Fine structure of the spermatozoon of Perinereis macropus (Claparède, 1870) (polychaeta,Nereidae)

The mature spermatozoa of Perinereis macropus were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The spermatozoon is composed with a large anterior part (head), a short middle piece and a long flagellum. The head contains a large acrosomal complex with a convex acrosomal vesicle, a subacrosomal space, a fibrillar crown and an acrosomal rod which penetrates into the nucleus invagination. The later is U shaped (in longitudinal section). The short middle piece contains about nine to eleven mitochondria and a centriole associated with the flagellum. This centriole, slightly eccentric to the sperm axis, anchors to the plasma membrane by nine satellite rays of the pericentriolar complex. The axoneme has a “9 + 2″ arrangement of microtubules. In cross section, the flagellar membrane extends in two lateral protuberances, aligned with the axis formed by the two central microtubules of the axoneme. The spermatozoon of P. macropus conforms to the primitive type with an acrosomal extension. Nevertheless, the acrosome complex ultrastructure shows noticeable modifications from the basic form. This finding agrees with the previously observed reproductive pattern (broadcast spawning – free-swimming larvae), and may be helpful to classify the sperm type of P. macropus.     

The Unusual Mössbauer Spectrum of Beryl

The Mössbauer spectra of several aquamarine samples have been obtained in the temperature range of 4.2–500 K. A common feature observed in all room-temperature spectra is the presence of an asymmetric Fe²⁺ doublet (ΔE _Q～2.7 mm/s, δ～1.1 mm/s), with a very broad low-velocity peak. This asymmetry is not caused by preferred orientation since the spectrum collected under the magic angle did not show any difference in the line intensities, nor is it caused by the superposition of a Fe³⁺ doublet. At 4.2 K the spectrum of a deep-blue beryl could be well fitted with three symmetrical doublets, with the major Fe²⁺ doublet accounting for 87% of the total spectral area. At 14 K the symmetry remains, but at 30 K the low-velocity peak is again broad. Surprisingly, the spectrum at 500 K also shows a broad, but symmetrical doublet, with a clear splitting of the lines indicating the presence of at least two Fe²⁺ components. The room-temperature spectrum obtained after the 500 K run shows the same features as before the heating. A meaningful fit for the room-temperature spectrum, as well as an explanation for the temperature dependence of the Mössbauer spectra, are discussed.     

The concentration quenching and crystallographic sites of Eu2+ in Ca2BO3Cl

A yellow phosphor, Ca2BO3CI：Eu2＋, is prepared by the high-temperature solid-state method. Under the condition of excitation sources ranging from ultraviolet to visible light, efficient yellow emission can be observed. The emission spectrum shows an asymmetrical single intensive band centred at 573 nm, which corresponds to the 4f65dl→4f7 transition of Eu2＋. Eu2＋ ions occupy two types of Ca2＋ sites in the Ca2BO3C1 lattice and form two corresponding emission centres, respectively, which lead to the asymmetrical emission of Eu2＋ in Ca2BO3C1. The emission intensity of Eu2＋ in Ca2BO3C1 is influenced by the Eu2＋ doping concentration. Concentration quenching is discovered, and its mechanism is verified to be a dipole-dipole interaction. The value of the critical transfer distance is calculated to be 2.166 nm, which is in good agreement with the 2.120 nm value derived from the experimental data.     

Fe1+ transient charge state in ZnS: 57Co Mössbauer sources

ZnS: ⁵⁷Co Mössbauer sources emit below 255 K a line attributed to Fe¹⁺ ions in addition to the main Fe²⁺ spectrum. Above this temperature the Fe¹⁺ charge state is either no longer generated, or more probably its life time becomes shorter than the nuclear life time of ⁵⁷Fe (14.4 KeV). Down to 100 K the Fe¹⁺ contribution is present as a single line, and at lower temperatures this line broadens and splits into a doublet with large line widths.     

Cellular organisation of the mature testes and stages of spermiogenesis in Danio rerio (Cyprinidae; Teleostei)--structural and ultrastructural studies

The male gonads of Danio rerio occupy a position typical of the Teleostei species. The structure of the testes corresponds to the anastomosing tubular type with unrestricted spermatogonia and represents a cystic type of spermatogenesis. The results of this study indicate that four distinct stages of cell differentiation can be identified during spermiogenesis. These stages are characterised by chromatin condensation, the development of flagellum, nuclear rotation, the formation of nuclear fossa and the elimination of excess cytoplasm. A round head and the absence of an acrosome characterise the differentiated sperm. The midpiece is short and large, and C-shaped mitochondria form a ring surrounding the initial region of the flagellum. The axoneme shows a 9 + 2 pattern. In the D. rerio spermatozoa the flagellar axis is at an angle of 110° to the nucleus diameter running through the centriole.     

