2,194 research outputs found
Zorotypus impolitus Mashimo, Engel, Dallai, Beutel
No full textZorotypus impolitus Mashimo, Engel, Dallai, Beutel, & Machida, sp. n. (Figs. 3, 4, 8) Type series. Holotype, apteron male, MALAYSIA: Selangor, Ul Gombak (elevation ca. 200–400 m), 10 April 2011, coll. Y. Mashimo & R. Machida (UKM). Paratypes, 3 apteron males, 3 apteron females, 1 alate female, same data as holotype (SEHU, SMRC, UKM). Apteron and alate specimens were collected under the bark of rotting wood. Diagnosis. This species is similar to Z. sinensis and Z. medoensis but can be distinguished from them by the following: body size distinctly smaller, 2 mm vs. 3–4 mm; long stout bristles on ventral surface of metafemur, proximal 1 st and 3 rd bristles longer than others vs. more distad bristles shorter; male S 8 without posterior extension of posteromedial part; and in the shape of the male genitalia (cf. Hwang 1976: Figs. 3–6). Etymology. The specific epithet is based on the Latin impolitus, referring to the unpolished brown coloration of the body. Description. Apteron male. Body length ca. 2 mm (exclusive of antennae), color matte brown except membranous regions and yellowish white cercus; head subtriangular, slightly wider than pronotum, with whitish area in posterolateral corner; cephalic chaetotaxy as in Figure 3 A, curly setae grouped on vertex (likely associated with fontanelle gland as in males of some other species); compound eyes and ocelli absent; antennae 9 -segmented, distal three antennomeres paler (Fig. 8 A), antennomere I slightly curved outward, antennomere II faintly curved, short, about one-half length of antennomere III, antennomeres III–IX longer than wide, length subequal to that of antennomere I (Fig. 8 A); both mandibles with five apical teeth and well-developed molar region (Fig. 8 B, B’). Pronotum subrectangular, slightly narrowed posteriorly; mesonotum trapezoidal, slightly shorter than pronotum; metanotum trapezoidal, distinctly wider than long, shorter than mesonotum; thorax setose as in Figure 3 B. Legs with moderate-length setae; tibiae and tarsi of all legs paler in color; posterior surface of profemur covered with short setae, anterior and dorsal surfaces covered with moderate-length setae; protibia with moderate-length setae, bristles arranged as comb in distal half along ventral surface, with two apical spurs; mesofemur slightly narrower than profemur, anterior surface broadly setose, posterior and dorsal surfaces covered with moderate-length setae only distally; mesotibia covered with moderate-length setae and two apical spurs; metafemur broader than profemur, more swollen proximally than distally as in Figure 8 D, anterior surface broadly setose, posterior and dorsal surfaces with moderate-length setae on distal half and several short setae on proximal half, ventral surface with eight or nine stout bristles, proximal first and third bristles longer than others (Fig. 8 D); metatibia with moderate-length setae and two apical spurs. Abdominal tergal chaetotaxy as in Figure 3 D; T 1 with a single transverse row of short setae, and a few small setae laterally (Fig. 3 D); T 2–7 with regular vestiture of numerous setae of short and moderate length and a pair of longer setae along posterior margin (Fig. 3 D); T 8 with numerous fine, small setae, three pairs of moderate-length setae and a pair of long, erect setae (Figs. 3 D, 4 B); T 9 short, scarcely sclerotized (Figs. 3 D, 4 C); anterior half of T 10 sclerotized, posterior half membranous; with numerous fine, small setae and median spatula-like, upcurved projection (Figs. 3 D, 4 B; asterisk in Fig. 4 C); T 11 with long and strongly upcurved median projection and two smaller, lateral sclerites each bearing three or four moderate-length setae (Figs. 3 D, 4 B; star in Fig. 4 C); epiproct and paraproct unsclerotized (Fig. 4 B); cercus unsegmented, conical, with one long apical seta, three or four subapical moderate-length setae, several short setae, and very long and fine setae (Fig. 3 D), surface covered with numerous minute spicules except base and apex (too minute to be included in drawing); chaetotaxy of sterna as in Figure 4 A; S 1 scarcely sclerotized; S 2 weakly sclerotized with two or three short setae on each side (Fig. 4 A); S 3–4 with two transverse rows of short setae (Fig. 4 A); S 5 with short setae evenly scattered and a pair of scarcely sclerotized circular areas (Fig. 4 A); S 6–7 with evenly scattered