Effects of alkali salts on carbon and nitrogen mineralization of organic matter in soil

Summary In an incubation experiment the mineralization of gulmohur leaves (Delonix regia L.) added to soil was studied at increased levels of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). CO₂ evolution, total mineralization of carbon and humic/fulvic acid carbon ratio increased with increased ESP and the process of nitrification was inhibited completely between 70–92 ESP. The mineralization and losses of nitrogen were equal to control up to 70 ESP but were very high at 92 ESP. The extractable carbon varied from 26% in case of control to 31% at 48.6 ESP.     

Annulate lamellae in hindgut epithelial cells ofIsopoda

Summary Hindgut epithelial cells of the aquatic isopod,Asellus communis, and the terrestrial isopod,Armadillidium vulgare, possess annulate lamellae. The organelle is present in non-dividing cells of intermolt adult organisms. The lamellae exhibit dense pore areas traversed by diaphragms, and the lamellae are associated with elements of endoplasmic reticulum.This research was supported in part by a grant to E. R. Witkus from the Irene Heinz and John La Porte Given Foundation.     

Potent inhibition of microRNA in vivo without degradation

Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are widely used as a tool to functionalize microRNAs (miRNAs). Reduction of miRNA level after ASO inhibition is commonly reported to show efficacy. Whether this is the most relevant endpoint for measuring miRNA inhibition has not been adequately addressed in the field although it has important implications for evaluating miRNA targeting studies. Using a novel approach to quantitate miRNA levels in the presence of excess ASO, we have discovered that the outcome of miRNA inhibition can vary depending on the chemical modification of the ASO. Although some miRNA inhibitors cause a decrease in mature miRNA levels, we have identified a novel 2′-fluoro/2′-methoxyethyl modified ASO motif with dramatically improved in vivo potency which does not. These studies show there are multiple mechanisms of miRNA inhibition by ASOs and that evaluation of secondary endpoints is crucial for interpreting miRNA inhibition studies.     

Feeding and activity patterns of an intertidal beetle

Adults of the staphylinid beetle Thinopinus pictus LeConte live on sand beaches where they are ambush predators of intertidal amphipods Orchestoidea californiana (Brandt). Peak activity for beetles was found to occur near dark each night, whereas peak activity for amphipods varied with the tidal cycle. Consequently, beetles often foraged when amphipods were inactive. Successful capture of amphipods on each night is not critical to beetle survival, however, as beetles fed at 2-day and 4-day intervals had high survival rates in laboratory experiments.Activity patterns differed between male and female beetles. Male beetles fed less, but were active on more nights and for longer periods each night than female beetles. It is suggested that the timing of foraging activity is determined by the need to find mates as well as food.