Analysis of Lanthanide-Induced Conformational Change of the C-Terminal Domain on Centrin

Centrin, an EF-hand calcium-binding protein with high homology to calmodulin (CaM), is an essential component of microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). Lanthanide (Ln) ions can improve the stability, increase the amount and enhance the orderliness of microtubules, which are components of cytoskeleton. In order to investigate the structural basis of Ln ions on enhancing orderliness of microtubules, we characterized the binding properties of Ln ions with the isolated C-terminal domain of the Euplotes centrin (C-EoCen). Results suggested that Ln ions may occupy the canonical Ca²⁺ binding sites on C-EoCen with middle affinity. Near- and far-UV CD spectra of C-EoCen displayed pronounced differences before and after additing Ln ions. The asymmetry of microenvironments of Phe on C-EoCen was changed. Using 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6- sulfonate (TNS) as probe, Ln ions induced C-EoCen to undergo conformational changes from closed state to open state, resulting in exposing hydrophobic patches to external environments. Ln ions have more obvious effect on the conformation of centrin than Ca²⁺. The differences found in the interactions of centrin binding with Ln ions/Ca²⁺ maybe provide some insights for structural basis of centrin functions in vivo.     

Ultrastructural analysis of spermiogenesis in the Eastern Fence Lizard,Sceloporus undulatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae)

Studies on reptilian sperm morphology have shown that variation exists at various taxonomic levels but studies on the ontogeny of variation are rare. Sperm development follows a generalized bauplan that includes acrosome development, nuclear condensation and elongation, and flagellar development. However, minute differences can be observed such as the presence/absence of manchette microtubules, structural organization during nuclear condensation, and presence/absence of a nuclear lacuna. The purpose of this investigation was to examine sperm development within the Sceloporus genus. The process begins with the development of an acrosomal complex from Golgi vesicles followed by nuclear condensation and elongation, which results in the presence of a nuclear lacuna. As the acrosomal complex differentiates, flagellar development commences with elongation of the distal centriole. Spermatid development culminates in a mature spermatid with a highly differentiated acrosomal complex, a condensed nucleus with a nuclear lacuna, and a differentiated flagellum. Although the overall developmental pattern is consistent with other squamate species, minute differences are observed, even within the same genus. For example there is variation in the presence/absence of an endoplasmic reticulum complex during acrosome development, presence/absence of a nuclear lacuna, and presence/absence of manchette microtubules within the three species of Sceloporus studied to date. Future studies concerning sperm morphology in closely related species will aid in our understanding of variation in sperm development and may prove to be useful in testing phylogenetic and evolutionary hypotheses.     

Visualization of the flagellar surface of protists by atomic force microscopy

In many cells, motility is mediated by flagellar beating. Protist parasites are capable of highly coordinated motility which contributes to their pathogenicity in mammalian hosts. Understanding the structural aspects of the flagellum may be important to the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Our group used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the ultrastructure of Trypanosoma cruzi, obtaining valuable information on the organisation of the flagellar sub-structure. AFM images revealed novel flagellar components such as the presence of periodically-spaced protrusions organised along a flagellar furrow and oriented through the major flagellar axis between the axoneme and the paraflagellar rod. The nature and functional role of this structure are still unknown, although the hypothesis that the furrow might physically separate the two distinct domains of the flagellar membrane that comprise the surface of the axoneme and the paraflagellar rod (PFR) has been raised. To test whether the furrow was present or not only in PFR-bearing flagella, different protists containing or lacking the PFR, were analysed by AFM. Analysis of T. cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Herpetomonas megaseliae, which present distinct PFRs, showed similar and equivalent furrows along the main axis of their flagella, whereas Crithidia deanei, Giardia lamblia and Tritrichomonas foetus (in which the PFR is reduced or absent) lacked a furrow. Our results strongly suggest that the flagellar furrow is a characteristic feature of PFR-containing flagella and opens new perspectives for its functional role in the definition of sub-domains on the flagellar membrane.     

Ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of Cicadella viridis (Linnaeus) and its bearing on the phylogeny of Auchenorrhyncha

The ultrastructure of mature spermatozoa of the leafhopper Cicadella viridis (Linnaeus) was investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. The spermatozoon is composed of a head containing an acrosome and an elongated nucleus, and a long tail, which consists of a flagellum. The acrosome is conical and invaginated to form a subacrosomal space, and the acrosomal contents are filled with electron-dense tubular substructures. The nucleus is linear and filled with homogeneously condensed chromatin. The centriolar adjunct is parallel to the nucleus and connects the nucleus with the mid-piece/flagellum. The flagellum is formed by a 9+9+2 axoneme, two mitochondrial derivatives and two accessory bodies. The mitochondrial derivatives with an orderly array of peripheral cristae are symmetrical. The accessory bodies are small and slightly elliptical. The end of the axoneme shows progressive loss of microtubules. Comparison of sperm ultrastructure of C. viridis with those of other Auchenorrhyncha families supports the major relationships within Cicadomorpha as (Membracoidea (Cicadoidea, Cercopoidea)).     

Dose rate dependence of first stage coloration of nacl doped with divalent impurities

Abstract

The amount of first stage coloration in NaCl doped with Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ Cd²⁺, or Eu²⁺ has been investigated as a function of the X-irradiation dose rate. It was ascertained that in all cases the amount of first stage coloration is proportional to the square root of X-irradiation dose rate in agreement with the models recently developed by Comins and Carragher and Aguilar et al for F-center produc tion in the alkali halides doped with divalent impurities.     

Quantitative Analysis of Intracellular Calcium and Mitochondrial Kinetic Fluorescence Changes in GSNO-induced Thymocyte Early Apoptosis

A fluorescence microscopy imaging technique was applied to observe the single-cell kinetic changes of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) during the early stage of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)-induced thymocytes apoptosis. The kinetic features of [Ca²⁺]_i and ΔΨ_m were quantitatively analyzed and compared by fitting the fluorescence intensity data. The mathematical parameter, inflection point which indicated the time point when [Ca²⁺]_i or ΔΨ_m changed the most rapidly, was proposed to analyze the fitting curve. The results revealed that the inflection point of [Ca²⁺]_i always appeared prior to that of ΔΨ_m during apoptosis induced by a certain GSNO concentration. Both the [Ca²⁺]_i and ΔΨ_m changed in a GSNO concentration-dependent manner. Another parameter, half-max effect point was also employed and displayed the similar results. Such quantitative analyses of real-time observations at the single-cell level are useful for interpreting the sequence of the biological events operating in GSNO-induced thymocyte apoptosis.     

颗粒物质内部滑动摩擦力的非线性振动现象

实验研究了探测棒竖直穿过圆筒中颗粒物质运动时所受的滑动摩擦阻力.研究发现，厚度为容器直径的0.5到2倍之间，粒径为2 mm的颗粒堆，对探测棒的滑动摩擦力在一个平均水平上随时间作非线性振动.当探测棒以小于2×10^-3 m/s的匀速率上升时，滑动摩擦力平均水平超过初始最大静摩擦力F₀的0.2到0.5倍，变化范围可从F₀到2F₀.频率低于1.35 Hz时，各种频率成分的强度随频率增加按幂函数方式衰减，其主要部分的平均周期T与探测棒运动速率v成反比关系. 关键词： 颗粒物质 滑动摩擦力 非线性振动     

Comparative sperm ultrastructure of three species in Siniperca (Teleostei: Perciformes: Sinipercidae)

Siniperca chuatsi, Siniperca kneri, and Siniperca scherzeri are three of the most economically important sinipercid species. The ultrastructure and morphology of the mature spermatozoa of them are examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sperm consists of an acrosome-less head, a short midpiece and a long flagellum. Ultrastructurally, it has a homogeneously electron-dense nucleus in a granular pattern with nuclear lucent and a nuclear fossa excluding the centriolar complex. One to four mitochondria with lamellar cristae encircle the basal body of the flagellum in the midpiece. The cytoplasm surrounding the centrioles and the cylindric cytoplasmic channel contains glycogen granules and vesicles. Comprising the conventional 9 + 2 axoneme, vesicles and lateral fins, the sperm flagellum is inserted laterally on the nucleus, therefore the spermatozoon is asymmetrical. All of the spermatozoa of the three species are of the primitive or ect-aquasperm form and conform to the teleostean type II spermatozoa instead of the previously supposed type I. Variations in the shape of the heads, angles between the two centrioles, location of the cytoplasmic vesicles, mitochondrial number and structural characteristics of the lateral fins are notable among the three species. S. chuatsi is a sister-group of the other two species and is the most differentiated. The present study provides fresh insights to the comparative spermatology of Siniperca fishes and will be useful to the existing knowledge of the sinipercid fishes in systematic characters, biodiversity conservation and reproduction.     

