The genes coding for human pro alpha 1(IV) collagen and pro alpha 2(IV) collagen are both located at the end of the long arm of chromosome 13.

We have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone containing DNA sequences coding for the noncollagenous carboxy-terminal domain of human pro alpha 2(IV) collagen. Using this cDNA clone in both Southern blot analysis of DNA isolated from human-mouse somatic-cell hybrids and in situ hybridization of normal human metaphase chromosomes, we have demonstrated that the gene coding for human pro alpha 2(IV) collagen is located at 13q33----34, in the same position on chromosome 13 as the pro alpha 1(IV) collagen gene.     

Stationary underwater prey missed by reef herons,Egretta gularis: head position and light refraction at the moment of strike

Summary This paper attempts to verify the importance of spatial positioning of the eyes of reef heronsEgretta gularis schistacea, when coping with light refraction at the air-water interface. The herons' striking of prey, while their approach angle was restricted, was observed. (a) The herons' capture success in the restricted situation was markedly lower than in the unrestricted situation. (b) The points of strike (STR) in unsuccessful strikes differed from those of successful strikes, and from those of the unrestricted situation. (c) The larger the difference between the observed and the predicted ratio of prey depth to apparent prey depth, the higher the probability of missing a prey. These results support predictions of a model presented elsewhere (Katzir and Intrator 1987) that a heron will attempt to reach spatial positions at which prey's real depth and apparent depth are linearly correlated.     

Aggression by the damselfish Dascyllus aruanus L. Towards conspecifics and heterospecifics

Field experiments were conducted to demonstrate species recognition in Dascyllus aruanus. Aggression was used as a criterion for recognition. Free-living fish were presented with live stimuli in a choice situation where visual cues could be isolated from other cues. The stimuli were conspecific and heterospecific fish. Practically all the responses were aggressive. Aggression towards D. aruanus and Dascyllus marginatus was similar in its intensity, and higher than towards Dascyllus trimaculatus. Aggression towards Amphiprion bicinctus was negligible. Elimination of all but visual cues resulted in a decline in attack rate without changing attack preference. The high level of interspecific aggression limits the use of aggression as an indicator of species recognition under the presented experimental situation.     

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of 3′-Deoxy-3′-(4-Substituted-Triazol-1-YL)-5-Methyluridine

An efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of a small library of 3′-deoxy-3′-(4-substituted-triazol-1-yl)-5-methyluridine using Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen–Sharpless–Meldal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 3′-azido-3′-deoxy-5-methyluridine with different alkynes under optimized condition in an overall yields of 76%–92%. Here, the azido precursor compound, i.e., 3′-azido-3′-deoxy-5-methyluridine was chemoenzymatically synthesized from D-xylose in good yield. Some of the alkynes used in cycloaddition reaction were synthesized by the reaction of hydroxycoumarins or naphthols with propargyl bromide in acetone using K₂CO₃in excellent yields. All synthesized compounds were unambiguously identified on the basis of their spectral (IR, ¹H-, ¹³C NMR spectra, and high-resolution mass spectra) data analysis.     

Potential Early Predictors for Outcomes of Experimental Hemorrhagic Shock Induced by Uncontrolled Internal Bleeding in Rats

Uncontrolled hemorrhage, resulting from traumatic injuries, continues to be the leading cause of death in civilian and military environments. Hemorrhagic deaths usually occur within the first 6 hours of admission to hospital; therefore, early prehospital identification of patients who are at risk for developing shock may improve survival. The aims of the current study were: 1. To establish and characterize a unique model of uncontrolled internal hemorrhage induced by massive renal injury (MRI), of different degrees (20-35% unilateral nephrectomy) in rats, 2. To identify early biomarkers those best predict the outcome of severe internal hemorrhage. For this purpose, male Sprague Dawley rats were anesthetized and cannulas were inserted into the trachea and carotid artery. After abdominal laparotomy, the lower pole of the kidney was excised. During 120 minutes, hematocrit, pO₂, pCO₂, base excess, potassium, lactate and glucose were measured from blood samples, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured through arterial tracing. After 120 minutes, blood loss was determined. Statistical prediction models of mortality and amount of blood loss were performed. In this model, the lowest blood loss and mortality rate were observed in the group with 20% nephrectomy. Escalation of the extent of nephrectomy to 25% and 30% significantly increased blood loss and mortality rate. Two phases of hemodynamic and biochemical response to MRI were noticed: the primary phase, occurring during the first 15 minutes after injury, and the secondary phase, beginning 30 minutes after the induction of bleeding. A Significant correlation between early blood loss and mean arterial pressure (MAP) decrements and survival were noted. Our data also indicate that prediction of outcome was attainable in the very early stages of blood loss, over the first 15 minutes after the injury, and that blood loss and MAP were the strongest predictors of mortality.     

