Sound production in scolytidae:chemostimulus of sonic signal by the douglas-fir beetle

Stridulation by male Dendroctonus pseudotsugae was recorded in response to the natural female attractant (frass) or to three synthetic components of the attractant (frontalin, 3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, and trans-verbenol). This stridulation was acoustically distinct from stress sound and correlated with known attraction behavior. The response of female D. pseudotsugae to male stridulation-negation her attraction-was induced by playback of recorded attractant stridulation but not by that of stress sounds. Acoustic communication must be more important in scolytid behavior than it was heretofore believed to be.     

Neocortex patterning by the secreted signaling molecule FGF8

A classic model proposes that the mammalian neocortex is divided into areas early in neurogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms that generate the area map have been elusive. Here we provide evidence that FGF8 regulates development of the map from a source in the anterior telencephalon. Using electroporation-mediated gene transfer in mouse embryos, we show that augmenting the endogenous anterior FGF8 signal shifts area boundaries posteriorly, reducing the signal shifts them anteriorly, and introducing a posterior source of FGF8 elicits partial area duplications, revealed by ectopic somatosensory barrel fields. These findings support a role for FGF signaling in specifying positional identity in the neocortex.     

Adipsin: a circulating serine protease homolog secreted by adipose tissue and sciatic nerve

Adipsin is a serine protease homolog whose primary structure was predicted from the nucleotide sequence of a differentiation-dependent adipocyte messenger RNA. Immunoblots probed with antisera to synthetic peptides identify two forms of adipsin that are synthesized and secreted by 3T3 adipocytes. These proteins of 44 and 37 kilodaltons are converted to 25.5 kilodaltons by enzymatic deglycosylation. Although adipsin is principally synthesized in adipose tissue, it is also produced by sciatic nerve and is found in the bloodstream. Because of the apparent restriction of adipsin synthesis to tissues highly active in lipid metabolism, its presence in serum, and its modulation in altered metabolic states, this molecule may play a previously unrecognized role in systemic lipid metabolism or energy balance.     

Visfatin: a protein secreted by visceral fat that mimics the effects of insulin

Fat tissue produces a variety of secreted proteins (adipocytokines) with important roles in metabolism. We isolated a newly identified adipocytokine, visfatin, that is highly enriched in the visceral fat of both humans and mice and whose expression level in plasma increases during the development of obesity. Visfatin corresponds to a protein identified previously as pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF), a 52-kilodalton cytokine expressed in lymphocytes. Visfatin exerted insulin-mimetic effects in cultured cells and lowered plasma glucose levels in mice. Mice heterozygous for a targeted mutation in the visfatin gene had modestly higher levels of plasma glucose relative to wild-type littermates. Surprisingly, visfatin binds to and activates the insulin receptor. Further study of visfatin's physiological role may lead to new insights into glucose homeostasis and/or new therapies for metabolic disorders such as diabetes.     

Black soldier fly: A new vista for livestock and poultry manure management

The number of intensive livestock and poultry farms is expected to increase substantially in future because of consumer demand. Unfortunately, such demand also results in a great deal of manure being generated, which threatens the environment if it is not properly managed. Concurrent developments in biotransformation of these wastes with the black soldier fly(BSF), Hermetia illucens(L.)(Diptera: Stratiomydiae), demonstrates such concerns can be abated, while also producing products(e.g., protein, chitin, biodiesel, and fertilizer) of value. In this review, we analyzed the factors influencing black soldier fly larvae(BSFL) conversion processes, the role of microorganisms, and the mechanisms used by BSFL when converting livestock and poultry manure into these valuable products. The effects of BSFL conversion technology on reducing the hazards of such materials and their associated pathogens are reviewed, and the economics of livestock and poultry manure conversion by BSF larvae is discussed.     

Salmonella pathogenesis and processing of secreted effectors by caspase-3

The enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes food poisoning resulting in gastroenteritis. The S. Typhimurium effector Salmonella invasion protein A (SipA) promotes gastroenteritis by functional motifs that trigger either mechanisms of inflammation or bacterial entry. During infection of intestinal epithelial cells, SipA was found to be responsible for the early activation of caspase-3, an enzyme that is required for SipA cleavage at a specific recognition motif that divided the protein into its two functional domains and activated SipA in a manner necessary for pathogenicity. Other caspase-3 cleavage sites identified in S. Typhimurium appeared to be restricted to secreted effector proteins, which indicates that this may be a general strategy used by this pathogen for processing of its secreted effectors.     

