Molecular cloning of sex hormone-binding globulin cDNA in carp, Cyprinus carpio

Two types of cDNAs encoding carp SHBGs were isolated and characterized. Northern blot analysis showed their mRNAs distributed mainly in liver, and mRNA levels were almost constant during annual reproductive cycle. This result suggests SHBG synthesis is independent of serum steroid concentration.     

Steroid-binding characteristics of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in carp, Cyprinus carpio

In this study, the binding characteristics of SHBG were investigated in carp by the combination of FPLC and steroid ELISA techniques. The results of this study suggest that almost all E₂ was bound to SHBG in the blood.     

Evidence of global chlorophyll d

Although analyses of chlorophyll d (Chl d)-dominated oxygenic photosystems have been conducted since their discovery 12 years ago, Chl d distribution in the environment and quantitative importance for aquatic photosynthesis remain to be investigated. We analyzed the pigment compositions of surface sediments and detected Chl d and its derivatives from diverse aquatic environments. Our data show that the viable habitat for Chl d-producing phototrophs extends across salinities of 0 to 50 practical salinity units and temperatures of 1 degrees to 40 degrees C, suggesting that Chl d production can be ubiquitously observed in aquatic environments that receive near-infrared light. The relative abundances of Chl d derivatives over that of Chl a derivatives in the studied samples are up to 4%, further suggesting that Chl d-based photosynthesis plays a quantitatively important role in the aquatic photosynthesis.     

Butt rot ofChamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endlicher trees caused byPerenniporia subacida in Shikoku district, Japan: Pathogen, distribution of damaged trees in the stand, and soil investigation

The rot ofChamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki) trees was studied in the northern part of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Among 158 hinoki examined, butt rot was found in 28.6, 58.3, and 100% of trees in the 29, 30, and 34-year-old stands, respectively. All trees with butt rot, and 11 trees without it had rotted roots. Thirteen hinoki were peeled byCervus nippon (sika deer) and all of them were infected with butt rot. The maximum height of rot in deer-damaged trees was 2.6 m from the ground level, but was 1.9 m in undamaged trees. About eighty-two percent of rotted trees showed rotted areas of less than 40 cm² on the cross section of stems at the ground level. White mycelia and black flecks sometimes appeared in the rotted wood. Basidiocarps of polyporaceous fungus were often found on felled logs and rotted stumps of hinoki and identified asPerenniporia subacida. Basidiomycetous fungus was isolated frequently from rotted wood of roots and stems, and determined to beP. subacida by comparative study on cultural characteristics. An inoculation experiment and wood-decay test proved that the fungus was the cause of the rot of hinoki. Few absorbing roots of living trees were found in the clayey subsurface soil of the high dry bulk density and the less soil aeration. Some absorbing roots had root rot and the rot spread from the base of the absorbing root to the central part of the woody root. This is the first report on the rot of hinoki caused byP. subacida in Japan.     

Involvement of oxygenase confers higher resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in estuarine resident sand shrimp Crangon uritai than in kuruma prawn Penaeus japonicus and mysid Americamysis bahia

Fisheries Science - Globally, neonicotinoid contamination in aquatic environments, including estuarine areas, is a prevailing environmental concern. The estuarine resident marine crustacean sand...