Timing of butterfly parasitization of a plant-ant-scale symbiosis

In the Southeast Asian tropics, Arhopala lycaenid butterflies feed on Macaranga ant-plants inhabited by Crematogaster (subgenus Decacrema) ants tending Coccus-scale insects. A recent phylogenetic study showed that (1) the plants and ants have been codiversifying for the past 20-16 million years (Myr), and that (2) the tripartite symbiosis was formed 9-7 Myr ago, when the scale insects became involved in the plant-ant mutualism. To determine when the lycaenids first parasitized the Macaranga tripartite symbiosis, we constructed a molecular phylogeny of the lycaenids that feed on Macaranga by using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data and estimated their divergence times based on the cytochrome oxidase I molecular clock. The minimum age of the lycaenids was estimated by the time-calibrated phylogeny to be 2.05 Myr, about one-tenth the age of the plant-ant association, suggesting that the lycaenids are latecomers that associated themselves with the pre-existing symbiosis of plant, ant, and scale insects.ArticleECOLOGICAL RESEARCH. 27(2):437-443 (2012)journal articl

Bundling of collagen fibrils influences osteocyte network formation during bone modeling

Osteocytes form a cellular network by gap junctions between their cell processes. This network is important since intercellular communication via the network is essential for bone metabolism. However, the factors that influence the formation of this osteocyte network remain unknown. As the early stage of osteocyte network formation occurs on the bone surface, we observed a newly formed trabecular bone surface by orthogonal focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. The embedding late osteoblast processes tended to avoid bundled collagen fibrils and elongate into sparse collagen fibrils. Then, we examined whether the inhibition of bundling of collagen fibrils using a potent lysyl oxidase inhibitor, beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) changed the cellular network of the chick calvaria. The osteocyte shape of the control group was spindle-shape, while that of the BAPN group was sphere-shaped. In addition, the osteocyte processes of the control group were elongated vertically to the long axis of the cell body, whereas the osteocyte processes of the BAPN group were elongated radially. Therefore, it was suggested that the bundling of collagen fibrils influences normal osteocyte network formation during bone modeling

FEM Analysis of Pressure-tight Ceramic Housings with Metal Caps

Date of Conference: 21-24 May 201

Small-sized model for Pressure-tight Ceramic Housings with an Elongated Ceramic Cylinder

We propose a simple design method of a ceramic pressure-tight housing having an extended length of cylinder and metal caps. Ceramics have higher compressive strength and lower specific gravity than typical metals. Moreover, they are free from erosion by seawater. For that reason, we can produce light pressure-tight ceramic housings that have good durability for deep-water applications. The proposed ceramic housings have greater buoyancy than metal housings. We also propose a simpler design method of metal caps. We confirmed its validity through Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and hydraulic pressure tests using small-sized ceramic housings with metal caps.Date of Conference: 10-14 June 201

Ceramic Pressure-Tight Housings for Ocean-Bottom Seismometers Applicable to 11-km Water Depth

Ceramics have some outstanding features that are necessary for pressure-tight housings, such as higher compressive strength, lower specific gravity, and higher resistance against corrosion. One promising application is pressure-tight housings for a free-fall popup ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS). Ceramic pressure-tight housings can provide sufficient strength and buoyancy even at 11-km water depth. Nevertheless, tensile and bending strengths of ceramics are only a fraction of their compressive strength. For metals, they are almost equal. Therefore, common design methods for pressure-tight housings are not directly applicable to ceramic pressure-tight housings. As described herein, we propose a new design method for ceramic pressure-tight housings, particularly a method of reinforcement of through-holes for underwater connectors. We also present detailed data that support the proposed design method

Butterflies collected in and around Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia in Borneo

Data of butterflies collected in Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia in Borneo, and in its surrounding areas since 1996 are presented. In addition, the data of observation for several species witnessed but not caught are also presented. In total, 347 butterfly species are listed with biological information (habitat etc.) when available

Mean changes in outcome measures.

<p>Values are the mean (SD).</p><p>Statistical analyses were carried out using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.</p><p>Statistically significant (**<i>p</i><0.01, ***<i>p</i><0.001).</p><p>YMRS, Young Mania Rating Scale; MADRS, Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; MHPG, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol; HVA, homovanillic acid;</p><p>BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor.</p