short setae (Fig. 4 A); S 8 wider than long, with evenly scattered, moderate-length setae (Fig. 4 A) and a pair of longer setae (Fig. 4 B); S 9 fused to S 8; S 10 invaginated beneath S 8 + 9, not visible externally; S 11 with two lateral subtriangular sclerites (hemitergites), each with several setae of short and moderate length (Fig. 4 B). Genitalia asymmetrical, without elongate coiled flagellum and well defined basal plate; dorsal sclerite weakly sclerotized, with anterior end curved; middle sclerite twisted and curved; spatula-like ventral sclerite present beneath middle sclerite (Fig. 8 E). Apteron female. Generally as in male except as follows: Head without curly setae grouped on vertex. Abdominal T 10 uniformly sclerotized with four or five setae on each side and a pair of setae of moderate length (Fig. 4 E); T 11 uniformly sclerotized, with small setae and a pair of setae of moderate length (Fig. 4 E); S 8 and 9 not fused; S 8 wider than long, with short setae evenly scattered and two pairs of moderate-length setae, posteromedially with round membranous region (Fig. 4 D); S 9 short and trapezoidal; several small setae and two pairs of moderate-length setae along posterior margin (Fig. 4 D). Alate. General features as in apterous form except as follows: unpolished, blackish brown coloration. Compound eyes and three black ocelli present. Mesonotum indistinctly divided into slightly pointed prescutum, large mesoscutum, and smaller mesoscutellum (Fig. 3 C). Wings as in Figs. 8 C and 8 C’.Published as part of Mashimo, Yuta, Yoshizawa, Kazunori, Engel, Michael S., Abd, Idris, Dallai, Romano, Beutel, Rolf G. & Machida, Ryuichiro, 2013, Zorotypus in Peninsular Malaysia (Zoraptera: Zorotypidae), with the description of three new species, pp. 498-514 in Zootaxa 3717 (4) on pages 507-511, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3717.4.4, http://zenodo.org/record/21964
Divergent mating patterns and a unique mode of external sperm transfer in Zoraptera: An enigmatic group of pterygote insects
No full textA remarkable external sperm transfer is described for the first time in a species of a group of winged insects (Pterygota), the enigmatic Zoraptera. Mating and sperm transfer of two species of the order were examined in detail, documented, and compared with each other and with patterns described for other species belonging to the order. The behavior differs strikingly in Zorotypus impolitus and Zorotypus magnicaudelli. A copula is performed by males and females of the latter, as it is also the case in other zorapteran species and generally in pterygote insects. In striking contrast to this, males of Z. impolitus do not copulate but deposit small (100 μm in diameter) spermatophores externally on the abdomen of the female. Each spermatophore contains only one giant spermatozoon (3 mm long and 3 μm wide), a unique feature in the entire Hexapoda. External sperm transfer in Pterygota is a highly unusual case of evolutionary reversal. The very small relict group Zoraptera displays a uniform general morphology but exhibits very different reproductive structures and patterns of mating behavior. This may be an extreme form of a more general situation in insects, with a specific form of selection resulting in an accelerated rate of evolution in the reproductive system. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
The fine structure of the female reproductive system of Zorotypus caudelli Karny (Zoraptera)
No full textThe general structure of the female genital system of Zorotypus caudelli is described. The ovarioles are of the panoistic type. Due to the reduction of the envelope (tunica externa) the ovarioles are in direct contact with the hemolymph like in some other insect groups, Plecoptera included. The calices are much larger in Z. caudelli then in Zorotypus hubbardi and their epithelial cells produce large amounts of secretions, probably protecting the surface of the eggs deposited on the substrate. Eggs taken from the calyx bear a series of long fringes, which are missing in the eggs found in the ovariole, and in other zorapteran species. The long sperm of Z. caudelli and the long spermathecal duct are likely related to a sexual isolating mechanism (cryptic female choice), impeding female re-mating. The apical receptacle and the spermathecal duct - both of ectodermal origin - consist of three cell types. In addition to the cells beneath the cuticle lining the lumen, two other