Expression of taurine transporter in response to hypo-osmotic stress in the mantle of Mediterranean blue mussel

Expression of taurine transporter in response to osmotic stress was investigated at the protein level in the mantle of the Mediterranean blue mussel by using the specific antibody raised against the carboxy-terminal region of the deduced amino acid sequence of mussel taurine transporter. Immunohistochemical observation revealed that taurine transporter was expressed in the mantle and the expression was up-regulated in response to hypo-osmotic stress, while down-regulated in response to hyper-osmotic stress. Western blot analysis revealed major protein bands corresponding to 62 kDa and 65 kDa. In response to hypo-osmotic stress, the 62 kDa band became more intense, while it became less intense when the ambient osmolality was elevated. These results suggested that the 62 kDa taurine transporter would be implicated in hypo-osmotic adaptation.     

Growth of giant tiger prawn, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus monodon</Emphasis> Fabricius,under co-culture with a discarded filamentous seaweed, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chaetomorpha ligustica</Emphasis> (Kützing) Kützing,at an aquarium-scale

Growth of juvenile giant tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, was evaluated at an aquarium-scale in co-culture with a discarded filamentous seaweed, Chaetomorpha ligustica (Kützing) Kützing. Juveniles at different ages in days were examined, designated as J 16, J 44, J 58, J 93 and J 128, where a 1-day-old juvenile (J 1) is equivalent to a 20-day-old post-larva (PL 20)). Juveniles at every age group grazed directly on live C. ligustica, even those fed an artificial shrimp diet to satiation. Mean specific growth rate (SGR: % day⁻¹) was higher in early age juveniles. Compared to mono-culture, significant differences in growth were observed at J 16 (4.44% day⁻¹) and J 44 (1.60% day⁻¹); however, no significant differences were recorded at J 58 (1.16% day⁻¹), J 93 (0.75% day⁻¹) or J 128 (0.45% day⁻¹). It was concluded that co-culture of giant tiger prawn with C. ligustica has a dietary advantage, especially in early age juveniles.     

亚洲栽培稻的核DNA、线粒体DNA和叶绿体DNA籼粳分化的比较研究

本研究对来自１２个国家的７４份亚洲栽培稻进行了核ＤＮＡ,线粒体ＤＮＡ的ＲＦＬＰ分析和叶绿体ＤＮＡ的ＯＲＦ１００的ＰＣＲ分析结果表明参试的７４个栽培稻品种,除ＣＲ１４７的线粒体基因组的类型较为特殊外,其它７３个品种的细胞核基因组,线粒体基因组,叶绿体基因组均可分为籼粳两种类型,可见籼粳分化是栽培稻核ＤＮＡ,ｍｅｔ ＤＮＡ和ｃｐＤＮＡ遗传分化的主流,同一品种３个ＤＮＡ的籼粳属性即有一致的,又有不一致的     

Lack of mutagenicity of fasciolicides

Six fasciolicides, bithionol, bromofenofos, DS-6, nitroxynil, oxyclozanide and tribromsalan, were tested for mutagenicity in theSalmonella reverse mutation test usingS.typhimurium tester strains TA100, TA98, TA153, TA1537 and TA1538 and the micronucleus test in mice. None of the fasciolicides increased the number of revertant colonies in any tester strain in the presence and absence of S9 mix, nor did they induce a significant increase of the micronuclei in erythrocytes. Taking the high correlation between mutagenicity and carcinogenicity into consideration, these results suggest that the fasciolicides tested in this investigation are devoid of carcinogenic action.     

Graphite polyhedral crystals

Polyhedral nano- and microstructures with shapes of faceted needles, rods, rings, barrels, and double-tipped pyramids, which we call graphite polyhedral crystals (GPCs), have been discovered. They were found in pores of glassy carbon. They have nanotube cores and graphite faces, and they can exhibit unusual sevenfold, ninefold, or more complex axial symmetry. Although some are giant radially extended nanotubes, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy suggest GPCs have a degree of perfection higher than in multiwall nanotubes of similar size. The crystals are up to 1 micrometer in cross section and 5 micrometers in length, and they can probably be grown in much larger sizes. Preliminary results suggest a high electrical conductivity, strength, and chemical stability of GPC.     

Effect of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic WBN/Kob rats

The relationship between hypertension and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has recently been reported in clinical research, but it remains unclear whether hypertension is a risk factor for DPN. To investigate the effects of hypertension on DPN, we analyzed morphological features of peripheral nerves in diabetic rats with hypertension. Male WBN/Kob rats were divided into 2 groups: alloxan-induced diabetic rats with deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA-salt) treatment (ADN group) and nondiabetic rats with DOCA-salt treatment (DN group). Sciatic, tibial (motor) and sural (sensory) nerves were subjected to qualitative and quantitative histomorphological analysis. Systolic blood pressure in the two groups exhibited a higher value (>140 mmHg), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Endoneurial blood vessels in both groups presented endothelial hypertrophy and narrowing of the vascular lumen. Electron microscopically, duplication of basal lamina surrounding the endothelium and pericyte of the endoneurial vessels was observed, and this lesion appeared to be more frequent and severe in the ADN group than the DN group. Many nerve fibers of the ADN and DN groups showed an almost normal appearance, whereas morphometrical analysis of the tibial nerve showed a significant shift to smaller fiber and myelin sizes in the ADN group compared with DN group. In sural nerve, the fiber and axon-size significantly shifted to a smaller size in ADN group compared with the DN group. These results suggest that combined diabetes and hypertension could induce mild peripheral nerve lesions with vascular changes.     

Potential utilization of sodium fluoride (NaF) as a biocide in particleboard production

The feasibility of sodium fluoride (NaF) incorporation as a biocide in the manufacture of particleboard was examined. Laboratory-scale particleboards prepared from untreated wood particles were incorporated with NaF powder at target retentions of 1, 1.5 and 3% of the total particle weight. An in-line treatment method was used to introduce the biocide during the blending stage just before adhesive application. Standard static bending and water resistance (water absorption and thickness swelling) tests indicated that embedding of the powder biocide up to the 3% level did not cause any detrimental effects on mechanical and physical properties. The laboratory decay and termite resistance tests showed that even the lower retention levels of 1 and 1.5% NaF were enough to suppress fungal and termite activity and significantly reduce the mass loss and consumption rate values of the specimens when compared to the untreated controls. Spectrophotometric analysis of leachate waters and the mass losses of the leached specimens revealed the tendency of the NaF to be depleted from the composite specimens. Therefore, the tested biocide was found to be appropriate for interior or protected above-ground outdoor exposure conditions.