A comparison of the Xenopus laevis oocyte acetylcholinesterase with the muscle and brain enzyme suggests variations at the post-translational level.

1. Xenopus laevis oocytes express endogenously two components of the cholinergic system: the muscarinic receptors and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE). 2. A biochemical characterization of this enzyme was carried out. 3. The results established that the activity found in the oocytes correspond to 'true' AChE with a molecular weight of 65,000 Da and a sedimentation coefficient of 3-4 S. 4. The enzyme aggregates in the absence of detergent suggesting that it possess an hydrophobic character; despite that, it is not sensitive to PIPLC. 5. A comparison with the Xenopus brain and muscle AChE shows different post-translational modifications and catalytic properties with the oocyte AChE.     

Cultivating <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> coconut palms (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cocos nucifera</Emphasis>) under glasshouse conditions with natural light,improves <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> photosynthesis nursery survival and growth

Plantlets of coconut were cultured in vitro under three different ambient conditions including a standard culture room, a culture room inside a glasshouse with natural light but controlled temperature, and a standard glasshouse with natural light and natural fluctuations of temperature. Plantlets from the 3 treatments were compared in terms of growth, plant survival as well as net photosynthesis and efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm ratio) both at the end of the in vitro stage and at 3 stages of ex vitro acclimatization. At the end of the in vitro stage, plantlets cultured in vitro under glasshouse conditions showed the best performance showing the highest photosynthesis rate, dry weight and number of leaves. Plantlets from the standard culture room showed the lowest photosynthesis and growth rate. After 6 months of ex vitro acclimatization, plantlets originally grown in vitro under glasshouse conditions maintained better field survival and growth rates in terms of fresh weight, dry weight and leaf number than plantlets originally grown in vitro in the standard culture room. Although more studies are required to define the reason for this effect, it is clear that the conditions of standard culture rooms are not the best for in vitro cultivation of coconut and perhaps other tropical species.     

Expression in yeast and purification of a membrane protein, SERCA1a, using a biotinylated acceptor domain

We have recently described the final steps leading to the crystallization of a mammalian membrane protein, the rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, after heterologous expression. Here, we detail the initial steps leading to this new purification method. A biotin acceptor domain was fused at the C-terminal part of Ca2+-ATPase and a thrombin site was inserted between both coding regions. The recombinant protein was expressed under the control of a galactose-inducible promoter in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The biotinylation reaction of the protein was performed directly in vivo in yeast. After solubilization of the yeast light membrane fraction, the biotinylated protein was retained specifically using the strong biotin-avidin interaction. Finally, digestion by the protease thrombin allowed the separation of the Ca2+-ATPase from the biotinylated domain. At this step, Ca2+-ATPase is in a relatively purified form (about 40%). After a size-exclusion HPLC step, the purity of the protein is about 70%, and evaluation of the conformational changes during the catalytic cycle by monitoring the intrinsic fluorescence is demonstrated. The major advantage of this avidin procedure is the particularly good specific ATPase activity as compared with that of a purified His-tagged Ca2+-ATPase.     

Intergroup variation in stable isotope ratios reflects anthropogenic impact on the Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) of Gibraltar

Interactions with humans impact many aspects of behavior and ecology in nonhuman primates. Because of the complexities of the human–nonhuman primate interface, methods are needed to quantify the effects of anthropogenic interactions, including their intensity and differential impacts between nonhuman primate groups. Stable isotopes can be used to quickly and economically assess intergroup dietary variation, and provide a framework for the development of specific hypotheses about anthropogenic impact. This study uses stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis to examine intraspecific variation in diet between five groups of Barbary macaques, Macaca sylvanus, in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Gibraltar. Analysis of hair from 135 macaques showed significant differences in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values between a group with minimal tourist contact and groups that were main tourist attractions. Because we observed no overt physiological or substantial behavioral differences between the groups, feeding ecology is the most likely cause of any differences in stable isotope ratios. Haphazard provisioning by tourists and Gibraltarians is a likely source of dietary variation between groups. Stable isotope analysis and observational data facilitate a deeper understanding of the feeding ecology of the Barbary macaques relevant to the role of an anthropogenic ecology for the species.     