模拟酸雨对德保苏铁叶片光合作用及根系分泌有机酸的影响

[目的]研究酸雨胁迫下德保苏铁根系分泌有机酸及叶片光合生理变化特征,为德保苏铁的保护提供参考.[方法]针对德保苏铁分布地(广西德保)的降雨特点,采用喷淋模拟酸雨的方法研究土培德保苏铁的根系分泌有机酸和光合生理的变化特征.[结果]在pH 2.1的模拟酸雨胁迫下,土壤pH值降低,德保苏铁叶片出现枯斑,叶片净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、胞间CO2浓度均受到严重影响;在德保苏铁根系分泌的有机酸中主要检测出草酸,中强度酸雨(pH 4.2和pH 3.1)对德保苏铁根系分泌草酸的影响不大,而强酸雨(pH 2.1)处理可引起根系分泌草酸含量显著增加.[结论]人工模拟酸雨强度达pH 2.1时对德保苏铁叶片造成严重伤害,其光合作用也随之减弱;德保苏铁根系通过分泌更多的有机酸来增加对强酸雨胁迫的适应性和抗逆性.德保苏铁原产地土壤对中轻度酸雨胁迫具有一定的缓冲能力,但当酸雨强度过大时仍会导致其土壤严重酸化.     

Effects of simulated acid rain on photosynthesis of leaves and organic acid secreted by roots of Cycas debaoensis Y.C.Zhong et C.J.Chen

[目的]研究酸雨胁迫下德保苏铁根系分泌有机酸及叶片光合生理变化特征,为德保苏铁的保护提供参考.[方法]针对德保苏铁分布地(广西德保)的降雨特点,采用喷淋模拟酸雨的方法研究土培德保苏铁的根系分泌有机酸和光合生理的变化特征.[结果]在pH 2.1的模拟酸雨胁迫下,土壤pH值降低,德保苏铁叶片出现枯斑,叶片净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、胞间CO2浓度均受到严重影响;在德保苏铁根系分泌的有机酸中主要检测出草酸,中强度酸雨(pH 4.2和pH 3.1)对德保苏铁根系分泌草酸的影响不大,而强酸雨(pH 2.1)处理可引起根系分泌草酸含量显著增加.[结论]人工模拟酸雨强度达pH 2.1时对德保苏铁叶片造成严重伤害,其光合作用也随之减弱;德保苏铁根系通过分泌更多的有机酸来增加对强酸雨胁迫的适应性和抗逆性.德保苏铁原产地土壤对中轻度酸雨胁迫具有一定的缓冲能力,但当酸雨强度过大时仍会导致其土壤严重酸化.     

Identification of the female Japanese beetle sex pheromone: inhibition of male response by an enantiomer

(Z)-5-(1-Decenyl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone, isolated from virgin female Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) attracted males of the species infield bioassays. However, the synthesized racemic mixture of this compound did not attract male Japanese beetles. The Z and E isomers and the saturated analog of both enantiomers of this compound were synthesized stereospecifically. Pure synthetic (R,Z)-5-(1-decenyl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone was competitive with live females and with the pheromone isolated from live females in attracting males. Male response was strongly inhibited by small amounts of the S,Z isomer. Although the E isomer and the saturated analog of the pheromone are present in the material obtained from females, the role of these compounds in mediating the insect's behavior is unclear.     

基于黑水虻转化的畜禽粪便资源化利用研究进展

随着集约化养殖业的快速发展,我国每年会产生约38亿t畜禽粪便,造成了畜禽粪便的累积和环境污染,是构成我国面源污染的主要来源之一。同时我国饲料蛋白原料严重短缺,80%以上依赖进口,年进口价值超过2 000亿元,是全球蛋白原料最大进口国。昆虫可高效转化畜禽粪便,同时消减温室气体排放,并产生优异的虫体蛋白、脂肪和虫沙,实现养分流动循环和畜禽粪便资源化利用。以黑水虻为代表的昆虫生物转化畜禽粪便具有低耗能、低排放及良好社会、生态、经济效益,是治理畜禽粪便污染、解决这一困境的最有潜力的策略之一。近年来,黑水虻转化畜禽粪便产业发展迅速,本文从畜禽养殖带来的环境及资源问题、黑水虻生物转化产生的有益资源利用等方面进行了分析、阐述,并对其未来的发展方向进行了展望,以期为发展黑水虻转化畜禽粪便这一低碳畜牧产业提供借鉴。     

Defensive use of a "fecal shield" by a beetle larva

The larva of Cassida rubiginosa carries a tight packet of cast skins and feces on a fork held over its back. The packet is a maneuverable shield used by the larva to protect itself against attack. It is highly effective in blocking the bite of ants.     

Defensive spray of the bombardier beetle: a biological pulse jet

The defensive spray of the bombardier beetle Stenaptinus insignis is ejected in quick pulses (at about 500 pulses per second) rather than as a continuous stream. The pulsation may be a consequence of intermittency in the explosive chemical process that generates the spray. The ejection system of the beetle shows basic similarity to the pulse jet propulsion mechanism of the German V-1 "buzz" bomb of World War II.     

侧孢芽孢杆菌2-Q-9外泌抑菌物质性质

侧孢芽孢杆菌(Bacillus laterosporus)菌株2-Q-9分泌的抑菌物质能强烈抑制青枯病菌的3个生理小种的正常生长.为了进一步在生产上利用该抑菌物质,就该抑菌物质的性质进行了初步研究.结果表明,该抑菌物质经高温处理后性质稳定;在碱性条件下比酸性条件下稳定;对胰蛋白酶和蛋白酶K不敏感,对胃蛋白酶部分敏感;该抑菌物质可能为蛋白或多肽类物质.     