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermiogenesis in Hypanthidium foveolatum (Alfken, 1930) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Megachilinae)

The morphological aspects of male reproductive tract, spermiogenesis and spermatozoa are typical for each species and reflect its evolution, establishing a unique source of characters, which has been used to help solve phylogenetic problems. In Hypanthidium foveolatum the reproductive tract is composed of the testes comprising 28 testicular tubules, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, accessory glands and an ejaculatory duct. The differentiation of spermatids occurs within cysts of up to 128 germ line cells each one. During the early spermatid phase, the nucleus resembles that of somatic cells. There follows a gradual chromatin condensation with an increase in nuclear electron density. In the spermatozoon, the nucleus contains heterogeneous chromatin with a loose appearance. The acrosome, shaped with the active participation of the Golgi complex, shows an electron-dense perforatorium involved by four electron-lucent acrosomal vesicle projections. The sperm tail presents an axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 2 microtubule pattern and two mitochondrial derivatives, which appear with different sizes. A dense crystalloid is formed initially in the mitochondrial matrix of the large derivative. The mitochondrial derivatives’ differentiation occurs concomitantly with an axoneme outgrowth. The centriolar adjunct is observed near the axoneme, anterior to the smaller mithocondrial derivative and exhibits an approximately triangular shape in cross-sections. Microtubules were observed around the head region and flagellar components during spermiogenesis.     

Mössbauer spectra of gadolinite and aeschynite

The Mössbauer spectra of the Natural gadolinite and aeschynite at 297K and 81K were measured. The Mössbauer spectrum of the gadolinite consists of one Fe³⁺ doublet and two Fe²⁺ doublets, and the multiple Fe²⁺ doublets in the spectrum of the gadolinite were relating to the next nearest neighbour effect. The Mössbauer spectrum of the aeschynite is composed of one Fe³⁺ doublet and one Fe²⁺ doublet, and this result is in agreement with crystal structure determination.     

Spatiotemporal Aspects of Prolactin-Induced Calcium Signaling

We have examined the spatiotemporal aspects of PRL-induced Ca²⁺ signals using high-speed fluo-3 confocal imaging. We found that PRL stimulated Ca²⁺ entry and intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. Ca²⁺ influx was seen as a peripheral increase in [Ca²⁺]_i without amplification in the nucleus region. Intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization was seen as a propagating intracellular calcium wave with a strong amplification in the nuclear region. The amplitude of PRL-induced Ca²⁺ increases would be sufficient to stimulate cell proliferation. Furthermore, PRL induced an increase in [³H]thymidine incorporation. These data suggest that PRL would be able to induce mitogenesis through a Ca²⁺-dependent pathway.     

Relation between magnetic hyperfine field distribution and cation order in natural hedenbergite

Mössbauer and magnetic measurements have been performed at various temperatures between 1.5K and 300K on a natural hedenbergite Ca_0.96 Mg_0.19 Fe_0.82Mn_0.02Si₂O₆. The magnetic measurements are consistent with a ferromagnetic alignment of the Fe²⁺ moments inside each zig-zag M1 chain and antiferromagnetic alignment of the moments of neighbouring chains. Above T_N (Mössbauer)=29±2K, a single quadrupole doublet attributed to Fe²⁺ in the M1 sites is observed. At 4.2K, the Mössbauer spectra can be accounted for by a discrete distribution of six hyperfine field components which can be related to all the possible Fe²⁺?Mg²⁺ configurations up to second cation neighbours surrounding a central⁵⁷Fe²⁺ probe.     

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca2+ signaling and its physiological roles

Changes in the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration regulate numerous cell functions and display diverse spatiotemporal dynamics, which underlie the versatility of Ca²⁺ in cell signaling. In many cell types, an increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration starts locally, propagates within the cell (Ca²⁺ wave) and makes oscillatory changes (Ca²⁺ oscillation). Studies of the intracellular Ca²⁺ release mechanism from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) showed that the Ca²⁺ release mechanism has inherent regenerative properties, which is essential for the generation of Ca²⁺ waves and oscillations. Ca²⁺ may shuttle between the ER and mitochondria, and this appears to be important for pacemaking of Ca²⁺ oscillations. Importantly, Ca²⁺ oscillations are an efficient mechanism in regulating cell functions, having effects supra-proportional to the sum of duration of Ca²⁺ increase. Furthermore, Ca²⁺ signaling mechanism studies have led to the development of a method for specific inhibition of Ca²⁺ signaling, which has been used to identify hitherto unrecognized functions of Ca²⁺ signals.