Larval fish behavior can be a predictable indicator for the quality of Japanese flounder seedlings for release

In the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a typical shivering behavior in the metamorphosing larvae called the Ω (Ohm)-posture is often observed; it disappears after the transition from the larval to juvenile stage, coinciding with the onset of aggressive behavior. From previous studies, I hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between the Ω-posture and aggressive behavior. A rearing experiment using individual otolith markings by ALC (Alizarin complexone) was conducted. On day 21 after hatching (metamorphosing stage), 200 fish showing Ω-posture (Ω fish) were labeled with ALC and another 200 fish (non-Ω fish) were not labeled before being transferred into the same tank and reared until day 58 (juvenile stage). Reverse sets of 200 otolith-labeled non-Ω fish and 200 otolith-unlabeled Ω fish were reared in the same manner. From behavioral observation of a total of 100 juveniles, I found a social rank with three categories: dominants, intermediates and subordinates, with the body sizes of the former being the largest. There was a positive correlation between Ω-posture and aggressive behavior as was revealed by checking the otolith label. Therefore, the Ω-posture is defined as a precursor behavior of aggression in the metamorphosing stage, indicating that we can predict the aggression of juveniles in this species by their behavior in the metamorphosing stage

エネルギー サクモツ エリアンサス ノ カンソウ ショリ ノ タメ ノ カリトリ ジキ ト マエショリ ノ コウテキ ナ クミアワセ ノ ケントウ

石油枯渇対策や地球温暖化対策の1つとして，バイオエネルギーの利用が関心を集めている。著者らは，食料生産と競合しないセルロース系原料作物として，イネ科のC4型・多年生植物であるエリアンサスに着目し，栽培利用に関する研究を進めている。エリアンサスをプラントに持ち込み，バイオエタノールを製造したりペレット化したりする際，含水率が15％以下であることが求められる。しかし，システム全体のライフサイクルアセスメントの観点からは，乾燥のために多くのエネルギーを利用することは望ましくない。本研究では，定植1年目と2年目のエリアンサスを異なる時期に刈取り，前処理を行ってから通風乾燥機にかけ，含水率の推移を調査した。その結果，12月から3月にかけては刈取り時期が遅いほど含水率が低く，植物体の表面を損傷させる前処理を行うと乾燥が速やかに進み，含水率15％に低下する時間が短いことが明らかとなった。以上の結果から，エリアンサスを原料としてエネルギー利用するためのシステムを最適化するためには，植物体が立枯れした2～3月に刈取り，植物体の表面に傷をつけてから80℃で30～46時間程度乾燥させることが望ましいと考えられる。As a countermeasure for global warming and depletion of fossil fuel, bioenergy has become a focus of attention in the world and also in Japan especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Bioenergy has been required to be derived from cellulosic raw material to avoid possible competition with food production. We have been focusing on Erianthus (Saccharum spp)., a perennial C4 grass, as cellulosic raw material for bioenergy, because it shows high yield performance as well as high tolerance to environmental stresses including poor soil conditions. To make pellets from Erianthus biomass, its water content has to be 15% or less with less energy for drying from the viewpoint of Life Cycle Assessment in the whole system. In this study, we examined the time course of the water content during drying biomass harvested at different times in winter in one- and two-year Erianthus populations. We harvested Erianthus in December, January, February and March, respectively to dry. The water content of Erianthus at standing decreased gradually to reach the lowest in February through March. The less the water content at harvest, the faster the time to be less than 15% water content. The two-year Erianthus effects of four pretreatments （cut into 30 cm increments, air-drying, chopped and injury） were also examined. As a result, only injury of biomass showed significant effects on drying. When harvesting in February through March was followed by injury pretreatment, it took around 30～46 hours at 80 degrees to attain 15% water content, which is the recommendation from the viewpoint of energy utilization in the system

Posttranscriptional regulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression by glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Regulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) has a pathophysiological role in hypertension, atherosclerosis and heart failure. We started from an observation that the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of AT1R mRNA suppressed AT1R translation. Using affinity purification for the separation of 3′-UTR-binding proteins and mass spectrometry for their identification, we describe glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an AT1R 3′-UTR-binding protein. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift analysis with purified GAPDH further demonstrated a direct interaction with the 3′-UTR while GAPDH immunoprecipitation confirmed this interaction with endogenous AT1R mRNA. GAPDH-binding site was mapped to 1–100 of 3′-UTR. GAPDH-bound target mRNAs were identified by expression array hybridization. Analysis of secondary structures shared among GAPDH targets led to the identification of a RNA motif rich in adenines and uracils. Silencing of GAPDH increased the expression of both endogenous and transfected AT1R. Similarly, a decrease in GAPDH expression by H2O2 led to an increased level of AT1R expression. Consistent with GAPDH having a central role in H2O2-mediated AT1R regulation, both the deletion of GAPDH-binding site and GAPDH overexpression attenuated the effect of H2O2 on AT1R mRNA. Taken together, GAPDH is a translational suppressor of AT1R and mediates the effect of H2O2 on AT1R mRNA