New morphological data on fat bodies of semi-engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae)

The present ultramorphological, histological and ultrastructural study on the fat body of semi-engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense revealed that this tissue is diffuse and consists of strands of cells surrounding the tracheal trunks. Morphometric analysis showed that the cellular and nuclear areas of round-shaped trophocytes are larger than those of cuboidal trophocytes, indicating that the arrangement of the former provides more contact area with the haemolymph. In this species, the fat body is found right underneath the integument and around organs. It consists of two cell types that despite distinct morphological characteristics and locations in the tissue, present the same histological features. In this study, these cells were termed cuboidal trophocytes when arranged as strands of cells and present in larger numbers, and round-shaped trophocytes when lying on these strands and observed in fewer numbers. Histological observations revealed that both types of trophocytes have one nucleus in their cytoplasm and also exhibit numerous vacuoles of different sizes and contents. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the organelles more frequently observed were the vesicular and lamellar rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria with tubular crests, indicating that they might be involved in lipid synthesis. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum was not observed. Cuboidal trophocytes arranged in strands, despite being closely associated, do not exhibit fused plasma membranes. Rather, the fusion of basal lamina of two neighboring cells is occasionally observed, acting as a selective permeability barrier. Here, a new terminology for tick fat body is proposed. It is based on fat body location (parietal, when located right underneath the integument instead of peripheral; and perivisceral, when located around organs instead of central) terminologies previously suggest by Obenchain and Oliver and for the cells constituting them, cuboidal trophocytes when arranged as strands, and round-shaped trophocytes when lying on these strands. Nephrocytes were not observed in semi-engorged females of A. cajennense.     

Morphological alterations in salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to neem seed oil with known azadirachtin concentration

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide due to its repellent properties and recognized effects on the morphology and physiology of arthropods, including ticks. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the effects of neem seed oil enriched with azadirachtin on salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, targets of great veterinary interest because of their ability to transmit pathogens to dogs. For this, R. sanguineus semi-engorged females were subjected to treatment with neem seed oil, with known azadirachtin concentrations (200, 400 and 600 ppm). After dissection, salivary glands were collected and evaluated through morphological techniques in light microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, so that the possible relation between neem action and further impairment in these ectoparasites feed performance could be established. Neem oil demonstrated a clear dose-dependent effect in the analyzed samples. The agranular (type I) and granular acini (types II and III) showed, particularly in individuals treated with the highest concentrations of the product, cells with irregular shape, intense cytoplasmic disorganization and vacuolation, dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum lumen, besides alterations in mitochondrial intermembrane space. These morphological damages may indicate modifications in salivary glands physiology, demonstrating the harmful effects of compounds present in neem oil on ticks. These results reinforce the potential of neem as an alternative method for controlling R. sanguineus ticks, instead of synthetic acaricides.     

Ultrastructure of the Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) midgut

The insect midgut has ultimately been the focus of researches tempting to control insect pests because alterations in the insect gut may affect not only its development, but also physiological events such as nutrient absorption and transformation. The objective of the present work was to describe morphologically, histochemically, and ultrastructurally the larva midgut of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a cotton key pest in Brazil. Light and electronic transmission microscopy was used to obtain images from midgut sections of late fourth-instar larvae of A. argillacea. In general, the morphology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure characteristics of A. argillacea midgut follow that described in the literature for other lepidopteran species. However, the results showed a mitochondrial polymorphism and branched microvilli, which suggest an ultrastrucutural and physiological modification possibly associated with a high absorption and secretion activity by the columnar cells of this species. This intense activity may favor a faster response related to the action of ingested microbial agents and/or toxins, and can explain the high susceptibility of A. argillacea to the agents of control such as the toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis.     

The midgut of Cephalotes ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae): Ultrastructure of the epithelium and symbiotic bacteria

The ultrastructural analysis of the midgut of Cephalotes atratus, C. clypeatus, and C. pusillus reveled that the midgut epithelium lays on a basal lamina and is composed basically of three cell types: digestive cells, regenerative cells, and goblet cells. In these ants, the rough endoplasmic reticulum, in addition to producing digestive enzymes, is involved in the formation of concretions and ion storage in specialized vacuoles present in the midgut. These concretions are spherocrystals and may contribute to stabilize the pH and to maintain symbiotic bacteria found between microvilli. The ultrastructure analysis of these bacteria revealed the presence of a double envelope typical of gram-negative bacteria. For the three species examined, the ultrastructure similarities are conspicuous, suggesting that this may be the pattern for the genus Cephalotes. Details of the relationship between bacteria and microvilli were examined.     

