Sperm removal, ejaculation and their behavioural interaction in male cuttlefish in response to female mating history

The removal of previously stored rival sperm and increased ejaculate expenditure are effective male sperm competition tactics to ensure paternity. We examined both behaviours and their interaction for male cuttlefish, Sepia lycidas, as a strategic investment. Males increased the duration of sperm removal and the number of ejaculations per mating when they were not the last male who had mated with the current partner. These responses would decrease the number of rival sperm and increase the male\u27s own sperm in the fertilization area. Recognition of the female\u27s mating history appeared to result from close mate guarding during successive matings. Moreover, when the last mate of the current partner was different from the current mate, there was a significant negative relationship between sperm removal duration and the number of subsequent ejaculations. This interaction suggests both strategic investment allocation and constraints on each mating investment as possible results of mating interruption by other males and spermatophore depletion, respectively. In addition, larger males with high competitive ability prolonged sperm removal when the last mate of the current partner was different from the current mate, whereas smaller males with relatively larger testes ejaculated more times during a mating. Male S. lycidas might adjust the duration of sperm removal at the risk of failing to achieve ejaculation and allocate their finite ejaculate expenditures based on the results (i.e. the increasing proportion of their own sperm)

シリヤケイカの繁殖行動

The reproductive behavior of the Japanese spineless cuttlefish Sepiella japonica was observed in a tank. The males competed for females before egg-laying and then formed pairs with females. The male then initiated mating by pouncing on the female head, and maintained the male superior head-to-head position during the mating. Before ejaculation, the male moved his right (non-hectocotylized) arm IV under the ventral portion of the female buccal membrane, resulting in the dropping of parts of spermatangia placed there during previous matings. After the sperm removal behavior, the male held spermatophores ejected through his funnel with the base of hectocotylized left arm IV and transferred them to the female buccal area. The spermatophore transfer occurred only once during each mating. The female laid an egg capsule at average intervals of 1.5 min and produced from 36 to more than 408 egg capsules in succession during a single egg-laying bout. Our results also suggested one female produced nearly 200 fertilized eggs without additional mating, implying that the female have potential capacity to store and use active sperm properly. The male continued to guard the spawning female after mating (range=41.8-430.1 min), and repeated matings occurred at an average interval of 70.8 min during the mate guarding. Although the time spent on the sperm removal in S. japonica was shorter than in other sperm-removing cuttlefishes, the shorter sperm removal duration may be compensated by the post-copulatory mate guarding and repeated matings in this species.水槽内でのシリヤケイカSepiella japonicaの繁殖行動を観察した。シリヤケイカの雄は雌が産卵を開始する前に雌をめぐって闘争し,ペアを形成した。ペア雄は雌の頭部に覆い被さる形で交接を始め,雄上位のままで雌雄の頭部が向き合う交接体勢を維持した。雄は自らの精莢を射出する前に,雌の口球周口腹下部で右第IV腕を動かすことによって,過去の交接によってそこに付着させられていた精子塊の一部を落下させた。その精子除去行動後,雄は交接腕である左第IV腕の根元で漏斗から吐き出した精莢をつかみ,雌の口球下部に渡した。この精莢輸送は各交接で1回だけであった。雌は平均1.5分の間隔で産卵基質に卵嚢を1つずつ産みつけ,一連の産卵行動で36から408個以上の卵嚢を産出した。また,本研究では1個体の雌が追加の交接なして200個近くの受精卵を産出することが示され,シリヤケイカの雌は過去の交接によって貯えられた精子を必要な時に受精に使う能力を持つと考えられた。それに対して雄は交接後も産卵雌を他雄からガードし続け(交接後ガード時間の範囲=41.8〜430.1分),そのガード行動中に平均70.8分の間隔で繰り返し交接を行った。シリヤケイカの雄が精子除去に費やす時間は他のコウイカ類のそれらと比べて短かったが,永続的な交接後ガード行動と繰り返し交接が短時間の精子除去から推測された本種の低い精子置換率を補償しているかもしれない

Dual Functions of Yeast tRNA Ligase in the Unfolded Protein Response: Unconventional Cytoplasmic Splicing of HAC1 Pre-mRNA Is Not Sufficient to Release Translational Attenuation

Unconventional cytoplasmic splicing of HAC1 mRNA is essential for the yeast unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR requires translational regulation of unspliced and spliced forms of HAC1 mRNAs. Here we report that tRNA ligase, Rlg1p, which ligates HAC1 exons in its splicing, has another face as a translational regulator of HAC1 mRNA

Lack of effect of bone marrow transplantation on airway hyperresponsiveness in an asthmatic

ABSTRACTBronchial asthma has been recognized as an inflammatory disorder in this past decade. This leads to an assumption that perfect control of inflammatory cells may cure this disease. However, herein we report on an asthmatic whose airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) did not change after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The concentrations of acetylcholine to produce a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s 15 days before and 98 days after BMT were 900 and 480 μg/mL, respectively. Asthma treatment with beclo-methasone dipropionate and theophylline was continued before and after BMT and a conventional supporting therapy for BMT with cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone, followed by oral administration of tacrolimus hydrate alone inhibited graft-versus-host disease. Plasma interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IgE, but not interferon-γ, levels decreased after BMT. Note that the second measurement of airway sensitivity was performed under systemic administration of tacrolimus. The presented case suggests that replacement of bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells is not enough to reverse once-established AHR. Hence, AHR and airway inflammation may develop independently in some part, but both need to be present for asthma to be present in this asthmatic

Cell viabilities and biodegradation rates of DNA/protamine complexes with two different molecular weights of DNA.