Thyroid hormone induction of an autocrine growth factor secreted by pituitary tumor cells

Thyroid hormones stimulate the rate of cell division by poorly understood mechanisms. The possibility that thyroid hormones increase cell growth by stimulating secretion of a growth factor was investigated. Thyroid hormones are nearly an absolute requirement for the division of GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor cells plated at low density. Conditioned media from cells grown with or without L-triiodothyronine (T3) were treated with an ion exchange resin to remove T3 and were tested for ability to stimulate the division of GH4C1 cells. Conditioned medium from T3-treated cells was as active as thyroid hormone at promoting GH4C1 cell growth but did not elicit other thyroid hormone responses, induction of growth hormone, and down-regulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptors, as effectively as T3 did. A substance or substances associated with T3-induced growth stimulatory activity migrated at high molecular weight at neutral pH and was different from known growth-promoting hormones induced by T3. The results demonstrate that thyroid hormones stimulate the division of GH4C1 pituitary cells by stimulating the secretion of an autocrine growth factor.     

Bile Acid secreted by male sea lamprey that acts as a sex pheromone

We show that reproductively mature male sea lampreys release a bile acid that acts as a potent sex pheromone, inducing preference and searching behavior in ovulated female lampreys. The secreted bile acid 7alpha,12alpha,24-trihydroxy-5alpha-cholan-3-one 24-sulfate was released in much higher amounts relative to known vertebrate steroid pheromones and may be secreted through the gills. Hence, the male of this fish species signals both its reproductive status and location to females by secreting a pheromone that can act over long distances.     

A heparin-binding growth factor secreted by macrophage-like cells that is related to EGF.

Macrophage-like U-937 cells secrete a 22-kilodalton heparin-binding growth factor that is mitogenic for BALB-3T3 fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. The amino acid sequence predicted from complementary DNA clones indicates that the mitogen is a new member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. This heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) binds to EGF receptors on A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and smooth muscle cells, but is a far more potent mitogen for smooth muscle cells than is EGF. HB-EGF is also expressed in cultured human macrophages and may be involved in macrophage-mediated cellular proliferation.     

抗真菌海洋细菌L_1-9菌株的几种胞外酶活性测定

采用平板透明圈法和比色法研究了分离自连云港海域对多种植物病原真菌具有抗菌作用的海洋细菌L1-9菌株的蛋白酶、葡聚糖酶、纤维素酶和几丁质酶活性。结果表明,海洋细菌L1-9菌株在蛋白质酶、葡聚糖酶鉴别培养基上能形成明显、清晰的透明圈,在纤维素、几丁质鉴别培养基上形成的透明圈较弱。用不同的产酶培养基对L1-9菌株进行发酵培养,比色法分别测定4种酶的活性,结果表明,海洋细菌L1-9菌株的蛋白酶活性较高,培养44h活性最高,可达551.65U/mL;葡聚糖酶活性培养40 h最高,为243.54U/mL;纤维素酶活性16 h达到最高,为80.53U/mL;几丁质酶活性培养28 h时达到最高,为50.38U/mL。     

引诱剂和川硬皮肿腿蜂对单丛古茶区天牛的防控效果

【目的】明确引诱剂和川硬皮肿腿蜂对单丛古茶区天牛的防治效果,为广东省潮州市凤凰山单丛古茶区天牛的生物防控提供技术支持。【方法】采用引诱剂诱捕的方法研究ZM-80型诱捕器不同悬挂高度对天牛诱捕效果的影响;利用天牛诱捕器研究F-8、APF-Ⅰ （普通型、持久型、加强型）、蜜糖水、CY-1和CY-2引诱剂对天牛的诱捕效果;采用田间释放法评价川硬皮肿腿蜂不同释放量和释放时间对天牛幼虫的防治效果,并进行川硬皮肿腿蜂区域化防控效果试验。【结果】诱捕效果试验结果表明,诱捕器悬挂高度2 m（高于树冠）诱捕到的天牛总数为13.25头/诱捕器,而悬挂高度1 m （树冠以下）诱捕到的天牛总数仅为2.15头/诱捕器,两者间差异显著（P<0.05）; APF-Ⅰ加强型和CY-1引诱剂对多种天牛均有较好的诱捕效果,诱捕总数分别为19.40和18.35头/诱捕器,两者间差异不显著（P>0.05）;川硬皮肿腿蜂防治效果试验结果表明,释放川硬皮肿腿蜂对单丛古茶区天牛幼虫有较好的控制作用,其中9和10月分别释放30000头/ha川硬皮肿腿蜂1次的效果最好,放蜂30和60 d后的防效分别为63.62%和68.72%。川硬皮肿腿蜂区域化防控试验结果表明,其平均防效为55.03%。【结论】利用APF-Ⅰ加强型或CY-1引诱剂,配合ZM-80型天牛诱捕器悬挂高度高于树冠,对天牛的诱捕效果较好; 9和10月分别按照30000头/ha各释放川硬皮肿腿蜂1次,能有效控制潮州凤凰山区单丛古茶园天牛危害。