Morphological, histological, and ultrastructural characterization of degenerating salivary glands in females of the cattle-tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (CANESTRINI, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae)

The present study describes the morphology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of semi-engorged females of the southern cattle-tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The acini that compose these glands, at that specific feeding stage, show cells featuring degenerative process of the salivary glands, such as: vacuolated cytoplasm, condensed chromatin, fragmented nuclei, and presence of apoptotic bodies. In addition, the presence of microorganisms was detected, with morphology typical of protozoa, inside these organs.     

Ultrastructure of the female reproductive apparatus of the egg parasitoid Gryon pennsylvanicum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera,Platygastridae)

The growing interest in Leptoglossus occidentalis, the conifer seed bug pest accidentally introduced into Europe in the 1990s, led us to investigate the female reproductive structures of the hymenopteran platygastrid Gryon pennsylvanicum, which is its candidate antagonist for biological control programmes. Our study revealed a genital apparatus with some characteristic features, such as an unusual length of the oviduct (divided into a long proximal and a short distal tract), the absence of accessory glands and the presence of a spermatheca provided with a small spermathecal gland. The ultrastructural investigation revealed that the shorter part of the common oviduct is involved in ion uptake whereas the longer part has two cell types with secretory function: the former with dense bodies and the latter with granular particles. The secretory contents of both are released into the oviduct lumen. The granular particles are formed in a complex of modified endoplasmic reticulum and appear as virus-like particles.     

Cytoplasmic RNA and nuclear changes detected cytochemically during the degeneration of salivary glands of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari, Ixodidae)

The present study reports cytochemistry data about salivary glands of females (unfed, engorged, and at day three post-engorgement) and males (unfed, at day seven post-attachment, and at days three and seven post-detachment from the host) of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The results revealed nuclear changes in engorged females and at day three post-engorgement, and in males in all stages (except unfed). These changes were more prominent in females. Cytoplasmic changes were also observed in cells of all acini of males and females. In types II and III acini of engorged females, nuclear changes were observed in the shape (irregular, with blebs, fragmenting or fragmented), size (enlarged or reduced), and arrangement and condensation level of chromatin (marginal or as blebs). Changes were also detected in nucleoli, regarding their shape (fragmenting or fragmented), size (enlarged), and location (central, marginal or as blebs). Some nucleoli were also compacted or disorganized. In females at day three pos-engorgement, all acini exhibited similar changes to those observed in engorged females. RNA staining was stronger in cells of engorged females than those at day three post-engorgement. In males at day seven post-attachment, cells of types II, III, IV acini presented changes in the size of the nucleus and condensation level of chromatin similar to those of females. The shape of the nucleus was round, irregular or undergoing fragmentation, and the chromatin was located at the margin or throughout the nucleus. The changes in the nucleolus were similar to those of females, regarding size and organization, although round-shaped and in the central location. In males at day three post-detachment, cells of all acini exhibited nuclear changes similar to those of males at day seven post-attachment, in addition to the fragmentation of the nucleolus. At day seven post-detachment, changes were detected in all acini similar to the observed in males at day seven post-attachment. Regarding cytoplasmic RNA, staining was prominent in males at day seven post-attachment and weak in those at day seven post-detachment from the host. In females as well as males, different RNA staining patterns in the cytoplasm and nuclear changes characterized apoptotic cell death.     

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa in Centris Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Centridini)

The genera Centris and Epicharis constitute the Centridini and are widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Centris is also found in the southern portion of the Neartic region, although both genera are more abundant in the humid tropical regions. To describe the structure of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa, light and transmission electron microscopy were used. The male reproductive system of Centris sp. is formed by a pair of testes, a pair of deferent ducts, a pair of seminal vesicles, a pair of accessory glands and an ejaculatory duct connected to the external genitalia, the aedeagus. In this species, testes and the pre-vesicular deferens ducts as well as the seminal vesicles are encapsulated in a single conjunctive capsule, the scrotal membrane. Each testis consists of four testicular follicles, made up of cysts with up to 64 germinative cells. Histologically, the seminal vesicles are formed by a simple cylindrical epithelium, basal membrane and muscular tunic. The spermatozoa of Centris analis, C. fuscata, C. tarsata and Centris sp. are morphologically similar. They have two easily distinguishable regions: the head and flagellum. The head is formed by the two-layer acrosome, the linear nucleus and the flagellum, the centriole adjunct, the axoneme of pattern 9+9+2 microtubules, two asymmetric mitochondrial derivatives and two accessory bodies. These Centris species share various morphological characteristics of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa with the other bees previously described, indicating that several characteristics are synapomorphic for the family Apidae. Studies on the morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa in Hymenoptera have demonstrated the diversity of the information provided by these reproductive structures, which can be used in taxonomy studies and the phylogeny of this important group of insects.     

Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in the white-lined broad-nosed bat, Platyrrhinus lineatus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Spermatogenesis, the remarkable process of morphological and biochemical transformation and cell division of diploid stem cells into haploid elongated spermatozoa, is one of the most complex cell differentiations found in animals. This differentiation process has attracted extensive studies, not only because the process involves many radical changes in the cell shape and biochemistry, but also because the phases and steps of differentiation have provided a better basis for analyzing the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Thus, this study aimed to characterize ultrastructurally the spermatogenesis process in the bat Platyrrhinus lineatus in order to provide a basis for determining the stages of spermatogenesis and to facilitate comparisons of the process between bat species and other vertebrates. Based on ultrastructural characteristics three main types of spermatogonia could be accurately identified: A(d), A(p) and B; the differentiation of spermatids was clearly divided into 12 steps (steps 1-3: Golgi phase, steps 4-5: cap phase, steps 6-9: acrosomal phase and steps 10-12: maturation phase). The ultrastructure of spermatozoa, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells was characterized; and some processes including nucleolar disorganization and the formation of synaptonemal complexes, acrosome and chromatoid body were discussed. Based on our results we may conclude that the spermatogenic process of P. lineatus follows the pattern of mammals with some specificity, as the process of formation of the acrosome and the presence of the perfuratorium. By other side, the simpler ultrastructure of its spermatozoon shows a pattern more closely related to the sperm cells of humans and other primates.     

Ultrastructure and morphometry of the egg of Psorophora albigenu Lutz, 1908 (Diptera: Culicidae)

Eggs of Psorophora albigenu were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Eggs were laid singly and were black and elliptical in outline. A length of approximately 586.4 ± 10.83 μm, a width of 172.3 ± 8.09 μm (n=30), and an egg index (length/width ratio) of 3.33 were observed. The anterior extremity tapered abruptly from a width of 64.9 μm, while such tapering was more gradual at the posterior extremity from a width of 77.4 μm. The ventral surface of the chorionic coating presented cells with tubular aspect containing tubercles in rows with a density of 9-16 tubercles per cell. These tubercles presented two different sizes, with the largest measuring 7.87 ± 01.58 μm and the smallest measuring 0.71 ± 0.53 μm (n=30) in longitudinal diameter. The micropyle orifice was very evident, with a diameter of 3.36 μm. The morphometric characteristics of Ps. albigenu obtained in this study were distinct from those of other species of the Psorophora genus, including Psorophora varipes which has been considered for a long time to be synonymous with Ps. albigenu.     

Scanning electron microscopy of foreleg tarsal sense organs of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer) (Acari:Dermanyssidae)

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer), showed that the tip of the foreleg tarsus of both sexes and early instar stages (larvae, protonymph and deutonymph) bears a cluster of 10 blunt peg-type sensillae. Diversity in size, shape and surface features of the wall of these sensillae characterize the sensilla complex (sensory field). Two short setae (1 and 2) with smooth walls lack detectable pores, whereas three medium-sized setae (4, 5 and 8) bear pores in the wall. Four medium or long setae (3, 6, 7 and 9) have longitudinal grooves or ribs in the wall, whilst one seta (10) possesses both pores and grooves in the wall. Based on the morphology, it is suggested that the porous setae could be olfactory receptors, and the grooved setae could be mechanoreceptors.     

