Sexual contact influences orientation to plant attractant in Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Chemical signals emitted by insects and their hosts are important for sexual communication and host selection. Plant volatiles facilitate the location of suitable hosts for feeding and oviposition, and may moderate responses to sex and aggregation pheromones. While mating has been shown to moderate behavioral responses to pheromones in a number of insects, little is known about the effects of mating on behavioral responses of insects to plant attractants, and even less is known about the mechanisms involved. In this study, mating was shown to decrease behavioral responses of the Colorado potato beetle to a host kairomone within 24 h, and attraction to the kairomone recovers only after 72 h. This decrease in responsiveness also occurs when only contact with the opposite sex is allowed; the effect is not observed with contact among individuals of the same sex. Peripheral olfactory responses to a component of the kairomone correlate with the observed behavioral responses and suggest involvement of antennal receptors in the behavioral change.     

Parasitoid-induced mortality of Araneus omnicolor (Araneae, Araneidae) by Hymenoepimecis sp. (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) in southeastern Brazil

All species included in the Polysphincta genus-group develop as ectophagous parasitoids of active spiders, killing their hosts prior to pupation. However, little information regarding natural history and ovipositing behavior of most species are available. In this study we inspected 85 webs of Araneus omnicolor to evaluate the frequency of parasitism and host size preferences of the wasp Hymenoepimecis sp. We also described the web characteristics of normal and parasitized spiders and the wasp ovipositing behavior. About 41% of the adult females of A. omnicolor inspected were parasitized. The highest incidence of parasitism was observed among relatively small females while no egg or larva was found in large individuals. Araneus omnicolor builds a strong web composed of an orb and barrier threads, where the spider rests within a curled leaf. The parasitoid larva builds its cocoon within this refuge, and modified cocoon webs were not observed. The ovipositing behavior of Hymenoepimecis sp. was very similar to that of Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga parasitizing Leucauge argyra, including the position of the sting, the killing of a previously attached larva, and the expelling of the egg from the base of the ovipositor.     

Quantification of viable bacteria in wastewater treatment plants by using propidium monoazide combined with quantitative PCR (PMA-qPCR)

The detection of viable bacteria in wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) is very important for public health, as WWTPs are a medium with a high potential for waterborne disease transmission. The aim of this study was to use propidium monoazide(PMA) combined with the quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PMA-qPCR) to selectively detect and quantify viable bacteria cells in full-scale WWTPs in China. PMA was added to the concentrated WWTP samples at a final concentration of 100 μmol/L and the samples were incubated in the dark for 5 min, and then lighted for 4 min prior to DNA extraction and qPCR with specific primers for Escherichia coli and Enterococci, respectively. The results showed that PMA treatment removed more than 99% of DNA from non-viable cells in all the WWTP samples, while matrices in sludge samples markedly reduced the effectiveness of PMA treatment. Compared to qPCR, PMA-qPCR results were similar and highly linearly correlated to those obtained by culture assay, indicating that DNA from non-viable cells present in WWTP samples can be eliminated by PMA treatment, and that PMA-qPCR is a reliable method for detection of viable bacteria in environmental samples. This study demonstrated that PMA-qPCR is a rapid and selective detection method for viable bacteria in WWTP samples, and that WWTPs have an obvious function in removing both viable and non-viable bacteria. The results proved that PMA-qPCR is a promising detection method that has a high potential for application as a complementary method to the standard culture-based method in the future.     

Production of laccase by Coriolus versicolor and its application in decolorization of dyestuffs: (Ⅱ) Decolorization of dyes by laccase containing fermentation broth with or without self-immobilized mycelia

The capability of decolorization for commercial dyes by Coriolus versicolur fermentation broth containing laccase with or without immobilized mycelium was evaluated.With cell-free fermentation broth containing laccase,high decolorization ratio was achieved for acid orange 7,but not for the other dyes concerned.The immobilized mycelium was proved to be more efficient than the cell-free system.All the four dyestuffs studied were found being decolourized with certain extent by immobilized mycelium.The repeated-batch decolorization was carried out with satisfactory results.The experimental data showed that the continuous decolorization of wastewater from a printing and dyeing industry was possible by using self-immobilized C.Versicolor.     

