational design of a stable collagen triple helix according to the conventional rule that the pyrrolidine puckerings of Pro, 4-hydroxyproline (Hyp) and 4-fluoroproline (fPro) should be down at the X-position and up at the Y-position in the X-Y-Gly repeated sequence for enhancing the triple helix propensities of collagen model peptides, a series of peptides were prepared in which X- and Y-positions were altogether occupied by Hyp(R), Hyp(S), fPro(R) or fPro(S). Contrary to our presumption that inducing the X-Y residues to adopt a down-up conformation would result in an increase in the thermal stability of peptides, the triple helices of (Hyp(S)-Hyp(R)-Gly)(10) and (fPro(S)-fPro(R)-Gly)(10) were less stable than those of (Pro-Hyp(R)-Gly)(10) and (Pro-fPro(R)-Gly)(10), respectively. As reported by B?chinger's and Zagari's groups, (Hyp(R)-Hyp(R)-Gly)(10) which could have an up-up conformation unfavorable for the triple helix, formed a triple helix that has a high thermal stability close to that of (Pro-Hyp(R)-Gly)(10). These results clearly show that the empirical rule based on the conformational preference of pyrrolidine ring at each of X and Y residues should not be regarded as still valid, at least for predicting the stability of collagen models in which both X and Y residues have electronegative groups at the 4-position.     

Role of tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) gene modules in catabolism of 3-chlorobenzoate by Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4)

The enzymes chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase, chloromuconate cycloisomerase, dienelactone hydrolase, and maleylacetate reductase allow Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4) to degrade chlorocatechols formed during growth in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate or 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB). There are two gene modules located in plasmid pJP4, tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) (module I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) (module II), putatively encoding these enzymes. To assess the role of both tfd modules in the degradation of chloroaromatics, each module was cloned into the medium-copy-number plasmid vector pBBR1MCS-2 under the control of the tfdR regulatory gene. These constructs were introduced into R. eutropha JMP222 (a JMP134 derivative lacking pJP4) and Pseudomonas putida KT2442, two strains able to transform 3-CB into chlorocatechols. Specific activities in cell extracts of chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase (tfdC), chloromuconate cycloisomerase (tfdD), and dienelactone hydrolase (tfdE) were 2 to 50 times higher for microorganisms containing module I compared to those containing module II. In contrast, a significantly (50-fold) higher activity of maleylacetate reductase (tfdF) was observed in cell extracts of microorganisms containing module II compared to module I. The R. eutropha JMP222 derivative containing tfdR-tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) grew four times faster in liquid cultures with 3-CB as a sole carbon and energy source than in cultures containing tfdR-tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II). In the case of P. putida KT2442, only the derivative containing module I was able to grow in liquid cultures of 3-CB. These results indicate that efficient degradation of 3-CB by R. eutropha JMP134(pJP4) requires the two tfd modules such that TfdCDE is likely supplied primarily by module I, while TfdF is likely supplied by module II.     

Induction of in vitro flowering in Dendrobium Madame Thong-In (Orchidaceae) seedlings is associated with increase in endogenous N(6)-(Delta (2)-isopentenyl)-adenine (iP) and N (6)-(Delta (2)-isopentenyl)-adenosine (iPA) levels

We analysed the endogenous cytokinin levels of Dendrobium Madame Thong-In seedlings grown in vitro during vegetative and flowering-inductive periods. HPLC was used to fractionate the extracts and radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for assay of zeatin (Z), dihydrozeatin (DZ), N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl)-adenine (iP) and their derivatives. Coconut water used in experiments was found to contain high level (>136 pmol ml(-1)) of zeatin riboside (ZR). Protocorms and seedlings cultured in medium with coconut water were found to contain 0.5-3.9 pmol g(-1) FW of the cytokinins analysed. Seedlings (1.0-1.5 cm) cultured in flowering-inductive liquid medium containing 6-benzyladenine (BA, 4.4 muM) and coconut water (CW, 15%) contained up to 200 and 133 pmol g(-1) FW of iP and iPA, respectively. These levels were significantly higher than all other cytokinins analysed in seedlings of the same stage and were about 80- to 150-folds higher than seedlings cultured in non-inductive medium. During the transitional (vegetative to reproductive) stage, the endogenous levels of iP (178 pmol g(-1) FW) and iPA (63 pmol g(-1) FW) were also significantly higher than cytokinins in the zeatine (Z) and dihydrozeatin (DZ) families in the same seedlings. Seedlings that grew on inductive medium but remained vegetative contained lower levels of iPA. The importance of the profiles of iP and its derivatives in induction of in vitro flowering of D. Madame Thong-In is discussed.     

