Formation of a one-dimensional array of oxygen in a microporous metal-organic solid

We report the direct observation of dioxygen molecules physisorbed in the nanochannels of a microporous copper coordination polymer by the MEM (maximum entropy method)/Rietveld method, using in situ high-resolution synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction measurements. The obtained MEM electron density revealed that van der Waals dimers of physisorbed O2 locate in the middle of nanochannels and form a one-dimensional ladder structure aligned to the host channel structure. The observed O-O stretching Raman band and magnetic susceptibilities are characteristic of the confined O2 molecules in one-dimensional nanochannels of CPL-1 (coordination polymer 1 with pillared layer structure).     

QTLs for Sugar Content of Stalk in Sweet Sorghum （Sorghum bicolor L.Moench）

High sugar content of sorghum stalk is an important factor in the sorghum silage production. To identify the genomic regions controlling sugar content and to develop molecular markers linked to sugar content in sweet sorghum, we used an F2：3 segregating population consisting of 207 individuals derived from a cross between a high sugar content inbred line, Early Folger, and a normal inbred line, N32B, for genetic linkage mapping and quantitative trait locus （QTL） analysis. We constructed a genetic linkage map spanning 983.5 cM based on a total of 327 markers comprising 31 restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） markers, 254 amplified fragment length polymorphism （AFLP） markers, and 42 simple sequence repeat （SSR） markers. In the 20 linkage groups detected, 98.2% of markers aligned to the 10 linkage groups of sorghum. Variations in sugar content at different growth stages and among internodes suggested that the sugar content of middle internodes is stable and suitable for measuring at early dough stage. The broad sense heritability （hB0 of sugar content was 0.64 and 0.62 estimated from the data of F3 families and each parent in 2003 and 2004. We identified one and two QTLs accounting for 22.2 to 25.0% of phenotypic variance using simple interval mapping method in 2003 and 2004, respectively. These two QTLs showed a negative additive effect, and over-dominance effect. A QTL on LG-D was detected in both two years. Above results will be help us to understand the genetic mechanism of sugar content in sorghum and the QTL detected in this study might be useful in the improvement of sugar content by marker-assisted selection.     

Phylogenetic analyses of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolated from tomato,lettuce, and Japanese pepper plants in Hyogo Prefecture,Japan

Approximately 30,000 fluorescent bacterial strains isolated from tomato, lettuce, eggplant, Chinese cabbage, and Japanese pepper plants at seven different locations in Hyogo Prefecture, were screened for plant-growth-promoting (PGP) activity to induce disease resistance against bacterial wilt in tomato. The 37 strains that had higher PGP activity were subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses using the sequences of the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD genes. Most of the strains were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens or its close relative, P. putida, while a few strains were grouped with more distantly related bacterial species such as Enterobacter and Stenotrophomonas. The phylogenetic relationships among tomato and lettuce isolates mostly coincided with the source locality and host plants, with a few exceptions. In contrast, isolates from Japanese pepper plants did not form their own cluster but represented several different bacterial species.     

Characterization and distribution of an arginine vasotocin receptor in mouse

A cDNA, which has a high homology with teleost Platichthys flesus [Arg8] vasotocin (AVT) receptor (GenBank: AK033957), was found in mouse genome database. Analyses of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that a cDNA has several features of AVT receptor. We tentatively named it as a mouse vasotocin receptor (MVTR). A two-electrodes voltage clamp technique was applied to characterize the MVTR expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. AVT induced Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents in Xenopus oocytes injected with MVTR cRNA. On the other hand, [Arg8] vasopressin, oxytocin and isotocin did not induce such currents. RT-PCR showed that MVTR mRNA was specifically expressed in the brain. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated significant expression of MVTR mRNA in suprachiasmatic nucleus, arcuate nucleus and medial habenular nucleus of mouse brain. These results suggest that MVTR may mediate a variety of physiological functions in mouse.     

Detection of rickettsial DNA in ixodid ticks recovered from dogs and cats in Japan

DNA from ticks recovered from 1137 dogs and 133 cats from all over Japan were examined for Rickettsia infection by citrate synthase gene (gltA)-based PCR and partial nucleotide sequencing. A total of 91 dog tick samples and 18 cat tick samples showed a single band of the appropriate size in the nested PCR. Sequence analysis was successfully performed on 102 samples. DNA of Rickettsia japonica or closely related Rickettsia spp. strains were detected from 38 ticks in 16 prefectures mainly in western Japan. The other 33, detected from 13 prefectures including Hokkaido and Okinawa, were found to be Rickettsia helvetica or closely related strains. A total of 29 DNA that showed highest homology with Rickettsia akari or closely related strains were detected in 19 prefectures, widespread throughout Japan. Rickettsia canada-like DNA was detected from Haemaphysalis sp. removed from a dog in Fukuoka, and ;Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae'-like DNA was from Ixodes sp. removed from a dog in Hokkaido.     