Irresistible bouquet of death—how are burying beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae: Nicrophorus) attracted by carcasses

Chemical composition of volatiles emitted from fresh mouse carcasses (laboratory mice, Mus musculus) was studied using solid sample injection technique (solid-phase micro-extraction), two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometric detection and gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection. Electroantennography (EAG) and laboratory olfactometric behavioural observations were used to study the antennal sensitivity to identified infochemicals and their attractiveness for burying beetles Nicrophorus vespillo and Nicrophorus vespilloides (Silphidae: Nicrophorinae). Chemical analysis showed that immediately after death, emitted volatiles did not differ from those emitted by a living organism. However, in the course of time, sulphur-containing chemicals, specifically methanethiol, methyl thiolacetate, dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide and dimethyl trisulphide appear. EAG measurements revealed antennal sensitivity to these compounds. Behavioural tests in laboratory olfactometer showed that dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide and dimethyl trisulphide are highly attractive to both studied species. The data suggest that sulphur-containing chemicals are involved in mediating the fresh carcass attractiveness for N. vespillo and N. vespilloides.     

Discrimination of flicker frequency rates in the reptile tuatara (Sphenodon )

By investigating the mechanisms that underlie the perception of environmental cues, we may begin to understand how the sensory system governs behavioral responses. This is the first empirical study to examine learning and visual sensitivity in a reptile species, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). We established a non-intrusive psychophysical method by employing an instrumental paradigm in order to examine discrimination learning and the ability to distinguish different flicker frequencies in the tuatara. Seventeen tuatara were trained under an operant conditioning task to respond to various discriminative stimuli flickering between 2.65 and 65.09 Hz. Tuatara were able to learn the operant task and discriminate between a constant light and flicker frequency rates between 2.65 and 45.61 Hz, but not at 65.09 Hz. We demonstrated a reliable psychophysical method where these reptiles could learn a basic operant task and discriminate visual stimuli in the form of flicker frequency rates. The tuatara’s ability to perceive flickering light is comparable to that of avian, mammalian, and other reptilian species. This method is thus suitable for more comprehensive examinations of vision and additional sensory abilities in other reptiles. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Interactive effects of ozone and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) on bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Interacting effects of ozone at 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 ppm and powdery mildew infection were studied with respect to the growth, flowering and fruit-setting of bottle gourd, and ozone injury, fungal colonization, conidia size and germination. Intermittent exposure in closed-top chambers to ozone at 0.1 or 0.2 ppm, and infection by Sphaerotheca fulginea, each caused significant suppressions of plant growth, flowering and fruit-setting. Fungal colonization was increased by exposures to 0.05 ppm ozone, but decreased by 0.2 ppm ozone. Less browning and necrosis (symptoms of ozone phytotoxicity) appeared on the leaves of mildew-inoculated plants exposed to ozone at 0.1 and 0.2 ppm. Conidia collected from plants exposed to 0.1 and 0.2 ppm were smaller, contained fewer fibrosin bodies and showed poor germination in-vitro. Fumigations with ozone at 0.05 ppm increased the germination of conidia collected from the exposed plants or of the conidia directly exposed to ozone on glass slides in microgas exposure cabinets. Distortion and wall rupturing of the conidia were induced by exposure to ozone at 0.2 ppm for 12 h. Ozone at 0.05 ppm and S. fuliginea jointly suppressed the root and shoot growth of bottle gourd significantly more than the sum of individual effects (synergistic interaction). The fungus infection partially protected the plants from injury by ozone at 0.2 ppm, and exposure to ozone at 0.2 ppm inhibited fungal development. Antagonistic reductions of damage to bottle gourd growth by simultaneous mildew infection and ozone at 0.2 ppm were observed. The study revealed that powdery mildew infection may become severe on bottle gourd grown in areas polluted with mild level of ozone (0.05 ppm) whereas, at 0.1 ppm O₃ or more, the disease will be suppressed.     

A GFP-based bacterial biosensor with chromosomally integrated sensing cassette for quantitative detection of Hg(II) in environment

A mercury biosensor was constructed by integrating biosensor genetic elements into E. coli JM109 chromosome in a single copy number, using the attP/attB recombination mechanism of λphage. The genetic elements used include a regulatory protein gene (merR) along with operator/promoter (O/P) derived from the mercury resistance operon from pDU1358 plasmid of Serratia marcescens. The expression of reporter gene gfp is also controlled by merR/O/P. Integration of the construct into the chromosome was done to increase the stability and precision of the biosensor. This biosensor could detect Hg(II) ions in the concentration range of 100-1700 nmol/L, and manifest the result as the expression of GFP. The GFP expression was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) for each concentration of inducing Hg(II) ions in the detection range, which reduces the chances of misinterpretation of results. A model using regression method was also derived for the quantification of the concentration of Hg(II) in water samples.     