Dioxygenase from Aspergillus fumigatus MC8: molecular modelling and in silico studies on enzyme–substrate interactions

Flavoenzymes have been extensively studied for their structural and mechanistic properties because they find potential application as industrial biocatalysts. They are attractive for biocatalysis because of the selectivity, controllability and efficiency of their reactions. Some of these enzymes catalyse the oxidative modification of protein substrates. Among them oxygenases (monoxoygenases and dioxygenases) are of special interest because they are highly entantio as well as regio-selective and can be used for oxyfunctionalisation. Dioxygenase enzymes catalyse oxygenation reactions in which both di-oxygen atoms are incorporated into the product. A dioxygenase enzyme purified from Aspergillus fumigatus MC8 was subjected to protein digestion followed by peptide sequencing. The sequence analysis of the peptide fragments resulted in identifying its match with that of an extracellular dioxygenase sequence from the same species of fungus existing in the protein database. The sequence was submitted to protein homology/analogy recognition engine online server for homology modelling and the 3D structure was predicted. Subsequently, the in silico studies of the enzyme–substrate (protein–ligand) interaction were carried out by using the method of molecular docking simulations wherein the modelled dioxygenase enzyme (protein) was docked with the substrates (ligands), catechin and epicatechin.     

Field efficacy of insect pathogen,botanical, and jasmonic acid for the management of wheat midge Sitodiplosis mosellana and the impact on adult parasitoid Macroglenes penetrans populations in spring wheat

The wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana, is a serious pest of wheat worldwide. In North America, management of S. mosellana in spring wheat relies on the timely application of pesticides, based on midge adults levels caught in pheromone traps or seen via field scouting during wheat heading. In this context, biopesticides can be an effective alternative to pesticides for controlling S. mosellana within an Integrated Pest Management program. A field study using insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana GHA, nematode Steinernema Jeltiae with Barricade polymer gel 1%, pyrethrin, combined formulations of B. bassiana GHA and pyrethrin, Jasmonic acid (JA) and chlorpyrifos (chemical check) was performed to determine to which extent they affect midge larval populations, kernel damage levels, grain yield, and quality, and the impacts on adult parasitoid Macroglenes penetrans populations. The results indicated that biopesticides JA and S. Jeltiae were the most effective in reducing larval populations and kernel damage levels, and produced a higher spring wheat yield when compared to the water control at both study locations (East Valier and North Valier, Montana, USA). Increased test weight in wheat had been recorded with two previous biopesticides at East Valier but not for North Valier, when compared over water control. These results were comparable in efficacy to the chlorpyrifos. This study also suggested that B. bassiana and pyrethrin may work synergistically, as exemplified by lower total larval populations and kernel damage levels when applied together. This study did not demonstrate the effect of any treatments on M. penetrans populations.     

Global distribution and invasion pattern of oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Since the start of the 20th century, many invasive alien species (IAS) have spread rapidly around the world, causing serious threats to economies, societies and the environment. Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important quarantine insect species in many countries that spread around the world over the last century. This review collected information on the distribution of B. dorsalis to explore the patterns of its invasion expansion. We found B. dorsalis to be distributed in 75 countries (comprised of 124 geographical distribution regions: provinces or states) in Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania up to 2017. Asia and Africa were the most represented regions, accounting for 86.3% of the total number of countries. From 1910 to 1990, B. dorsalis was only found in five countries, but in the last three decades, it has experienced a sharp increase in its rate of spread, invading 70 more countries. Global temperature anomaly has significantly positive correlation with the spread of B. dorsalis. The results of this review provide a theoretical basis for understanding and predicting the continued spread of B. dorsalis under global changes.