Patterns of growth and heterochrony in moundbuilders (Megapodiidae) and fowl (Phasianidae)

Megapode hatchlings are "superprecocial" compared to hatchlings of other Galliformes. In this paper, we examine patterns of growth and inquire about evolutionary processes that led to different degrees of precocity at hatching in Galliformes. The postnatal development of body mass and that of seven morphometric parameters of wing and leg of Brush Turkey Alectura lathami , Peacock Pavo cristatus , Pheasant Phasianus colchicus and Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica was characterized by the ratio of exponential growth rate ( EGR ) to relative size (ln  ( W / A) ; W =size at a given age; A =asymptote) at a given age. From that relationship, we derived developmental trajectories as the slopes of a least squares regression of EGR on relative size. The slopes of the developmental trajectories are indicative of the degree of precocity of development. We found that Brush Turkey, Peacock, and Pheasant follow the same developmental trajectory. However, the Brush Turkey hatches heterochronically delayed on that trajectory and consequently, its hatchlings are superprecocial. The Quail follows a significantly steeper developmental trajectory and hatches with a high degree of embryonic function ( EGR ). From a comparative phylogenetic analysis we reconstruct the ancestral galliform developmental trajectory and infer that hypermorphosis of Brush Turkey embryos led to the superprecocial hatchlings. The steeper developmental trajectory of Quail is evolutionary derived from ancestral patterns of growth by somatic paedomorphosis. Using a multivariate approach we show that development of different parts of the body is coherent, i.e., that patterns of development of wing and leg do not vary independently of each other. Consequently, selection for changed development of any part of the wing or the leg will cause the other parts to change too.     

Linkage of plasminogen (PLG) and apolipoprotein(a) (LPA) in baboons.

Four allelic forms of serum plasminogen (PLG) were detected in baboons (Papio hamadryas Linneaus 1758) by isoelectric focusing and were determined to be inherited as autosomal codominant traits. Linkage analysis of data from 179 progeny and their parents revealed that PLG is tightly linked (lod score = 30.20) to the gene encoding apolipoprotein(a) (LPA), as in humans. No recombinant individuals were identified. This is the first linkage detected between PLG and LPA in any species other than humans and is the first genetic linkage identified in a nonhuman primate species by family studies.     

Toxicokinetics and Biotransformation of As(III) and As(V) in Eisenia fetida

Earthworms, Eisenia fetida, were exposed to soils spiked with As(III) and As(V), to understand the response of earthworms to As in terms of both toxicity and accumulation using toxicokinetics, and to explain As metabolism and bioavailability. As(III) showed higher toxicity than As(V), in all toxicity endpoints of burrowing time, survival, growth, and cocoon production. Bioconcentration occurred at both As(III) and As(V) treatments during 28-d exposure. Worms did not show the elimination of As for consecutive 28 d of exposure to clean soils. Biotransformation of As was characterized using HPLC-ICP-MS and XANES, showing the reduction of As in worms regardless of the As species to which worms were exposed. Metabolism of As in worms that formed As-thiol complex is thought to limit the excretion of As, and thus induce bioconcentration in worms. Uptake rates by one-compartment model indicated that pore water was the bioaccessible pool of As, and directly controlled the uptake of As by worms. The study suggests that higher uptake rate and bioaccumulation of As(III) than of As(V) are among the factors that make As(III) more toxic than As(V).     

Effects and persistence of baygon (Propoxur) and temik (Aldicarb) insecticides in soil