Biology of Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The biology of the fruit fly Bactrocera tau, an important horticultural pest, was studied under laboratory conditions at 25°C and 60–70% relative humidity on Cucurbita maxima. The duration of mating averaged 408.03 ± 235.93 min. After mating, the female fly had a preoviposition period of 11.7 ± 4.49 days. The oviposition rate was 9.9 ± 8.50 eggs and fecundity was 464.6 ± 67.98 eggs/female. Eggs were elliptical, smooth and shiny white, turning darker as hatching approached, and measured 1.30 ± 0.07 mm × 0.24 ± 0.04 mm. The chorion has polygonal microsculpturing and is species-specific with polygonal walls. The egg period lasts for 1.3 ± 0.41 days. The duration of the larval period is 1.2 ± 0.42, 1.7 ± 0.48 and 4.0 ± 0.94 days for first, second and third instars, respectively. Pupation occurs in the sand or soil and pupal periods are 7.0 ± 0.47 days. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in 14.2 ± 1.69 days; the longevity of mated females and males was 130.33 ± 14.18 and 104.66 ± 31.21 days, respectively. At least two to three generations were observed from June 2008 to June 2009.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Er(3+) :CdO-Bi(2) O(3) -B(2) O(3) glasses

This article reports on the optical properties of Er³⁺ ions doped CdO–Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃ (CdBiB) glasses. The materials were characterized by optical absorption and emission spectra. By using Judd–Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) and also oscillatory strengths were calculated from the absorption spectra. The results were used to compute the radiative properties of Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. The concentration quenching and energy transfer from Yb³⁺–Er³⁺ were explained. The stimulated emission cross‐section, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and FWHM × values are also calculated for all the Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cationic (tripyrrinato)palladium(II) complexes

The formation of cationic palladium(II)complexes [TrpyPd^II]⁺X⁻ by salt metathesis of the respective trifluoroacetates with different salts of weakly coordinating anions X⁻ was investigated. With non-hydrolizable counterions, cationic mono- and dinuclear complexes are observed depending on the nature of the anion X⁻ and the solvent. The mononuclear cations, which are only formed with X = BAr^F, most probably carry a weakly bound molecule of dichloromethane at the fourth coordination site of Pd^II. When treated with diazoalkanes, only these are sufficiently reactive to form carbene complexes. Four- and five coordinate Lewis base adducts [TrpyPd^IIL]⁺ with L = CH₃NC, tBuNH₂, PMe₃, PEt₃ and PiPr₃ and [TrpyPd^IIL₂]⁺ with L = PMe₃ were prepared from the mononuclear cations [TrpyPd^II]⁺BAr^F−. From structural studies it becomes apparent, that the formation of stable five coordinate Pd^II species is restricted to medium size ligands and depends on the delicate balance between the steric influence of L and the strain, which is induced on the TrpyPd^II unit.     

The helix-coil transitions of poly (dA)-poly (dT) and poly (dA-dT)-poly (dA-dT)

Helix–coil transition curves are calculated for poly (dA) poly(dT) and poly (dA-dT) poly (dA-dT) using the integral equation approach of Goel and Montroll.⁵ The transitions are described by the loop entropy model with the exponent of the loop entropy factor, k, remaining an arbitrary constant. The theoretical calculations are compared with experimental transition curves of the two polymers. Results indicate that the stacking energies for these two polymers differ by about 1 kcal/mole of base pairs. Also, a fit between theory and experiment was not possible for k > 1.70.