农田土壤产二甲基硫醚(DMS)细菌的筛选及其特性分析

从农田土壤中筛选到4株能在改性基础培养基上以甲硫氨酸为唯一碳源和氮源生长代谢的产DMS细菌,分别命名为AQ1、BB1、BB2和BB3.通过对其形态特征、生理生化特性及16S rRNA序列分析,确定4株产DMS细菌分别为硝基还原假单胞菌AQ1(Pseudomonas nitroreducens)、恶臭假单胞菌BB1(Pseudomonas putida)、恶臭假单胞菌BB3(Pseudomonas putida)和附着剑菌BB2(Ensifer adhaerens).研究结果表明,BB3菌株产DMS的能力显著高于其它菌株(p0.05),该菌株在温度为35℃,pH为7.0时,产DMS的能力最强;添加淀粉、硝酸钾和氯化铵显著提高了BB3菌株产DMS的能力,而添加葡萄糖和蔗糖显著抑制了该菌株产DMS的能力(p0.05).     

New material of the enigmatic reptile Khurendukhosaurus (Diapsida: Choristodera) from Mongolia

New material of the enigmatic diapsid Khurendukhosaurus is described from the Mongolian type locality, Khuren Dukh, providing additional data on the vertebral column, pelvis, and hind limb. It confirms the choristoderan status of the genus and permits a more detailed phylogenetic analysis that supports a relationship between Khurendukhosaurus and the long-necked Asian Hyphalosauridae. The existence of tall caudal neural spines implies that Khurendukhosaurus was a deep-tailed swimmer. This and the open sacral costocentral sutures suggest a primarily aquatic lifestyle. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Institutional abbreviations  MNHN BL, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; MPC, Mongolian Paleontological Center; PIN, Paleontologicheski Institut, Akademii Nauk, Moscow; HMNS, Hayashibara Museum of Natural Sciences, Okayama, Japan.     

Evidence of earliest human occurrence in Europe: the site of Pirro Nord (Southern Italy)

Some flint lithic artifacts were discovered in the fissure fillings of the well-known Pirro Nord site (Apulia, Southern Italy). The lithic industry, composed by three cores and some flakes, has been found to be associated to an Early Pleistocene vertebrate fossil assemblage. The fossil association contains a wide range of micromammals, including Allophaiomys ruffoi and Episoriculus gibberodon and large mammals including Bison degiulii and Equus altidens together with African elements as the gelada baboon Theropithecus and the saber-toothed cat Megantereon whitei. It defines the latest Villafranchian chronological unit (Pirro Nord Faunal Unit) in the Western European mammal biochronology. The lithic industry of Pirro Nord represents the oldest occurrence of the genus Homo in Europe as it is attributable to a chronological interval between 1.3 and 1.7 Ma. This supports the hypothesis that the genus Homo, with Oldowaian technology, extended its range in Europe, probably from western Asia, during the first half of the Early Pleistocene. The new discovery from Pirro Nord changes the chronology of the first arrival of hominids in Europe and offers new perspectives in the debate about the human dispersal in the Early Pleistocene.     

长期施用氮肥对土壤细菌硝化基因多样性及组成的影响

以中国科学院桃源农业生态试验站水稻长期定位试验为平台(28°55′49.8″N,111°26′25.7″E),运用PCR、克隆文库构建等分子生物学技术研究长期单施氮肥(尿素)对亚硝化基因(amoA和hao)多样性及其群落结构的影响.结果表明,长期单施氮肥使amoA基因多样性降低(Shannon指数减少了11%),而ha...     

Spatial heterogeneity of cyanobacterial communities and genetic variation of Microcystis populations within large, shallow eutrophic lakes (Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, China)