Morpho-functional characterization and esterase patterns of the midgut of Tribolium castaneum Herbst, 1797 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) parasitized by Gregarina cuneata (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinidae)

Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a common pest of stored grains and byproducts and is normally infected by Gregarina cuneata (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinidae). The life cycle of this parasite includes the sporozoite, trophozoite, gamont, gametocyte, and oocyst stages, which occur between the epithelium and lumen of the host's midgut. This study aims to describe the morphofunctional alterations in the midgut and determine the esterase patterns in T. castaneum when parasitized by gregarines. To achieve this purpose, midguts of adult insects were isolated, processed, and analysed using light and electron microscopy. We determined total protein content, amylase activity, and the expression and related activities of the esterases by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The midgut of T. castaneum is formed by digestive, regenerative, and endocrine cells. The effects of parasitism on the digestive cells are severe, because the gregarines remain attached to these cells to absorb all the nutrients they need throughout their development. In these cells, the most common alterations observed include expansion and fragmentation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, development of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, changes in mitochondrial cristae, cytoplasmic vacuolization, formation of myelin structures, spherites, large intercellular spaces, autophagic vesicles, expansion of the basal labyrinth, and cytoplasmic protrusions. Deposits of glycogen granules were also observed. Amylase activity was reduced in parasitized insects. Regenerative cells were found in disorganized crypts and did not differentiate into new cells, thus, compromising the restoration of the damaged epithelium. Though few morphological alterations were observed in the endocrine cells, results suggest that the synthesis and/or release of hormones might be impaired. Nine esterases (EST-1 to 9) were identified in the midgut of T. castaneum and were expressed in varying levels in response to parasitism. Two additional isoforms of esterases were exclusively identified in the parasitized insects. The results of this study suggest that gregarines alter the morphology and physiology of the midgut. The changes may result in nutritional depletion and the impairment of other physiological processes, such as reproduction and development of the host. Thus, further studies are needed to uncover the possibility of utilizing gregarines as biological controllers of the insect pest population.     

Ab Initio computer simulation of the early stages of crystallization: application to Ge(2)Sb(2)Te(5) phase-change materials

By virtue of the ultrashort phase-transition time of phase-change memory materials, e.g., Ge(2)Sb(2)Te(5), we successfully reproduce the early stages of crystallization in such a material using ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. A stochastic distribution in the crystallization onset time is found, as generally assumed in classical nucleation theory. The critical crystal nucleus is estimated to comprise 5-10 (Ge,Sb)(4)Te(4) cubes. Simulated growth rates of crystalline clusters in amorphous Ge(2)Sb(2)Te(5) are consistent with extrapolated experimental measurements. The formation of ordered planar structures in the amorphous phase plays a critical role in lowering the interfacial energy between crystalline clusters and the amorphous phase, which explains why Ge-Sb-Te materials exhibit ultrafast crystallization.     

Comparative morphology of early stages of two Mediterranean Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826 (Diptera; Sarcophagidae) and a review of the feeding habits of Palaearctic species

The third instar larva of Sarcophaga hirticrus Pandellé, 1896 and Sarcophaga javita (Peris, González-Mora and Mingo, 1998) are described and figured for the first. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been demonstrated as an effective tool for determining differences at the specific level, and is here applied. The two species are distinguished from other Sarcophaga spp. and the principal diagnostic character states are illustrated and discussed. Comparative information on immature stages morphology of the described Palaearctic Sarcophaga species and its feeding habits are compiled and provided in a tabulated form.     

Ultrastructure of the sensilla on larval antennae and mouthparts in the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae)

The ultrastructure of the sensilla on the larval antennae and mouthparts of the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii Matsumura, were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. On each three-segmented antenna, the basal scape is devoid of sensilla, the pedicel possesses two sensilla chaetica and three sensilla basiconica, and the terminal flagellum carries distally one sensillum styloconicum and three sensilla basiconica. The labrum bears six pairs of sensilla chaetica; the epipharynx carries two pairs of small epipharyngeal sensilla, three pairs of flattened sensilla chaetica, and a pair of broad sensillum digitiformium. Each dentate mandible carries two sensilla chaetica basally on its outer face. On the maxillae, the cardo and stipes each carry a sensillum chaeticum distally; each galea has three elongate flattened sensilla basiconica, two short sensilla chaetica, and two large sensilla styloconica. The distal segment of the maxillary palp possesses distally seven sensilla basiconica and one sensillum styloconicum, and laterally one sensillum digitiformium and one sensillum placodeum. Each labial palp bears distally a short cone-shaped sensillum chaeticum and an elongate slender sensillum styloconicum. The possible functions of these sensilla in the feeding process are briefly discussed.     