Two types of DNA/protamine complexes were prepared from protamine sulfate and 7000 base pair (bp) DNA or original DNA to investigate the effect of the molecular weight of DNA on zeta potential, cell viability, flowability, soft tissue response, and biodegradation rate. The 7000 bp DNA/protamine complex had a negative charge while the original DNA/protamine complex had a positive charge. The cell viabilities (90.4-106.8%) of these complexes were close to each other. The 7000 bp DNA/protamine complex became a softer dough than that of the original DNA/complex when both were kneaded with water. In vivo, the original DNA/protamine complex showed a milder tissue response. The original DNA/protamine complex almost disappeared 30 days after implantation. The 7000 bp DNA/complex disappeared approximately 2 weeks after implantation and areas where samples were implanted became empty. Thereafter, the empty space was gradually replaced by new soft tissues. The original DNA/protamine complex showed low intercalation and groove binding ratios of daunorubicin hydrochloride. Results indicate that high DNA condensation by cationic protamine protected the penetration of degradation enzymes into these complexes. It was found that a high molecular weight of DNA reduced the biodegradation rate and flowability. This study suggests that DNA/protamine complexes could be candidates for biomaterials that control biodegradation rates and flowability.福岡歯科大学2013年

High expression of cancer stem cell markers in cholangiolocellular carcinoma

Purpose Cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC) is an extremely rare malignant liver tumor. It is thought to originate from the ductules and/or canals of Hering, where hepatic stem cells (HpSC) are located, but there are few reports on cancer stem cell markers in CLC. Thus, we evaluated the significance of cancer stem cell markers, including CD133, CD44, and EpCAM, in CLC. Methods The subjects of this study were three patients with CLC and one patient with an intermediate type of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CHC). The cancer cell markers, CK7, CK19, and EMA, were evaluated immunohistochemically. Results Histological examination of the CLC revealed morphologically cholangiolar features and immunohistochemical examination revealed positivity for CD133, CD44, and EpCAM. On the other hand, in the intermediate type of CHC, only CD44 was positive, whereas CD133 and EpCAM were negative. Conclusion CLC may have stronger features derived from HpSCs than an intermediate type of CHC

Genome-wide identification of pistil-specific genes expressed during fruit set initiation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Fruit set involves the developmental transition of an unfertilized quiescent ovary in the pistil into a fruit. While fruit set is known to involve the activation of signals (including various plant hormones) in the ovary, many biological aspects of this process remain elusive. To further expand our understanding of this process, we identified genes that are specifically expressed in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) pistils during fruit set through comprehensive RNA-seq-based transcriptome analysis using 17 different tissues including pistils at six different developmental stages. First, we identified 532 candidate genes that are preferentially expressed in the pistil based on their tissue-specific expression profiles. Next, we compared our RNA-seq data with publically available transcriptome data, further refining the candidate genes that are specifically expressed within the pistil. As a result, 108 pistil-specific genes were identified, including several transcription factor genes that function in reproductive development. We also identified genes encoding hormone-like peptides with a secretion signal and cysteine-rich residues that are conserved among some Solanaceae species, suggesting that peptide hormones may function as signaling molecules during fruit set initiation. This study provides important information about pistil-specific genes, which may play specific roles in regulating pistil development in relation to fruit set

ワカテ ショウニ ゲカイ ノ ECFMG certificate シュトク エノ チョウセン : ベイコク ショウニ ゲカ リンショウ リュウガク オ メザシテ

Recently, many Japanese pediatric surgeons undertake clinical training abroad, especially in the United States of America (USA) which is one of the most attractive country for advanced clinical training. Since the Japanese government introduced a 2-year mandatory residency program in 2004, it has become more and more important for busy Japanese residents to spent time efficiently in order to achieve ECFMG (Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates) certification. ECFMG certification requires residents to pass both Step 1 and 2 of the United States Medical License Examination (USMLE). It is especially difficult to pass step2 CS (Clinical Skills) for many Japanese who are unfamiliar with the English language. For example, one of authors started to study for the USMLE in the 6th grade of the Japanese Medical School (MS4), passed step1 and step2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) during the 2-year mandatory intensive rotating residency program, and passed Step2 CS on the 3rd attempt during the general surgery residency program. This shows that a Japanese examinee can pass the ECFMG certificate even during a busy rotating residency program

Roentgehological Evaluation of the Loss of Pulmonary Vascular Defnitions for the Early Detection of Intefstitial pulmonary Edema and Other Interstitial Pulmonary Diseases

Accumulation of fluid was done in the peri-vascular interstitium of dogs by abundant and rapid saline infusion, and chest roentgenograms and tomograms were taken and the lung was examined histologically. Post-infusion roentgenograms characteristically demonstrated a blurred outline of vascular shadows without observable abnormal densities instead of the sharp outline which appeared in the pre-infusion roentgenograms. This finding may contribute to the early detection of interstitial pulmonary edema because it preceded the Kerley lines and abnormal densities in the lung field. This peri-vascular interstitial condition may be roentgenologically substituted for other kinds of lesions. Thus the loss of vascular definition may lead to the early diagnosis of certain interstitial pulmonary diseases