Effect of the Immobilization Method of Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus on Sucrose Acylation

Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (formerly Humicola lanuginosa ) was immobilized using granulation by incubating low-particle-size silica with the lipase. Granules with a particle diameter in the range 0.3-1 &#117 mm were obtained. The immobilized lipase was tested in the acylation of sucrose with vinyl laurate in mixtures of tert -amyl alcohol: dimethyl sulfoxide. Results were compared with immobilization of enzyme by adsorption on polypropylene (Accurel EP100), deposition on Celite by precipitation, and covalent attachment to Eupergit C. Granulated lipase converted >95% of sucrose into 6- O -lauroylsucrose in 6 &#117 h. Accurel-lipase was also very active, converting 70% of sucrose into monoester in 2 &#117 h. The residual activity of granules after five reaction cycles under the best reaction conditions was 72%; this value was considerably higher than the one observed for the same lipase adsorbed on Accurel (15% residual activity after five cycles).     

Hypophagia and induction of serotonin transporter gene expression in raphe nuclei of male and female rats after short-term fluoxetine treatment

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the regulators of feeding in humans. Drugs acting on the serotoninergic system are used to treat bulimia nervosa and to enhance the effect of hypocaloric diets in overweight subjects. They act rapidly to normalise feeding when used to treat eating-related problems. To explore the role of the 5-HT transporter (serotonin transporter (SERT)) in the short-term action of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, rats were i.p. given the drug for five consecutive days. Acute administration of fluoxetine in male and female rats produced a strong reduction in food intake, an effect that held up when daily treatment was maintained for five consecutive days. This reduction translated into a diminution of body weight that was statistically significant in the case of the males. As a reflection of the body weight change in rats killed after the fifth daily drug injection, retroperitoneal fat pad also decreased; a diminution that was statistically significant in the case of male rats. In these conditions, plasma leptin levels of both male and female rats were lower than in untreated animals. While acute fluoxetine administration did not modify SERT gene expression, subchronic drug treatment increased the content of SERT mRNA in the midbrain raphe complex of both rat genders. These findings may contribute to explain the role of SERT in fluoxetine action on binging and as an adjunct to hypocaloric diets.     

Validation of photo‐identification as a mark–recapture method in the spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari

The spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari is characterized by pigmentation patterns that are retained for up to 3·5 years. These pigmentations can be used to identify individuals through photo‐identification. Only one study has validated this technique, but no study has estimated the percentage of correct identification of the rays using this technique. In order to carry out demographic research, a reliable photographic identification technique is needed. To achieve this validation for A. narinari, a double‐mark system was established over 11 months and photographs of the dorsal surface of 191 rays were taken. Three body parts with distinctive natural patterns were analysed (dorsal surface of the cephalic region, dorsal surface of the pectoral fins and dorsal surface of the pelvic fins) in order to determine the body part that could be used to give the highest percentage of correct identification. The dorsal surface of the pectoral fins of A. narinari provides the most accurate photo‐identification to distinguish individuals (88·2%).     

Conflict and post-conflict behavior in a small group of chimpanzees

Chimpanzee research plays a central role in the discussions of conflict negotiation. Reconciliation, or the attraction and affiliation of former opponents following conflict, has been proposed as a central element of conflict negotiation in chimpanzees and various other taxa. In an attempt to expand the database of chimpanzee conflict resolution, conflict and post-conflict behavior were recorded for a small group of socially housed chimpanzees at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, at Central Washington University. Data were collected over six 6-week periods between 1997 and 2000, for a total of 840 hours of observation, resulting in a substantial post-conflict (PC) and matched control (MC) data set. The data demonstrate this group’s tendencies to maintain visual contact and closer proximity after conflicts. Dyadic corrected conciliatory tendencies ranged between 0 – 37.5% and averaged 17.25% across all dyads. Individual corrected conciliatory tendencies ranged between 5.8 and 32%. The results of this study combined with recent publications on captive and free-ranging chimpanzee post-conflict behavior suggest that variation in post-conflict behavior may be important to our understanding of chimpanzee conflict negotiation, and may also have implications for the design and management of captive chimpanzee enclosures and social groups, respectively.