Bovine intelectins: cDNA sequencing and expression in the bovine intestine

Intelectins (Itlns) are lectins with potential roles in innate immunity, capable of binding bacteria via galactofuranose residues. Itlns also function as intestinal receptors for the antimicrobial glycoprotein lactoferrin (Lf). Since Lf binds strongly to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC), we aimed to determine the expression of Lf receptor in terminal rectum, the site of predilection of EHEC in cattle. We sequenced two bovine intelectins (Itln1 and Itln2) and showed that both were expressed in abomasum and rectum, but expression appeared minimal in the jejunum. There was significantly higher expression of Itln2 in terminal rather than proximal rectum. Lactoferrin was expressed in all samples examined. Thus, we have demonstrated two novel bovine Itlns and shown that they are expressed along with Lf in the gastrointestinal tract, where they may interact with microbial pathogens.     

Dry-washes determine gene flow and genetic diversity in a common desert shrub

Context

In deserts, many plant species exhibit a patchy spatial distribution within a harsh habitat matrix, where the likelihood of propagule dispersal among patches is uncertain, but may be promoted by landscape corridors or dispersal vectors.

Objectives

We examine the connectivity of a representative desert plant species (Acacia (Senegalia) greggii), and the ability of three major factors (animal dispersal agents, water flow along dry-washes, and climate) to facilitate dispersal within four watersheds in the Mojave National Preserve.

Methods

We genotyped 323 individuals sampled across 22 one-hectare sites using ten nuclear microsatellite markers.

Results

A hierarchical AMOVA revealed no significant differentiation among watersheds (F _RT = 0.00, P > 0.10), and very little genetic structure among all sites (F _ST = 0.03, P < 0.001), indicating regional connectivity. Mantel tests indicated distance along dry-washes best explained genetic distance between sites (r = 0.47, P < 0.05) when compared to Euclidean distance (P > 0.05), a distance measure based on rodent dispersal (P > 0.05), and a distance measure avoiding inhospitable climate (P > 0.05). An AIC comparison of generalized linear models found that within site genetic diversity (H _E and allelic richness) and average relatedness were best explained by slope (which increases seed dispersal potential via water flow) and area of the upstream watershed (which determines the number of potential seed donors), rather than plant density or habitat suitability.

Conclusions

Together, these findings indicate that dry-washes are key landscape features that enhance dispersal and regional connectivity in this patchy desert plant.

     

Pest and disease control in blackcurrants and apples by the use of overhead irrigation sprinklers

In field experiments on the effectiveness of overhead irrigation spraying of crop protection chemicals, an oscillating bar sprinkler was compared with hand spraying in post-harvest applications of protective fungicides mancozeb (0.096% a.i.) with zineb (0.022% a.i.) for the control of blackcurrant leaf spot, Pseudopeziza ribis. Twin-jet rotating sprinkler nozzles were compared with conventional automatic spraying of Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees in the application of a malathion emulsion (0.125% a.i.) for the control of apple-grass aphid, Rhopalosiphum insertum and also in applications of pre-blossom dodine emulsion (0.03% a.i.) and post-blossom captan suspension (0.09% a.i.) for control of apple scab, Venturia inaequalis. All applications were made at a nominal rate of 2250 litres/ha (200 gal/acre). On blackcurrants, the hand spraying gave much better control of leaf spot and was shown by fluorescent tracer assessment to give more cover on the lower surfaces of the leaves than the sprinkler. On apple, the rotating sprinklers gave almost as good control of apple-grass aphid and apple scab as the conventional automatic spraying. The malathion deposit levels, determined by g.l.c., on the flower trusses were also comparable, though the liquid volume distribution from the irrigation nozzles was uneven.     

Influence of maternal habitat choice,environment and spatial distribution of juveniles on their propensity for anadromy in a partially anadromous population of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study evaluated the importance of the environment and spatial distribution of juvenile fish for the adoption of alternative migratory tactics in a partially anadromous population of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the Santa Cruz River. We captured young‐of‐the‐year fish along the river during autumn 2009, 2010 and spring 2010 and determined their maternal origin (anadromous vs. resident) using strontium to calcium ratios in the otolith core. Relative proportion of anadromous offspring, modelled with logistic regression, increased towards headwaters and in areas with deeper channels and larger substrate composition. Body length, modelled with linear multiple regression, varied positively with site depth, water velocity, substrate size and anadromous maternal origin. Based on evidence for limited juvenile movements (<25 km), the spatial extent of this study (240 Rkm) and the identification of large, contrasting reaches along the river, it is likely that the observed spatial distribution of juveniles and their association to sites with coarse substrate composition reflects maternal spawning activity. Results further indicate that anadromous females breed predominantly in middle and upper river sections in areas with coarse substrate. Given that body size in this system has been positively related to propensity for anadromy, we propose that female spawning choice affects their offspring's spatial distribution, providing the adequate physical template for anadromous offspring to reach or maintain larger body sizes and display anadromy themselves. Relevance of this study is also discussed in the context of alterations in response to future dam construction in one of the latest free‐flowing rivers sustaining anadromous O. mykiss.