Rim101-upregulated Fets contribute to dark pigment formation in gray cells of Candida albicans

Candida albicans has long been known to switch between white and opaque phases; however, a third cell type, referred to as the ‘gray’ phenotype, was recently characterized. The three phenotypes have different colonial morphologies, with white cells forming white-colored colonies and opaque and gray cells forming dark-colored colonies. We previously showed that Wor1-upregulated ferroxidases (Fets) function as pigment multicopper oxidases that regulate the production of dark-pigmented melanin in opaque cells. In this study, we demonstrated that Fets also contributed to dark pigment formation in gray colonies but in a Wor1-independent manner. Deletion of both WOR1 and EFG1 locked cells in the gray phenotype in some rich media. However, the efg1/efg1 wor1/wor1 mutant could switch between white and gray in minimal media depending on the ambient pH. Specifically, mutant cells exhibited the white phenotype at pH 4.5 but switched to gray at pH 7.5. Consistent with phenotype switching, Fets expressions and melanin production were also regulated by ambient pH. Ectopic expression of the Rim101-405 allele in the mutant enabled the pH restriction to be bypassed and promoted gray cell formation in acidic media. Our data suggest that Rim101-upregulated Fets contribute to dark pigment formation in the gray cells.

Solderability of Coloured Lead Free Solder Composite

Coloured solders offer wide range of possible application on top of conventional usage related to solder and soldering. Coloured solder can be produced by adding colour pigment into solder formulation to form coloured solder composite. The performance of coloured solder joint typically determined by good solderability, which influenced by wetting properties. The objectives of this paper is to investigate the solderability of coloured lead free solder composite with different formulation type of colour pigment and variation of colour pigment composition. Green and “glow in the dark pigment” with composition of 5% and 10% respectively were added into the lead free solder paste. Each coloured solder paste was stencil printed on the PCB and then reflowed using reflow soldering process. The wettability of the solder composite was measured and observed using Infinite Focus Measurements (IFM). The results demonstrated that coloured lead free solder composite have a good wettability. This finding also indicates that use of green pigment into the solder composite has shown greater wettability as compared to glow in the dark pigment. Higher percentage of added colour pigment of 10% has significantly reduced the wettability of solder composite. Wettability of coloured solder composite with small amount of added pigment is in the acceptable range of contact angle, showing good solderability of joining.

Regression of dark color in subterranean fishes involves multiple mechanisms: response to hormones and neurotransmitters

ABSTRACT Organisms with source-populations restricted to the subterranean biotope (troglobites) are excellent models for comparative evolutionary studies, due to their specialization to permanent absence of light. Eye and dark pigment regression are characteristics of most troglobites. In spite of the advance in knowledge on the mechanisms behind eye regression in cave fishes, very little is known about pigmentation changes. Studies were focused on three species of the genus Pimelodella. Exemplars of the troglobitic P. spelaea and P. kronei were compared with the epigean (surface) P. transitoria, putative sister-species of the latter. Melanophore areas and densities are significantly lower in the troglobitic species. Evaluating the in vitro response of these cells to adrenaline, acetylcholine and MCH, we observed a reduced response in both troglobites to adrenaline. The same trend was observed with MCH, but not statistically significant. No response to acetilcholine was detected in all the three. Contrary to expectations, even though eye-regression in P. spelaea was much lower than in P. kronei, pigmentation regression was more advanced. Multiple mechanisms of loss showing a mosaic of traits in troglobitic fishes are discussed here.

Complete Genome Sequence of Leisingera aquamixtae R2C4, Isolated from a Self-Regenerating Biocathode Consortium

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Leisingera aquamixtae R2C4, isolated from the electroautotrophic microbial consortium biocathode MCL (Marinobacter-Chromatiaceae-Labrenzia). As an isolate of a current-producing system, the genome sequence of L. aquamixtae will yield insights regarding electrode-associated microorganisms and communities. A dark pigment is also observed during cultivation.

Eyes in Staurozoa (Cnidaria): a review

The presence of dark pigment spots associated with primary tentacles (or structures derived from them, i.e., rhopalioids) in Staurozoa was recently overlooked in a study on the evolution of cnidarian eyes (defined as a “region made of photoreceptor cells adjacent to pigment cells”, irrespective of image formation, i.e., including all photoreceptive organs). Review of old and recent literature on Staurozoa shows that dark pigment spots are present in virtually all species ofManania, as well as some species ofHaliclystus,Stylocoronella, and probablyCalvadosia. The known ultrastructure of ocelli seems to be compatible with light perception, but no immediate response to changes in light intensity have been observed in the behavior of staurozoans. Therefore, although further studies addressing photic behavior are required, we discuss an earlier hypothesis that the dark spots in some stauromedusae may be related to synchronous spawning, as well as the possible sensorial function of rhopalioids. Observations summarized here suggest a possible ninth independent origin of eyes in Cnidaria, within a lineage of benthic medusae. Alternatively, documented similarity across medusae of Cubozoa, Scyphozoa, and Staurozoa—with eyes being topologically associated with primary tentacles in each of these taxa—could indicate shared ancestry and a single origin of eyes in this clade known as Acraspeda. Information on Staurozoa, one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria, is often neglected in the literature, but correctly recognizing the characters of this class is crucial for understanding cnidarian evolution.