Summary The effects of two carbamate insecticides, Baygon and Temik, on microbial processes in soil were investigated. Total plate counts revealed that Baygon and Temik at field rate applications (5 ppm) did not greatly influence the microbial populations in the soil. At a concentration of 500 ppm the fungal and actinomycete populations showed a marked increase in response to Temik and Baygon.Nitrification was severely inhibited by the granular (formulated) Baygon and Temik at 500 ppm, but was much less inhibited with the technical grade (technical) insecticides. The discrepancy appeared due to metabolism of the corn cob grits carrier, the resulting immobilization of nitrogen causing an apparent inhibition of nitrification. At the approximate field rate applications of 5 ppm, only slight inhibition was observed with formulated Baygon or Temik. An accumulation of nitrite was noted, especially with technical Baygon at 500 ppm.Populations of the autotrophic nitrifying bacteria were depressed for 2–3 weeks by application of either Baygon or Temik to the soil at 500 ppm. Pure culture studies on Nitrobacter agilis and Nitrosomonas europaea indicated that Baygon and Temik were toxic to both organisms, but particularly the latter. The toxicity to Nitrosomonas was more severe in pure cultures than in soil.Oxygen uptake studies showed that formulated Baygon (but not Temik) added to soil at 500 ppm resulted in high respiratory activity, mostly due to metabolism of the carrier. The technical insecticides had little effect on respiration as measured by carbon dioxide evolution, although there were indications that Temik was being metabolized during the interval from 16 to 30 days. Baygon was found to be quite resistant to degradation in the test soil. Temik residues decreased by about 50% during the 30-days test period.Published with the approval of the Director of the North Dakota State Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article 487. Portion of a thesis presented by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree in Bacteriology at North Dakota State University     

Organic Constituents and Complexation of Nickel(II), Iron(III), Cadmium(II), and plutonium(IV) in Soybean Xylem Exudates

The xylem exudates of soybean (Glycine max cv Williams), provided with fixed N, were characterized as to their organic constituents and in vivo and in vitro complexation of plutonium, iron, cadmium, and nickel. Ion exchange fractionation of whole exudates into their compound classes (organic acid, neutral, amino acid, and polyphosphate), followed by thinlayer electrophoresis, permitted evaluation of the types of ligands which stabilize each element. The polyvalent elements plutonium(IV) and iron(III) are found primarily as organic acid complexes, while the divalent elements nickel(II) and cadmium(II) are associated primarily with components of the amino acid/peptide fraction. For plutonium and cadmium, it was not possible to fully duplicate complexes formed in vivo by back reaction with whole exudates or individual class fractions, indicating the possible importance of plant induction processes, reaction kinetics, and/or the formation of mixed ligand complexes. The number and distribution of specific iron- and nickel-containing complexes varies with plant age and appears to be related to the relative concentration of organic acids and amino acids/peptides being produced and transported in the xylem as the plant matures.     

Effect of cadmium (Cd(II)), selenium (Se(IV)) and their mixtures on phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in Lepidium sativum

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cadmium [Cd(II) as cadmium chloride], selenium [Se(IV) as sodium selenite] and their mixtures on phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant activity (AOx) in Lepidium sativum. The biomass fractions corresponding to free (F1), soluble glycoside-bound (F2) and cell wall ester-bound phenolics (F3) were obtained for each treatment and PCs were screened by gas chromatography (GC-FID); F1 and F2 fractions were also analyzed by liquid chromatography with UV and fluorimetric detection. The treated plants presented different profiles of PCs as compared to controls, specifically in F1 and F2 fractions; the plant response was element-, and concentration-dependent. The cultures challenged with Cd(II) up to 5 mg L^?1, presented higher AOx with respect to controls, and this increase was associated with glycoside-bound PCs, whereas for Se(IV) the increase of AOx was less marked and associated with free PCs. Under simultaneous exposure to Cd(II) + Se(IV) (0.5–2.0 mg L^?1 each), the AOx values were relatively constant and lower than those found in the presence of Se(IV) or Cd(II) alone, providing further evidence of the protective role of Se(IV) against stress imposed by Cd(II) in this plant species. The evaluation of AOx of individual PCs and the results of principal component analysis enabled to attain several relationships among exposure conditions, antioxidant activity, free- and glycoside-bound phenolic compounds.     