Cyanobacteria, specifically Microcystis, usually form massive blooms in eutrophic freshwater lakes. Cyanobacterial samples were collected from eight sites of both Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu in late summer to determine the diversity and distribution pattern of cyanobacteria and Microcystis in large, shallow, entropic lakes with significant spatial heterogeneity and long-term Microcystis bloom. Molecular methods based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library analysis were used. A similar heterogeneous distribution pattern of cyanobacteria in both lakes was observed. Most parts of these two lakes with high trophic level were dominated by Microcystis. However, in the regions with low trophic levels as well as low concentrations of chlorophyll a, Synechococcus occupied a considerable percentage. Different morphospecies and genotypes dominated the bloom-forming Microcystis populations in these two lakes. Microcystis viridis and Microcystis novacekii were dominant in Lake Chaohu, whereas Microcystis flos-aquae was dominant in Lake Taihu. Only 2 of the13 Microcystis operational taxonomic units were shared between these two lakes. Analysis of molecular variance based on 16S to 23S internal transcribed spacer sequences indicated the significant genetic differentiation of Microcystis between these two lakes (F_st = 0.19, p < 0.001). However, only 19.46% of the genetic variability was explained by the population variation between lakes, whereas most (80.54%) of the genetic variability occurred within the lakes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed no phylogeographic structure of Microcystis population in these two lakes, as illustrated by their cosmopolitan nature. Our results revealed that spatial heterogeneity within lakes has more impact on the cyanobacterial diversity than geographical isolation in a local scale.     

铜绿假单胞菌负载Fe(III)对水中六价铬的生物吸附性能研究

采用原位沉积技术将Fe（Ⅲ）负载于铜绿假单胞菌（Pseudomonas aeruginosa,简称Pa）表面制备了Fe（Ⅲ）与细菌的复合体（Fe-Pa）,研究了Fe-Pa对水溶液中Cr（VI）的吸附特性,探讨了最佳合成条件、Fe-Pa投加量、溶液pH值、时间和Cr（VI）初始浓度等因素对Cr（VI）吸附效果的影响,同时利用SEM、FT-IR、XPS和Zeta电位对Fe-Pa进行表征分析.吸附实验结果显示,Fe（Ⅲ）浓度为600 mg·L^-1、细菌投加量为0.5 g·L^-1制备的Fe-Pa效果最佳;Fe-Pa去除Cr（VI）适宜于酸性条件进行;Fe-Pa对Cr（VI）的吸附速率较快,60 min内可达到吸附平衡,为自发的吸热吸附,且符合准二级动力学和Langmuir等温模型.表征结果表明,Fe（Ⅲ）成功地负载到铜绿假单胞菌上,为吸附Cr（VI）提供更多的活性位点,主要机制为静电吸附作用、络合作用和还原作用.经过4次吸附/再生后,Fe-Pa对Cr（VI）的吸附能力仍在72%以上,表明Fe-Pa具有较好的重复使用性.     

A contact sex pheromone component of the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Analyses of the elytral hydrocarbons from male and female emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, that were freshly emerged vs. sexually mature (>10 days old) revealed a female-specific compound, 9-methyl-pentacosane (9-Me-C₂₅), only present in sexually mature females. This material was synthesized by the Wittig reaction of 2-decanone with (n-hexadecyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide followed by catalytic reduction to yield racemic 9-Me C₂₅, which matched the natural compound by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (retention time and EI mass spectrum). In field bioassays with freeze-killed sexually mature A. planipennis females, feral males spent significantly more time in contact and attempting copulation with unwashed females than with females that had been washed in n-hexane to remove the cuticular lipids. Hexane-washed females to which 9-Me-C₂₅ had been reapplied elicited similar contact time and percentage of time attempting copulation as unwashed females, indicating that 9-methyl-pentacosane is a contact sex pheromone component of A. planipennis. This is the first contact sex pheromone identified in the Buprestidae.     

共培养体系中石莼和江蓠对赤潮异弯藻生长的影响

研究共培养体系中2种大型海藻石莼(Ulva pertusa)和江蓠(Gracilaria lemaneiformis)的鲜组织和培养液滤液对赤潮异弯藻(Heterosigma akashiwo)生长的影响.结果发现:①石莼和江蓠均能明显影响赤潮异弯藻生长,鲜组织的作用更明显,能在短时间内完全灭杀共培养的赤潮异弯藻;石莼对微藻的影响强于江蓠的作用.②除菌作用和补充充足的碳酸盐不能消除或缓解石莼和江蓠对赤潮异弯藻生长的影响,说明细菌和碳限制不是导致大藻对微藻作用的原因.③对共培养体系中硝酸盐和磷酸盐的跟踪测定结果显示,营养盐限制不是造成石莼对赤潮异弯藻影响的原因,但却在江蓠的作用中起重要作用.当向江蓠体系中补充f/2营养盐后发现,充足的营养盐能够减轻但不能完全消除江蓠对赤潮异弯藻生长的影响.另一方面,石莼的起始浓度与其对赤潮异弯藻的生长影响之间存在明显的相关性,石莼的起始浓度越高,对赤潮异弯藻的影响越明显.④实验初步说明,石莼可能通过相生相克作用影响共培养体系中赤潮异弯藻的生长,而相生相克和营养竞争的共同作用是导致江蓠作用的根本原因.     