Eyes in Staurozoa (Cnidaria): a review

The presence of dark pigment spots associated with primary tentacles (or structures derived from them, i.e., rhopalioids) in Staurozoa was recently overlooked in a study on the evolution of cnidarian eyes (defined as a “region made of photoreceptor cells adjacent to pigment cells”, irrespective of image formation, i.e., including all photoreceptive organs). Review of old and recent literature on Staurozoa shows that dark pigment spots are present in virtually all species of Manania, as well as some species of Haliclystus, Stylocoronella, and probably Calvadosia. The known ultrastructure of ocelli seems to be compatible with light perception, but no immediate response to changes in light intensity have been observed in the behavior of staurozoans. Therefore, although further studies addressing photic behavior are required, we discuss an earlier hypothesis that the dark spots in some stauromedusae may be related to synchronous spawning, as well as the possible sensorial function of rhopalioids. Observations summarized here suggest a possible ninth independent origin of eyes in Cnidaria, within a lineage of benthic medusae. Alternatively, documented similarity across medusae of Cubozoa, Scyphozoa, and Staurozoa – with eyes being topologically associated with primary tentacles in each of these taxa – could indicate shared ancestry and a single origin of eyes in this clade known as Acraspeda. Information on Staurozoa, one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria, is often neglected in the literature, but correctly recognizing the characters of this class is crucial for understanding cnidarian evolution.

Eyes in Staurozoa (Cnidaria): a review

The presence of dark pigment spots associated with primary tentacles (or structures derived from them, i.e., rhopalioids) in Staurozoa was recently overlooked in a study on the evolution of cnidarian eyes (defined as a “region made of photoreceptor cells adjacent to pigment cells”, irrespective of image formation, i.e., including all photoreceptive organs). Review of old and recent literature on Staurozoa shows that dark pigment spots are present in virtually all species of Manania, as well as some species of Haliclystus, Stylocoronella, and probably Calvadosia. The known ultrastructure of ocelli seems to be compatible with light perception, but no immediate response to changes in light intensity have been observed in the behavior of staurozoans. Therefore, although further studies addressing photic behavior are required, we discuss an earlier hypothesis that the dark spots in some stauromedusae may be related to synchronous spawning, as well as the possible sensorial function of rhopalioids. Observations summarized here suggest a possible ninth independent origin of eyes in Cnidaria, within a lineage of benthic medusae. Alternatively, documented similarity across medusae of Cubozoa, Scyphozoa, and Staurozoa – with eyes being topologically associated with primary tentacles in each of these taxa – could indicate shared ancestry and a single origin of eyes in this clade known as Acraspeda. Information on Staurozoa, one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria, is often neglected in the literature, but correctly recognizing the characters of this class is crucial for understanding cnidarian evolution.

Eyes in Staurozoa (Cnidaria): a review

The presence of dark pigment spots associated with primary tentacles (or structures derived from them, i.e., rhopalioids) in Staurozoa was recently overlooked in a study on the evolution of cnidarian eyes (defined as a “region made of photoreceptor cells adjacent to pigment cells”, irrespective of image formation, i.e., including all photoreceptive organs). Review of old and recent literature on Staurozoa shows that dark pigment spots are present in virtually all species of Manania, as well as some species of Haliclystus, Stylocoronella,and probably Calvadosia. Based on our review, we support the hypothesis that these dark spots may be related to synchronous spawning, and that rhopalioids have both adhesive and sensorial functions. Observations summarized here suggest a possible ninth independent origin of eyes in Cnidaria, within a lineage of benthic medusae. Alternatively, documented similarity across Cubozoa, Scyphozoa, and Staurozoa – with eyes being topologically associated with primary tentacles in each of these taxa – could indicate shared homology and a single origin of eyes in this clade known as Acraspeda. Information on Staurozoa, one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria, is often neglected in the literature, but correctly recognizing the characters of this classis crucial for understanding cnidarian evolution.

Two new species of Homidia (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Southwestern China

Two new species of Homidia are described here. Homidia nigrifascia sp. nov. is characterised by dark pigment on Abd. II−III and posterior part of Abd. IV. Homidia obliquistria sp. nov. can be identified by its colour pattern, chaetae on ventral side of head and many macrochaetae on Abd. IV. Illustrations are provided for both new species. This is the first report of Homidia from Guizhou Province, China.