The phylogeny of the ant tribe Formicini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with the description of a new genus

Abstract. The holarctic ant tribe Formicini is revised, the new genus Bajcaridris described, and possible phylogenetic relationships are discussed. The subgenus Iberoformica is synonymized with Formica. A synopsis, diagnosis and keys to the genera are provided.     

The AAA ATPase VPS4/SKD1 Regulates Endosomal Cholesterol Trafficking Independently of ESCRT‐III

The exit of low‐density lipoprotein derived cholesterol (LDL‐C) from late endosomes (LE)/lysosomes (Ly) is mediated by Niemann–Pick C1 (NPC1), a multipass integral membrane protein on the limiting membranes of LE/Ly, and by NPC2, a cholesterol‐binding protein in the lumen of LE/Ly. NPC2 delivers cholesterol to the N‐terminal domain of NPC1, which is believed to insert cholesterol into the limiting membrane for subsequent transport to other subcellular organelles. Few cytoplasmic factors have been identified to govern cholesterol efflux from LE/Ly, and much less is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we establish VPS4, an AAA ATPase that has a well‐established role in disassembling the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport)‐III polymer, as an important regulator of endosomal cholesterol transport. Knocking down VPS4 in HeLa cells resulted in prominent accumulation of LDL‐C in LE/Ly, and disrupted cholesterol homeostatic responses at the endoplasmic reticulum. The level and localization of NPC1 and NPC2 appeared to be normal in VPS4 knockdown cells. Importantly, depleting any of the ESCRT‐III components did not exert a significant effect on endosomal cholesterol transport. Our results thus identify an important cytoplasmic regulator of endosomal cholesterol trafficking and represent the first functional separation of VPS4 from ESCRT‐III.     

Lower-body power,linear speed,and change-of-direction speed in Division I collegiate women’s volleyball players

Volleyball players need to sprint and change direction during a match. Lower-body power, often measured by jump tests, could contribute to faster movements. How different jumps relate to linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed has not been analyzed in Division I (DI) collegiate women’s volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players completed the vertical jump (VJ), two-step approach jump (AppJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Peak power and power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM) were derived from VJ and AppJ height; relative SBJ was derived from SBJ distance. Linear speed was measured via a 20-m sprint (0–10 and 0–20 m intervals); COD speed was measured using the pro-agility shuttle. Pearson’s correlations (p < 0.05) calculated relationships between the power variables, and speed tests. There were no significant relationships between the power variables and the 0–10 m sprint interval. Greater VJ height (r = -0.534) and P:BM (r = -0.557) related to a faster 0–20 m sprint interval. This be due to a greater emphasis on the stretch-shortening cycle to generate speed over 20 m. However, although a 20-m sprint may provide a measure of general athleticism, the distance may not be specific to volleyball. This was also indicated as the AppJ did not relate to any of the speed tests. Nonetheless, VJ height and P:BM, and SBJ distance and relative SBJ, all negatively correlated with the proagility shuttle (r = -0.548 to -0.729). DI women’s collegiate volleyball players could develop absolute and relative power in the vertical and horizontal planes to enhance COD speed.     

BIOADHESION IN CAULERPA MEXICANA (CHLOROPHYTA): RHIZOID‐SUBSTRATE ADHESION1

The attachment of the psammophytic alga Caulerpa mexicana Sond. ex Kütz., a coenocytic green alga, to crushed CaCO₃ particles was examined utilizing the scanning electron microscope and fluorescently tagged antivitronectin antibodies. Plants attached to the substrate through morphologically variable tubular rhizoidal extensions that grew from the stolon. In this study, we describe two means of attachment: (i) the rhizoid attachment to limestone gravel by thigmoconstriction, where tubular extensions of the rhizoid wrapped tightly around the substrate and changed morphology to fit tightly into crevices in the limestone, and (ii) through adhesion pads that formed in contact with the limestone granules. Flattened rhizoidal pads were observed to secrete a fibrillar material that contained vitronectin‐like proteins identified through immunolocialization and that facilitated binding of the rhizoid to the substrate.     

Sutureless microvascular anastomoses by a biodegradable laser-activated solid protein solder.

A new sutureless technique to successfully anastomose the abdominal aorta of rats (1.3 mm in diameter) by using a fully biodegradable, laser-activated protein solder is presented. A total of 90 rats were divided into two groups randomly. In group one, the anastomoses were performed by using conventional microsuturing technique, whereas in group two, the anastomoses were performed by using a new laser welding technique. In addition, each of the two groups were divided into five subgroups and evaluated at different follow-up periods (10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 6 weeks). At these intervals, the anastomoses were evaluated for patency and tensile strength. Three anastomoses in each subgroup were processed for light and electron microscopy. All anastomoses were found to be patent. The mean clamp time of the anastomoses performed with conventional suturing was 20.6 minutes compared with 7.2 minutes for the laser-activated welded anastomoses (p < 0.001). The strain measurements showed a stronger mechanical bond of the sutured anastomoses in the initial phase. However, at 6 weeks the tensile strength of the laser-welded anastomoses was higher compared with the conventional suture technique. Histologic evaluations revealed a near complete resorption of the solder after 6 weeks. The junction site of the vessel ends cannot be determined on the luminal side of the artery. In conclusion, a resorbable protein used as a solder, activated by a diode laser, can provide a reliable, safe, and rapid arterial anastomosis, which could be performed by any microsurgeon faster than conventional suturing after a short learning curve.     

Polyhydroxybutyrate: An intriguing biopolymer

The microbial polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and related poly-hydroxyalkanoates, such as poly-3-hydroxyvalerate and poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate, are unique biodegradable thermoplastics of considerable commercial importance. The structure, properties and regulation of synthesis and degradation of PHB are reviewed and the microbial production of copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate, with properties varying according to copolymer composition, is discussed.     

Sucrose utilization by Zymomonas mobilis: formation of a levan

1. Molar growth-yield coefficients of Zymomonas mobilis for glucose, fructose, glucose plus fructose, and sucrose are reported. Yield coefficients for sucrose are appreciably lower than those for the equivalent concentrations of glucose plus fructose. 2. Only 2.6% of [U-(14)C]glucose supplied in the growth medium is incorporated into cell substance by Z. mobilis utilizing glucose as the energy source. 3. During growth on sucrose a levan is formed. It has been characterized and shown to resemble other bacterial levans. 4. Levan formation from sucrose could be demonstrated with both washed cell suspensions and cell extracts of Z. mobilis. 5. Sucrose phosphorylase could not be demonstrated in extracts of the organism.