Intact Histological Characterization of Brain-implanted Microdevices and Surrounding Tissue

Research into the design and utilization of brain-implanted microdevices, such as microelectrode arrays, aims to produce clinically relevant devices that interface chronically with surrounding brain tissue. Tissue surrounding these implants is thought to react to the presence of the devices over time, which includes the formation of an insulating "glial scar" around the devices. However, histological analysis of these tissue changes is typically performed after explanting the device, in a process that can disrupt the morphology of the tissue of interest.Here we demonstrate a protocol in which cortical-implanted devices are collected intact in surrounding rodent brain tissue. We describe how, once perfused with fixative, brains are removed and sliced in such a way as to avoid explanting devices. We outline fluorescent antibody labeling and optical clearing methods useful for producing an informative, yet thick tissue section. Finally, we demonstrate the mounting and imaging of these tissue sections in order to investigate the biological interface around brain-implanted devices.     

草地农业生态系统的碳平衡分析方法

根据草地农业生态系统的结构,它的碳平衡为4个生产层的碳平衡之和,也是3个界面的碳平衡之和,而某一生产层或者某一界面的碳平衡则是其固定、输入、排放和输出的碳之和。草地农业生态系统4个生产层的碳平衡分析方法定量重要生产环节的碳汇与碳源过程,便于草业生产改进碳汇管理;草地农业生态系统3个界面的碳平衡分析方法显示碳源和碳汇的发生机理,及其空间和数量关系,便于调控草业生产组分以增汇减排;但是,这两个方法不易区分碳的来源和去向,难以明确其利用效率。草地农业生态系统碳平衡分析的输入/输出法定量地指示碳的来源和去向,以及碳效率,计算简单,但是较为概括,不利于牧场尺度的草业碳汇管理。以中国祁连山甘肃马鹿牧场和澳大利亚塔斯玛尼亚奶牛牧场为例,用3种方法分析了两个牧场的碳平衡,结果表明,放牧管理的草业系统的主要碳源是休闲旅游、产品加工流通环节产生的温室气体,主要碳汇是草地和土壤中贮存的碳,好的草地管理可以增汇减排。     

不同叶色水稻叶绿体密度及基粒结构的计算机图象分析

水稻叶绿体计算机图象分析表明,随着叶片色级的提高,叶绿体表面积密度、体积密度以及两者的比值都相应增加。深色稻叶基粒堆直径与高度、类囊体垛叠数与类囊体厚度、叶绿素与类胡萝卜素含量、气孔导度与净光合率均大于浅色叶片。深色叶片基粒堆密集,有些基粒类囊体出现沿叶绿体长轴方向排列整齐现象;浅色叶片基粒堆稀疏,其中较大的基粒类囊体与长轴呈倾斜排列。     

Development of a versatile computer integrated control system for bioprocess controls

A general approach is described for the implementation of a networked multi-unit computer integrated control system. The use of data acquisition hardware and graphical programming tools alleviates tedious programming and maintains potency and flexibility. One application of the control system, the control of a mammalian cell perfusion culture based on a key nutrient glucose concentration, was demonstrated. The control system offers customized user interface for all process control parameters and allows the flexibility for continued improvement and implementation of new tailored functions. The temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and glucose level were accurately controlled. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A new approach to biogeographical subdivision

The authors propose a new approach permitting subdivision of a water area into sectors, each including species with a similar biogeographical status. This approach relies on computer methods for construction of maps presenting the spatial distribution of continuous fields. The method is illustrated by data on the nekton from the north-western Sea of Japan. Different modifications of the method and prospects of its further development are discussed.     

Comparative structure of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas

During the establishment of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas, fungal hyphae contact the root surface, form appressoria and initiate the internal colonization phase. Structural changes occur in the cell wall, the cytoplasm and the nucleus as the fungus progresses from a presymbiotic to a symbiotic phase. Nuclei in spores are in G₁ whereas in intraradical hyphae they are in G₁ and G₂. Changes in nuclear organization are evident in various stages in the colonization process. Dramatic changes in both symbionts occur as the nutrient exchange interface is established between arbuscules and root cortical cells. An interfacial matrix, consisting of molecules common to the primary wall of the cortical cell, separates the cortical cell plasma membrane from the fungal cell wall. Ectomycorrhizas are characterized structurally by the presence of a mantle of fungal hyphae enclosing the root and usually an Hartig net of intercellular hyphae characterized by labyrinthine branching. As hyphae contact the root surface, they may respond by increasing their diameter and switching from apical growth to precocious branching. The site of initial contact of hyphae may be either the root cap or the ‘mycorrhiza infection zone’. The mantle varies considerably in structure depending on both the plant and fungus genome. In some ectomycorrhizas, the mantle may be a barrier to apoplastic transport, and in most it may store polyphosphate, glycogen, lipids and perhaps protein.