cell types are visible: secretory and canal cells. The cytoplasm of the former is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and Golgi complexes, which produce numerous discrete dense secretory bodies. These products are released into the receiving canal crossing the extracellular cavity of secretory cells, extending over a series of long microvilli. The secretion is transported towards the lumen of the apical receptacle of the spermatheca or to that of the spermathecal duct by a connecting canal formed by the canal cells. It is enriched by material produced by the slender canal cells. Before mating, the sperm cells are enveloped by a thick glycocalyx produced at the level of the male accessory glands, but it is absent when they have reached the apical receptacle, and also in the spermathecal duct lumen. It is likely removed by secretions of the spermatheca. The eggs are fertilized at the level of the common oviduct where the spermathecal duct opens. Two micropyles at the dorsal side of the equator level possibly facilitate fertilization. The presence of these two micropyles is a presumably derived feature shared with Phasmatodea. The fine structure of the female reproductive system of Z. caudelli does not allow to assess the phylogenetic position at the present stage of knowledge. The enlarged calyx and the temporary presence of long fringes on the eggs are potential autapomorphies of Z. caudelli or may indicate relationships with other Zorotypus species. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd
The male reproductive system of Zorotypus caudelli Karny (Zoraptera): Sperm structure and spermiogenesis
No full textConsidering the overall uniformity of the morphology of Zoraptera, the structural diversity of the male genital system is remarkable. Structures related to the male reproductive system of Zorotypus caudelli differ profoundly from those of Zorotypus hubbardi. The testes are elongated rather than spherical, the seminal vesicle is apparently absent, and the deferent ducts are very long. A feature shared by these two species and other zorapterans examined is that the two accessory glands are closely adherent to each other and form a single large structure, from which the ejaculatory duct originates. This is a potential zorapteran autapomorphy. Another feature possibly present in the groundplan of the order is the strong elongation of the sperm cells. This may be connected with a reproductive strategy of males trying to avoid re-mating of females with other males after the first copulation. The extremely long and coiled spermathecal duct of Z. caudelli and other zorapteran species is possibly correlated with the sperm elongation, and both features combined may result in a sexual isolating mechanism. The short duration of mating of Zorotypus barberi and Zorotypus gurneyi suggests that the male introduces sperm into the female tract up to the opening of the spermathecal duct using their long coiled aedeagus. A thick glycocalyx around the sperm in the distal part of the deferent ducts probably protects the sperm cells during their forward progression towards the long spermathecal duct, and is removed when they reach the apical receptacle. The spermatogenesis of Z. caudelli follows a pattern commonly found in insects, but differs distinctly from that of Z. hubbardi in the number of spermatids in each sperm cyst. An unusual and possibly autapomorphic feature of Z. caudelli is a disconnection of sub-tubules A and B at the level of microtubule doublets 1 and 6 of the mature sperm cells. It is conceivable that this results in a shorter period of sperm motility. The character combination found in different zorapteran species supports the view that the sperm, a very compact functional unit, does not evolve as a unit, but like in other more complex body regions, sperm components can also be modified independently from each other. This results in different mosaic patterns of plesiomorphic and derived features in a very compact entity in different species of the very small and otherwise uniform order Zoraptera. In Z. caudelli, for instance, the bi-layered acrosome and small accessory bodies are plesiomorphic states among several others, whereas the mitochondrial derivatives and the elongate nucleus are apparently derived conditions. Other combinations likely occur in other zorapteran species. Only few but noteworthy sperm characters indicate possible phylogenetic affinities of Zoraptera. A possible synapomorphic feature, the presence of dense laminae radiating in a cartwheel array between neighbouring centriolar triplets, is shared with Phasmatodea and Embioptera. Another potential synapomorphy shared with Phasmatodea is the presence of 17 protofilaments in the tubular wall of the outer accessory microtubules. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd
