Membrane-Wrapping Contributions to Malaria Parasite Invasion of the Human Erythrocyte

The blood stage malaria parasite, the merozoite, has a small window of opportunity during which it must successfully target and invade a human erythrocyte. The process of invasion is nonetheless remarkably rapid. To date, mechanistic models of invasion have focused predominantly on the parasite actomyosin motor contribution to the energetics of entry. Here, we have conducted a numerical analysis using dimensions for an archetypal merozoite to predict the respective contributions of the host-parasite interactions to invasion, in particular the role of membrane wrapping. Our theoretical modeling demonstrates that erythrocyte membrane wrapping alone, as a function of merozoite adhesive and shape properties, is sufficient to entirely account for the first key step of the invasion process, that of merozoite reorientation to its apex and tight adhesive linkage between the two cells. Next, parasite-induced reorganization of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton and release of parasite-derived membrane can also account for a considerable energetic portion of actual invasion itself, through membrane wrapping. Thus, contrary to the prevailing dogma, wrapping by the erythrocyte combined with parasite-derived membrane release can markedly reduce the expected contributions of the merozoite actomyosin motor to invasion. We therefore propose that invasion is a balance between parasite and host cell contributions, evolved toward maximal efficient use of biophysical forces between the two cells.     

Performance test and verification of an off‐the‐shelf automated avian radar tracking system

Microwave radar is an important tool for observation of birds in flight and represents a tremendous increase in observation capability in terms of amount of surveillance space that can be covered at relatively low cost. Based on off‐the‐shelf radar hardware, automated radar tracking systems have been developed for monitoring avian movements. However, radar used as an observation instrument in biological research has its limitations that are important to be aware of when analyzing recorded radar data. This article describes a method for exploring the detection capabilities of a dedicated short‐range avian radar system used inside the operational Smøla wind‐power plant. The purpose of the testing described was to find the maximum detection range for various sized birds, while controlling for the effects of flight tortuosity, flight orientation relative to the radar and ground clutter. The method was to use a dedicated test target in form of a remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with calibrated radar cross section (RCS), which enabled the design of virtually any test flight pattern within the area of interest. The UAV had a detection probability of 0.5 within a range of 2,340 m from the radar. The detection performance obtained by the RCS ‐calibrated test target (?11 dBm², 0.08 m² RCS ) was then extrapolated to find the corresponding performance of differently sized birds. Detection range depends on system sensitivity, the environment within which the radar is placed and the spatial distribution of birds. The avian radar under study enables continuous monitoring of bird activity within a maximum range up to 2 km dependent on the size of the birds in question. While small bird species may be detected up to 0.5–1 km, larger species may be detected up to 1.5–2 km distance from the radar.     

Simple field method for concentration of viruses from large volumes of water

A pressure spray tank was adapted to supply positive pressure for processing water samples for concentrating viruses with microporous filters under field conditions. This low-cost system allows water to be processed in locations where electric current is not readily available or where light-weight portable equipment is required.     

Synthesis and structural organization of zonular fibers during development and aging.

Zonular fibers are a specific form of extracellular matrix composed mainly of fibrillins. The purpose of this study was to determine which cells secrete fibrillin-1 during development and aging. A specific guinea pig fibrillin-1 mRNA probe was designed and cloned in order to identify fibrillin-secreting cells in guinea pig eye, using in situ hybridization. Immunofluorescence, with a specific guinea pig monoclonal antibody, was used to compare protein levels at different stages from birth to 35 months of age. Electron microscopy and immunolabeling were used to investigate the organization of zonular microfibril bundles. We identified the cells of non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body as the main source of fibrillin secreted into the zonule. Moreover, while mRNA expression decreased during aging, there was no decrease in fibrillin immunoreactivity, as previously described in human aorta. These data indicate a very slow turnover of the zonular microfibrils which can be correlated with the appearance during aging of a new periodic fibrillar structure. This new structure may reflect an increased cross-linking in the long-lived zonular microfibrillar bundles.     

Studies of aquatic insects in the Atna River 1987–2002

River Atna is situated in south-eastern Norway and stretches from approx. 1400 m a.s.l. in the Rondane Mountains, through Lake Atnsjøen, at 701 m a.s.l.; to the confluence with River Glomma at 338 m a.s.l. The catchment area is 1323 km², oligotrophic and very susceptible to acid precipitation. The river water is very poor in nutrients and ions, and pH varies from 5.0 to 7.2. Samples were taken each year from 1987 to 2002 at three to five localities from 1280 to 380 m a.s.l. Insect larvae were collected by Surber sampling and by kick sampling. Malaise traps were used to collect adults of Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Chironomidae and Limoniidae. A total of 16 taxa of Ephemeroptera, 24 taxa of Plecoptera, 39 taxa of Trichoptera, 125 taxa of Chironomidae and 52 taxa of Limoniidae, were identified. Our results from Atna provide some support for a zonation of the river based on zoobenthos. The occurrence and abundance of functional groups among the Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Chironomidae are discussed in relation to the River Continuum Concept (RCC). Our conclusion is that grazers dominate in the zoobenthos in streams in the treeless alpine region in Norway. Natural lakes, which occur in most watercourses in Norway, appear to cause a disturbance in relation to the original RCC concept, as the zoobenthos community in and below the lake outlet is dominated by collectors (filter feeders). The pattern found in the Atna watercourse is probably a general pattern for a northern watercourse in the Holarctic, where the glacial periods created lakes in most watercourses. The results of the long term sampling in Atna are discussed in relation to the practicalities and the cost-benefit of zoobenthos in efficient bio-monitoring in rivers.     

Suitability of Zostera marina populations for transplantation to the Wadden Sea as determined by a mesocosm shading experiment

As part of eelgrass re-establishment efforts in the Wadden Sea, five northwest European eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) populations were studied in a mesocosm filled with Wadden Sea water over a 2-year period. The original habitats of these populations varied with regard to salinity, tidal regime, latitude, substrate type and water nutrient content. The reproductive strategies ranged from semi-annual to perennial. Experimental parameters studied were: planting density (64 and 121 plants m⁻²) and irradiance corresponding to 75%, 89%, 95% and 98% light reduction at the bottom. Three out of five Z. marina populations were successfully transplanted. Planting density, although initially positively correlated, had no effect on final transplantation success. The populations maintained their original reproductive strategy. The reproductive strategy of the donor population did not show a clear correlation with transplantation success. The maximum light reduction tolerated at the bottom was 75%–89%. The populations did not differ in shading tolerance. Assuming a light attenuation coefficient in the Wadden Sea of k=2.0 m⁻¹, this corresponds to a maximum transplantation depth of between 0.45 m and 0.85 m below mean sea level. The differences in transplantation success, and the conservative reproductive strategy of different Z. marina populations, indicate genetic differences and/or low phenotypic plasticity. Moreover, this implies that the characteristics of a donor population must be carefully considered prior to transplantation.     

Effect of different allocation methods on LCA results of products from wild-caught fish and on the use of such results

Purpose  

The purpose of this study has been to investigate the effect of different allocation methods on life cycle assessment (LCA) results of products derived from line-caught cod and the consequences of applying these methods considering the main aims of this case study. These aims were for internal improvement work and communication of results to the market.