Peptide selection by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex

Class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) bind peptides derived from cytoplasmic proteins. Comparison of over 100 such peptides reveals the importance of the carboxy-terminal residue in selective binding. Recent evidence implicates the proteases and transporters of the processing pathway in providing peptides with the correct residues at the carboxyl terminus.     

Evidence of biotic resistance to exotic plant invasion in degraded Bornean forests

Intact tropical forests are generally considered to be resistant to invasions by exotic species, although the shrub Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) is highly invasive in tropical forests outside its native range. Release from natural enemies (e.g., herbivores and pathogens) contributes to C. hirta invasion success where native melastomes are absent, and here we examine the role of enemies when C. hirta co-occurs with native Melastomataceae species and associated herbivores and pathogens. We study 21 forest sites within agricultural landscapes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, recording herbivory rates in C. hirta and related native Melastoma spp. plants along two 100-m transects per site that varied in canopy cover. Overall, we found evidence of enemy release; C. hirta had significantly lower herbivory (median occurrence of herbivory per plant = 79% of leaves per plant; median intensity of herbivory per leaf = 6% of leaf area) than native melastomes (93% and 20%, respectively). Herbivory on C. hirta increased when closer to native Melastoma plants with high herbivory damage, and in more shaded locations, and was associated with fewer reproductive organs on C. hirta. This suggests host-sharing by specialist Melastomataceae herbivores is occurring and may explain why invasion success of C. hirta is lower on Borneo than at locations without related native species present. Thus, natural enemy populations may provide a “biological control service” to suppress invasions of exotic species (i.e., biotic resistance). However, lower herbivory pressures in more open canopy locations may make highly degraded forests within these landscapes more susceptible to invasion.     

Egg attendance and brooding by males of the giant water bugLethocerus medius (Guerin) in the field (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae)

Males of the giant water bug Lethocerus medius(Guerin) typify their monobasic subfamily, the Lethocerinae, in that they do not brood eggs attached to their backs as do males of all members of the subfamily Belostomatinae. Exclusive male parental investment as expressed in the Belostomatinae is extremely rare behavior among animals, and evolution of the trait is obscure. Lethocerus mediusmales apparently remain with their mates through oviposition and are consistently found in attendance of eggs after the female has departed. This behavior may enhance paternity assurance at no cost in opportunity for polygyny. Two double clutches of eggs were found, from which we infer the potential for polygynous matings and shared parental investment. Male L. mediusbrood attended egg clutches above the surface of the water, where they may moisten them, shade them, and defend them against predation. Egg attendance/brooding by L. mediusand other Lethocerusspecies may represent a plesiomorphic state from which paternal back- brooding evolved in the Belostomatinae.     

Mapping of the Glycoprotein 330 (Gp330) Gene to Mouse Chromosome 2

Glycoprotein 330 (Gp330) is a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family that is expressed in the kidney. We have mapped the Gp330 gene to mouse chromosome 2, 4.5 cM proximal to Acra, in an interspecific backcross of (C57BL/6J × Mus spretus) F1 × C57BL/6J.     

Evaluation of Biological and Chemical Treatments for Control of Crown Gall on Young Apple Trees in the Kootenay Valley of British Columbia

Field trials at Creston in 1988, 1989, and 1990 on silty loam soil naturally infested with Agrobacterium tumefaciens showed that Agrobacterium radiobacter strain K84 did not control crown gall on young Antonovka apple trees when apphed as a root-dip treatment. Copper oxychloride applied as a root-dip treatment at 2.5 and 5.0 g ai/1 and sewage sludge applied at 260 g per tree as broadcast were effective in reducing crown gall infection but these treatments were toxic to young apple trees in 1989. Lower rates of copper oxychloride, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g ai/1, and sewage sludge at 130 g per tree, did not control crown gall in the 1990 field trial. The biological treatment with the strain AB8 of Bacillus subtilis applied as a root-dip effectively controlled crown gall and was not phytotoxic to young Antonovka apple trees. These results suggest that strain AB8 of B. subtilis has the potential to control crown gall on young apple trees under field conditions.