Convergence of insular dwarfism in damselflies (Euphaea) and dobsonflies (Protohermes)

SUMMARY. 1. The life history was compared between mainland and island congeners of Protohermes (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) and also between those of Euphaea (Odonata: Euphaeidae). Larvae of these genera coexisted in stream riffles, and prey availability for them was assessed to examine the effects on their body size at maturation.
2. Body size of P. costalis on the 'mainland'. Taiwan, was larger than that of an insular congener, P . sp., on Iriomotc and Ishigaki Islands about 200 km east from Taiwan. Insular dwarfism also occurred between E. formosa on the mainland and E. yayeyamana on the islands. All species had an annual life cycle.
3. Prey availability was much lower in the island streams than in mainland streams throughout the year. Convergence of insular dwarfism in these phylogenetically distant but ecologically similar taxa (both predatory insects) suggested that prey availability is an important factor affecting their body size determination.
4. Seasonal changes in body size occurred within a population of Euphaea which lacked synchronous emergence. Adults emerging from larvae spending their late instars in the warm season were smaller than those in the cold season. However, the size differences between species always exceeded the range of such intraspecific variation.
5. Dwarfism in E. yayeyamana was probably achieved by decreasing the size of first-instar larvae without changing the number of instars and with the size ratio at each moult constant. The mechanisms producing the dwarf form of Protohermes are also discussed.     

Stereoselective effects of (R)- and (S)-carvedilol in humans

Carvedilol is currently used as the racemic mixture, (R,S)-carvedilol, consisting of equal amounts of (R)-carvedilol, an alpha-blocker, and (S)-carvedilol, an alpha- and beta-blocker, which have never been tested in their optically pure forms in human subjects. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 12 healthy male volunteers. Subjects received single oral doses of 25 mg (R,S)-carvedilol, 12.5 mg (R)-carvedilol, 12.5 mg (S)-carvedilol, and placebo at 8 AM as well as at 8 PM. Exercise was performed at 11 AM, and heart rate and blood pressure were measured at rest and after 10 min of exercise. Urine was collected between 10 AM and 6 PM, as well as between 10 PM and 6 AM, and the amounts of urinary 6-hydroxy-melatonin sulfate (aMT6s) were determined by RIA. Compared to placebo, (R)-carvedilol increased heart rate during exercise (+4%, P < 0.05) and recovery (+10%, P < 0.05); (S)-carvedilol decreased heart rate during exercise (-14%, P < 0.05) and recovery (-6%, P < 0.05), and systolic blood pressure during exercise (-12%, P < 0.05); (R,S)-carvedilol decreased heart rate during exercise (-11%, P < 0.05), and systolic blood pressure at rest (-7%, P < 0.05) and during exercise (-10%, P < 0.05). None of the agents had any significant effect on the release of aMT6s. Our results indicate that only (S)-carvedilol causes beta-blockade, whereas (R)-carvedilol appears to increase sympathetic tone, presumably as a physiological reaction to the decrease of blood pressure caused by alpha-blockade. None of the drugs had any influence on melatonin release. The weak clinical net effect of beta-blockade of (R,S)-carvedilol at rest might be one reason why this drug causes fewer side effects than other beta-blockers, such as a reduction of nocturnal melatonin release.     

Investigation of the Booroola (FecB) and Inverdale (FecX(I)) mutations in 21 prolific breeds and strains of sheep sampled in 13 countries

Twenty-one of the world's prolific sheep breeds and strains were tested for the presence of the FecB mutation of BMPR1B and the FecX(I) mutation of BMP15. The breeds studied were Romanov (2 strains), Finn (2 strains), East Friesian, Teeswater, Blueface Leicester, Hu, Han, D'Man, Chios, Mountain Sheep (three breeds), German Whiteheaded Mutton, Lleyn, Loa, Galician, Barbados Blackbelly (pure and crossbred) and St. Croix. The FecB mutation was found in two breeds, Hu and Han from China, but not in any of the other breeds. The 12 Hu sheep sampled were all homozygous carriers of FecB (FecB(B)/FecB(B)) whereas the sample of 12 Han sheep included all three genotypes (FecB(B)/FecB(B), FecB(B)/FecB+, FecB+/FecB+) at frequencies of 0.33, 0.58 and 0.08, respectively. There was no evidence of FecX(I) in any of the breeds sampled.     