Isolation of Fusarium sp. from a claw of a dog with onychomycosis

An 8-year-old male Golden Retriever had lameness and claw abnormality in the second digit of the left forelimb. Radiography revealed osteomyelitis in the distal phalanx bone of the affected limb. Microscopic examination of the claw revealed numerous hyphae in the claw matrix. Fungal DNA fragments coding the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) were detected from the claw matrix as well as fungal colonies of the clinical isolates by PCR. Nucleotide sequencing revealed that the amplicons shared > 99% homology with Fusarium sp. Therapy including oral itraconazole resulted in regrowth of a new claw, in which no hyphae were detected. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of canine onychomycosis in which Fusarium sp. was isolated from the affected claw.     

Breed Differences in Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) in Horses

Genetic polymorphisms in genes related to neurotransmitters or hormones affect personality or behavioral traits in many animal species including humans. In domestic animals, the allele frequency of such genes has been reported to be different among breeds and it may account for breed differences in behavior. In this study, we investigated breed differences in horses in the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4), which has been reported to affect horse personality. We collected samples from seven horse breeds including those native to Japan and Korea, and compared the sequence of the DRD4 exon3 region among these breeds. We found that there were two types of polymorphisms (VNTR and SNPs) in the exon3 region, and some of them seemed to be breed-specific. In addition, we found that the allele frequency of G292A, reported to be associated with horse personality, differed greatly between native Japanese horses and Thoroughbred horses. The frequency of the A allele which is associated with low curiosity and high vigilance, was much lower in native Japanese horses (Hokkaido, 0.03; Taishu, 0.08) than in Thoroughbreds (0.62). This difference may account for breed differences in personality or behavioral traits. Further studies of the function of these polymorphisms and their effect on behavior are indicated.     

A proteomic analysis of Nipponia nippon (ID#162)

We investigated the proteome of a female Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon, ID#162) that died on March 10, 2010 at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center. Protein preparations from the brain, trachea, liver, heart, lung, proventriculus, muscular stomach, small intestine, duodenum, ovary and neck muscle were subjected to in‐solution shotgun mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analyses using an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. A search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gallus gallus databases revealed 4253 GI (GenInfo Identifier) numbers with the sum of the same 11 tissues examined in the Crested Ibis. To interpret the obtained proteomics data, it was verified in detail with the data obtained from the brain of the Crested Ibis. It has been reported that drebrin A is specifically expressed in adult chicken brain. In the shotgun proteomic analyses of the Crested Ibis, we identified drebrin A as a brain‐specific protein. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis of the protein preparations from 10 tissues of the Crested Ibis and 150‐day‐old hens using anti‐drebrin antibodies showed intensive expression of approximately 110 kDa polypeptides of drebrin in both brains. We believe firmly that the present data will contribute to initial and fundamental steps toward understanding the Crested Ibis proteome.     

Potential Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment classified as a xanthophyll, found in microalgae and seafood such as salmon, trout, and shrimp. This review focuses on astaxanthin as a bioactive compound and outlines the evidence associated with its potential role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that is responsible for its powerful antioxidant activities by quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals. Astaxanthin has been reported to inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and adiponectin levels in clinical studies. Accumulating evidence suggests that astaxanthin could exert preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) via its potential to improve oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism. In addition to identifying mechanisms of astaxanthin bioactivity by basic research, much more epidemiological and clinical evidence linking reduced CVD risk with dietary astaxanthin intake is needed.     

Early development of the silver catfish Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Pisces:Heptapteridae) from the São Francisco River Basin, Brazil

The silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen , is endemic to North, Central and South America with high aquaculture potential and wide acceptance in the market. Breeder fish were subjected to induced reproduction through hypophysation using a crude common carp pituitary extract. Egg characteristics, oocyte surface ultrastructure and histology of larval ontogenesis until whole yolk resorption were described for the first time for this species. Oocytes and semen were obtained by manual extrusion, and fertilization was conducted using the dry method. After fertilization, eggs were kept in incubators at 24 °C. The embryonic development was monitored using a stereomicroscope every 10 min until hatching. To analyse the larval development, larvae samples were collected from incubators daily until the fifth day, fixed in Bouin's fluid and subjected to routine histological techniques. The oocyte extrusion occurred 8 h after the second hormone dose at 26 °C. The oocytes were spherical, non-adhesive and yellow, with a diameter of 1471.75±47.63 μm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a thin jelly coat covering the zona radiata in the animal pole around the micropyle. The blastopore closure occurred within 8 h after fertilization, and the fertilization rate was 79.9±5.2% at 24 °C. Embryonic development was completed within 25 h 30 min after fertilization. The complete resorption of the yolk and the formation of the digestive system organs and the mouth opening occurred on the fifth day, indicating a need for exogenous feeding. The results of this study provide information important for improvement in R. quelen culture and management.