The female gonad of the epizoic platyhelminth Troglocaridicola sp. (Rhabdocoela, Temnocephalida, Scutariellidae): ultrastructural and cytochemical investigations

The cytoarchitecture of the female gonad of the scutariellid Troglocaridicola sp. has been investigated by means of electron microscopy and cytochemical techniques. It consists of a single germarium and two rows of vitelline follicles, both enveloped by an outer extracellular lamina (EL) and an inner cellular tunica constituted by accessory cells. Some ultrastructural features which differ from the basic pattern of all the other Rhabdocoela studied so far have been found. In the germarium the following are observed: (a) The presence in the oocytes of peripheral translucent vesicles containing glycoproteins, which differ in diameter and substructure from the peripheral egg granules observed in all the other neoophoran Platyhelminthes. These vesicles can be considered an autapomorphic feature of the taxon Troglocaridicola; (b) The presence of proteinaceous acorn-shaped granules which remain scattered in the ooplasm throughout oogenesis and can be interpreted as residual yolk. This situation is shared with some Proseriata and Tricladida; (c) The precence of accessory cell processes between growing and mature oocytes, as is typical of some Proseriata and Tricladida. In the vitellarium, the presence of polyphenolic shell globules whose substructure does not correspond either to the multigranular pattern prevailing in representatives of Eulecithophora (Prolecithophora+Rhabdocoela) or to the homogeneous pattern found in Lecithoepitheliata. They have a meandering/concentric pattern of the content similar to that described in some Proseriata and Tricladida. On the basis of the ultrastructural characteristics of the female gonad described above, the position of Troglocaridicola in the taxon Rhabdocoela is discussed.     

The response of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) subjected to large strains,high strain rates,high pressures,a range in temperatures,and variations in the intermediate principal stress

This article presents the response of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) subjected to large strains, high strain rates, high pressures, a range in temperatures, and variations in the intermediate principal stress. Laboratory data from the literature, and new test data provided here, are used in the evaluation. The new data include uniaxial stress compression tests (at various strain rates and temperatures) and uniaxial stress tension tests (at low strain rates and ambient temperatures). The compression tests include experiments at ?ε= 13,000 s^?1, significantly extending the range of known strain rate data. The observed behavior of PMMA includes the following: it is brittle in compression at high rates, and brittle in tension at all rates; strength is dependent on the pressure, strain, strain rate, temperature, and the intermediate principal stress; the shear modulus increases as the pressure increases; and it is highly compressible. Also presented are novel, high velocity impact tests (using high-speed imaging) that provide insight into the initiation and evolution of damage. Lastly, computational constitutive models for pressure, strength, and failure are presented that provide responses that are in good agreement with the laboratory data. The models are used to compute several ballistic impact events for which experimental data are available.     

Crystallography by LEED: IV. Application of the iso-intensity map method to the Ni(100)-(11, 11)-S system

In the present study, we illustrate in the case of the $\text{Ni(001) and Ni(001)-(1}\text{1}\text{, 11)-S}$surfaces, the application of a procedure of surface analysis by LEED using iso-intensity maps for the specular beam together with a very fast LEED program based on the RFS method. This procedure has several advantages: first, iso-intensity maps prevent one from leaving out important experimental information. Second, the fast LEED program allows one to study a large number of beams previously selected from the maps for their particular interest, thus avoiding finding a wrong result, as could hapen if one looks only at a few beams. It comes out from this study that the adsorption distance $\text{d = 1.3}\text{A}\text{?}$ of the sulfur atoms is confirmed with the help of a cluster type superposition potential for the sulfur layer. The agreement between experiment and theory is generally excellent, except for a very strong experimental peak which is not well reproduced by calculation, whatever the changes in the physical or structural parameters. This has not been reported previously and is similar to what has been found by the same authors for the aluminium (001) surface.     

电子碰撞He电离激发过程(e+He(1s2)→2e+He+(n=2))的理论研究 (cited: 1)

考虑He靶原子具有径向及角度关联的初态波函数,应用三体库仑模型(简称3C)研究电子碰撞He原子电离激发过程,并进行理论推导,按照实验要求计算和分析了在共面不对称几何条件下,能量分别为5.50、1.50和0.570 keV的入射电子碰撞He原子电离激发的三重微分截面(TDCS),并将其计算结果与绝对实验数据及其它理论结果进行了比较. 计算结果表明,BBK模型能够定性地描述这样的反应过程,且能反映实验数据中TDCS呈现出一强的recoil峰,对于某些能量和散射角,其recoil峰甚至高于binary峰,这与中高能单电离过程是完全不相同的.