The male and female reproductive systems of Zorotypus hubbardi Caudell, 1918 (Zoraptera)
No full textHere we present an ultrastructural study of the male and female reproductive systems of Zorotypus hubbardi and compare the findings to those presented in an earlier study. The male reproductive system consists of small testes and thin and short deferent ducts opening into a huge seminal vesicle. At the end of the deferent duct a wiredrawer structure is present which initiates the spermatophore formation. A long ejaculatory duct, originating from the seminal vesicle, receives the secretions of three accessory glands. The copulatory organ is a relatively stout structure consisting of two cuticular claspers connected to a ventral sclerite. The testes contain very large and few germ cells (32 sperm in each cyst) which give rise to large sperm characterized by two giant mitochondrial derivatives, two large accessory bodies, and an axoneme with accessory tubules with 17 protofilaments in their tubular wall. In the seminal vesicle the sperm are joined by a secretion to form an elongate spermatophore. The female system consists of panoistic ovarioles, two lateral oviducts, and a common oviduct which receives the spermathecal duct of a huge spermathecal sac in the terminal part of the vagina. The duct is an anterior prolongation of the sac. Its distal part turns back twisting around its proximal portion. At this level a conspicuous muscle layer gives rise to a valve. The bent spermatophore is hosted in the spermathecal sac, with the sperm heads placed in the proximal part of the spermathecal duct. The opening of the duct is close to the female genital opening. The reproductive systems of Zorotypus caudelli and Z. hubbardi, apart from a distinctly different general organization, also have a different sperm structure: those of the former species are free long-moving cells, while the sperm of Z. hubbardi are giant cells joined in a spermatophore. This allows to hypothesize and discuss a different reproductive behaviour in the two species: monandric in Z. hubbardi and polyandric in Z. caudelli. Apparently different forms of selection have resulted in a very uniform general morphology in Zoraptera, and in highly divergent features related to the reproductive system. The presence of 17 protofilaments in the accessory microtubules of the flagellar axoneme is a potential synapomorphy of Zoraptera and Phasmatodea. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd
The morphology and ultrastructure of salivary glands of Zoraptera (Insecta)
No full textThe salivary glands of two species of Zoraptera, Zorotypus caudelli and Zorotypus hubbardi, were examined and documented mainly using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results obtained for males and females of the two species are compared and functional aspects related to ultrastructural features are discussed. The salivary glands are divided into two regions: the secretory cell region and the long efferent duct, the latter with its distal end opening in the salivarium below the hypopharyngeal base. The secretory region consists of a complex of secretory cells provided with microvillated cavities connected by short ectodermal ducts to large ones, which are connected with the long efferent duct. The secretory cell cytoplasm contains a large system of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus producing numerous dense secretions. The cells of the efferent duct, characterized by reduced cytoplasm and the presence of long membrane infoldings associated with mitochondria, are possibly involved in fluid uptaking from the duct lumen
The fine structure of the rectal pads of Zorotypus caudelli Karny (Zoraptera, Insecta)