Conformation of sequential polypeptides of (Lysi-Leuj), (Lysi-Serj), and (Lys-Gly) in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution

A series of sequential polypeptides (Lys_iR_j)_n (R is Leu, Ser, or Gly) and random copolypeptides, (Lys^x, Leu^y)_n, were synthesized. Their conformation in NaDodSO₄ solution was determined by CD. Only (Lys-Leu)_n, (Lys-Ser)_n, and (Lys₃-Ser)_n adopt a stable β-form in the surfactant solution; (Lys-Ser₂)_n, (Lys-Ser₃)_n, (Lys₂-Ser₂)_n, and (Lys₂-Ser)_n have an unstable β-form, which reverts to an unordered form in high NaDodSO₄ concentrations, even though both Ser and DodSO-bound Lys⁺ are β-formers. In contrast, (Lys-Gly)_n remains unordered in NaDodSO₄ solution. On the other hand, Lys-rich (Lys₂-Leu)_n forms an unstable helix and (Lys₂-Leu₂)_n a stable helix in NaDodSO₄ solution. In 25 mM NaDodSO₄ (Lys^x, Leu^y)_n also forms a helix up to x = 75 and reverts to the β-form at x = 90. This compares with the helical conformation of (Lys^x, Ala^y)_n up to x = 65 and its β-form at x = 90, suggesting that Leu is an even stronger helix-former than Ala. Our results may provide a plausible explanation for the increase in helicity and disruption of the β-form for many proteins in NaDodSO₄ solution, that is, the polypeptide chain of a protein usually favors a helical conformation over a β-form in the presence of excess surfactant.     

Immobilization of Cu(II) and Cr(IV) in basidiomycete-colonized sawdust

An investigation into the feasibility of removing Cu(II) and Cr(IV) from solution with basidiomycete (Gloeophylum sepiarium, Pleurotus sp.)-colonized sawdust was undertaken. Obeche (Triplochyton scleroxylon) sawdust exposed to the basidiomycetes for 1–3 months reduced the concentration of the metals in the solution to 22.0–84.4 mg/l. The supernatant from the centrifuged mixture of a solution of 100 mg metal ions/l and aqueous extract of a 3-month basidiomycete-degraded obeche sawdust contained lower concentration of the metal ions (38.6–75.4 mg/l). Unextracted sawdust of pigmented tropical timbers, African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), black afara (Terminalia ivorensis) and camwood (Baphia nitida) exposed to the test basidiomycetes, removed Cu and Cr significantly better than the extracted sawdust. It is hypothesised that some products of basidiomycete wood-degradative activities were ligands which immobilized the test metals.     

The distribution and ecology of Spiniferomonas (Chrysophyceae) in Connecticut (USA)

Siver, P. A. 1988. The distribution and ecology of Spiniferomonas (Chrysophyceae) in Connecticut (USA). - Nord. J. Bot. 8: 205–212. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
The genus Spiniferomonas was found to be a common member of the phytoplankton flora in Connecticut lakes, present in over thirty-seven percent of the 113 samples collected during 1984. Thirteen of the 15 known freshwater Spiniferomonas species were found including S. crucigera , recorded for the first time from North America. Six species were new records for the United States. S. trioralis, S. bilacunosa and S. bourrellyi were the most common taxa. Ecological preferences of some species are presented. This study represents the first major survey of the genus in the United States.     

微生物氧化As(III)和Sb(III)的研究进展

砷(Arsenic,As)和锑(Antimony,Sb)属于同族元素,具有相似的化学性质,是公认的有毒类金属(metalloid),广泛存在于自然界中。随着人类的发展,环境中砷和锑的污染日益严重,类金属污染环境的修复已经刻不容缓。现已表明,自然界中的微生物在砷和锑的生物地球化学循环中发挥着重要的作用,尤其是微生物的氧化作用,可以将毒性较强的亚砷酸盐[Arsenite,As(III)]和亚锑酸盐[Antimonite,Sb(III)]氧化为毒性较低的砷酸盐[Arsenate,As(V)]和锑酸盐[Antimonate,Sb(V)],被认为是一种潜在的类金属污染环境修复方法。本文就国内外对As(III)氧化菌和Sb(III)氧化菌的多样性、As(III)和Sb(III)微生物氧化调控机制和应用的研究进展进行总结,旨在为深入了解和探索微生物介导的砷和锑生物地球化学循环及污染环境的微生物修复提供参考。