Dental microwear patterns of extant and extinct Muridae (Rodentia, Mammalia): ecological implications

Extant species of Muridae occupy a wide array of habitats and have diverse dietary habits. Consequently, their dental microwear patterns represent a potential clue to better understand the paleoecology of their extinct relatives, which are abundant in many Old World Neogene localities. In this study, dental microwear is investigated for specimens of 17 extant species of murine and deomyine rodents in order to test the reliability of this method and infer dietary preferences on the fossil species Saïdomys afarensis. This extinct form comes from a mid-Pliocene site (AL 327) located at the Hadar Formation (Ethiopia) known to have delivered many hominid specimens of Australopithecus afarensis. A significant correlation between microwear patterns and diet is detected. Thus, grass, fruit, and insect eaters display, respectively, high amounts of fine scratches, wide scratches, and large pits. Moreover, some aspects of the paleoecology of S. afarensis, including feeding habits, could be assessed in regard to its dental microwear pattern. Indeed, it probably had feeding habits similar to that of living grass eaters. These results concur with the presence of open to woodland areas covered by an herbaceous vegetal layer, including monocotyledons, in the vicinity of this mid-Pliocene locality.     

微丝菌(Microthrix parvicella)原位荧光杂交(FISH)定量过程的条件优化

微丝菌(Microthrix parvicella)是世界范围内诱发活性污泥膨胀现象的主要丝状菌之一,它在活性污泥中准确的原位定量解析对污泥膨胀现象及控制策略研究具有非常重要的意义.由于微丝菌自身的特殊生理生化性质(如表面高疏水性及较厚细胞壁)易导致常规荧光原位杂交(FISH)过程中定量结果偏低.本研究针对FISH过程中存在的探针渗透率低、荧光信号偏弱等现象,从活性污泥样品前处理、杂交过程条件等方面对Microthrix parvicella的FISH定量过程进行了优化.结果表明,在前处理使用溶菌酶(浓度为36 000 U·m L~(-1)),探针浓度为4.5 ng·μL~(-1),杂交时间延长至4 h的条件下,Microthrix parvicella的FISH定量结果可从1.12%提高至96.70%,并与定量PCR(q-PCR)结果和EikelboomJenkins法(镜检观察)定量结果更为趋近一致.     

非热等离子体结合CuO催化剂或Ca(OH)2吸收剂去除氮氧化物

采用非热等离子体结合催化或现场化学吸收的2种方法来去除气流中的NO_x.结果表明,非热等离子体结合催化,反应器内的CuO催化剂能有效地促进NO的还原反应;相对于催化还原NO而言,脉冲电晕作用下能有效地降低NO催化还原的反应温度.当催化剂为CuO,脉冲电压为18kV,反应温度为200℃,还原剂为1%CO及NO进口浓度为719 mg/m³条件下,NO的去除率达到了100%.非热等离子体结合现场化学吸收方法,是一种在常温下从气流中净化氮氧化物的有效方法,NO的去除率远远高于反应器内没有吸收剂的情况.可以认为反应器内的Ca(OH)₂吸收剂通过与NO的氧化产物NO₂或NO₃的吸收反应促进了NO的去除.当反应器内有Ca(OH)₂吸收剂存在时,在脉冲电压为18kV,O₂浓度为2%及NO进口浓度为1 050 mg/m³条件下,NO的去除率达到了100%.     

Intrageneric differences in the four stereoisomers of stenusine in the rove beetle genus, Stenus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

Most species of the rove beetle genus Stenus employ the spreading alkaloid stenusine as an escape mechanism on water surfaces. In the case of danger, they emit stenusine from their pygidial glands, and it propels them over the water very quickly. Stenusine is a chiral molecule with four stereoisomers: (2′R,3R)-, (2′S,3R)-, (2′S,3S)-, and (2′R,3S)-stenusine. The percentile ratio of these four isomers is only known for the most common species of the genus: Stenus comma. With the intention of determining the stereoisomer ratios of five additional species from the two subgenera, Stenus and Hypostenus, we used GC/mass spectrometry measurements with a chiral phase. The results showed that the ratio differs among the genus. These findings can be a basis for chemotaxonomy. It is also possible that the biological function of stenusine, e.g., as antibiotic or fungicide, varies with changing stereoisomer composition.