No full textThe rectal pads of a species of the controversial polyneopteran order Zoraptera were examined using histological sections and TEM micrographs. Six pads are present along the thin rectal epithelium. Each pad consists of a few large principal cells surrounded by flattened junctional cells, which extend also beneath the principal cells. The cells are lined by a thin apical cuticle. No basal cells and no cavity have been observed beneath the pad. Principal cells have a regular layer of apical microvilli and are joined by intercellular septate junctions, which are interrupted by short dilatations of the intercellular space. At these levels the two adjacent plasma membranes are joined by short zonulae adhaerentes. In the cytoplasm, a rich system of strict associations between lateral plasma membranes and mitochondria forms scalariform junctions. Rectal pads share ultrastructural features with similar excretory organs of several neopteran groups, in particular with Blattodea (roaches and termites) and Thysanoptera, and are involved in fluid reabsorption and ion regulation
Between and Connection:An Attempt at Sensory Communications in a Specified Enviroment
No full textapplication/pdfAN10052143-20200605-1This is a progress report of the investigational research on the olfactory communication in the 2017 Doshisha Womenʼs College of Liberal Arts research grant. This research comprised four studies: 1. Survey research on the olfactory communication; 2. Design of the olfactory
communication interface; 3. Exhibition of the olfactory communication interface; 4.Questionnaire survey in the exhibition. Through these four studies, this research attempts to examine the possibilities of olfactory communication, which differs from visual and auditory communications. However, this research consists of various exclusive fields (theoretical consideration about sense and communication, theoretical and historical considerations about media and technology, design of interface including the system, space design of display of the
interface, etc.). Therefore, the author, who is a research representative, sought the cooperation of four experts (Koichi Mori (space design), Takehisa Mashimo (interface design), and Akisha Iwaki (theoretical and historical considerations about the olfactory media and technology)) of
the side mentioned above and carried out a collaborative investigation. Thus, this report takes the form of a research project article, which consists of inputs from the author (Chapter 1), Mori (Chapter 2), Mashimo (Chapter 3), and Iwaki (Chapter 4), so that the result of the research theme is clearer. Further, based on all these studies, this is a progress report of the investigational research on the olfactory communication.論文departmental bulletin pape
Association of TNFRSF4 gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension
No full textThis is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Mashimo, Yoichi ; Suzuki, Yoichi ; Hatori, Kazuko ; Tabara, Yasuharu ; Miki, Tetsuro ; Tokunaga, Katsushi ; Katsuya, Tomohiro ; Ogihara, Toshio ; Yamada, Michiko ; Takahashi, Norio ; Makita, Yoshio ; Nakayama, Tomohiro ; Soma, Masayoshi ; Hirawa, Nobuhito ; Umemura, Satoshi ; Ohkubo, Takayoshi ; Imai, Yutaka ; Hata, Akira, Association of TNFRSF4 gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension, Journal of Hypertension, 26(5) May 2008, pp. 902-913
autho
Onion-like carbon-encapsulated Co, Ni, and Fe magnetic nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity synthesized by a pulsed plasma in a liquid
No full textWe synthesized onion-like carbon-encapsulated Co, Ni, and Fe (Co-C, Ni-C, and Fe-C) magnetic nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity using pulsed plasma in a liquid. The pulsed plasma is induced by a low-voltage spark discharge submerged in a dielectric liquid. The face-centered cubic Co and Ni, and body-centered cubic Fe core nanoparticles showed good crystalline structures with an average size between 20 and 30 nm were encapsulated in onion-like carbon coatings with a thickness of 2-10 nm. Vibrating-sample magnetometer measurements revealed the ferromagnetic properties of as-synthesized samples at room temperature (Co-C=360 Oe, Fe-C=380 Oe, and Ni-C=211 Oe). Raman-spectroscopy analysis found onion-like carbon shells composed of well-organized graphitic structures. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed a high ___________________
*Corresponding author. Tel/Fax: +08052593295. E-mail address: [email protected] (T. Mashimo)
stability of the as-synthesized samples under thermal treatment and oxidation. Cytotoxicity measurements showed higher cancer cell viability than samples synthesized by different methods
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