RADULAR PRODUCTION RATES IN TWO SPECIES OF LACUNA TURTON (GASTROPODA: LITTORINIDAE)

The molluscan radula is a dynamic organ, both in terms of itsuse and production. New rows of teeth are constantly producedat the posterior end of the radula, while older, worn teethare shed anteriorly, producing a dynamic equilibrium. We useda cold-shock to mark the radular ribbon and measure tooth rowproduction rates in two gastropod species, Lacuna vincta (Montagu)and L. vanegata Carpenter. We found that the average tooth rowproduction rate at 10–11°C did not differ betweenthese two species, and was 2.94 (SE = 0.002) rows per day forLacuna vincta and 2.97 (SE = 0 002) for L. vanegata Inter-individualvariability in production rate was very low, and was correlatedwith shell length, smaller individuals had slightly higher productionrates. The total length of the radular nbbon varied greatlyamong individuals, ranging from 47 to 94 (2.57 to 5.68 mm) rowsin L vincta and 53 to 99 rows (2.80 to 7.14 mm) in L vanegata,and was only somewhat correlated with the length of the shelLThis great variability will result in large differences amongindividuals in the time it takes to replace the radula totally,from 14.96 to 35.44 days in L vincta and from 17 43 to 39 69days in L. vanegata. (Received 1 September 1995; accepted 20 November 1995)     

Main patterns of radula formation and ontogeny in Gastropoda

Gastropoda is morphologically highly variable and broadly distributed group of mollusks. Due to the high morphological and functional diversity of the feeding apparatus gastropods follow a broad range of feeding strategies: from detritivory to highly specialized predation. The feeding apparatus includes the buccal armaments: jaw(s) and radula. The radula comprises a chitinous ribbon with teeth arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows. A unique characteristic of the radula is its continuous renewal during the entire life of a mollusk. The teeth and the membrane are continuously synthesized in the blind end of the radular sac and are shifted forward to the working zone, while the teeth harden and are mineralized on the way. Despite the similarity of the general mechanism of the radula formation in gastropods, some phylogenetically determined features can be identified in different phylogenetic lineages. These mainly concern shape, size, and number of the odontoblasts forming a single tooth. The radular morphology depends on the shape of the formation zone and the morphology of the subradular epithelium. The radula first appears at the pre- and posttorsional veliger stages as an invagination of the buccal epithelium of the larval anterior gut. The larval radular sac is lined with uniform undifferentiated cells. Each major phylogenetic lineage is characterized by a specific larval radula type. Thus, the docoglossan radula of Patellogastropoda is characterized by initially three and then five teeth in a transverse row. The larval rhipidoglossan radula has seven teeth in a row with differentiation into central, lateral, and marginal teeth and later is transformed into the adult radula morphology by the addition of lateral and especially marginal teeth. The taenioglossan radula of Caenogastropoda is nearly immediately formed in adult configuration with seven teeth in a row.     

两种石磺齿舌形态差异分析

显微观察了瘤背石磺(Onchidiumstruma)和石磺(O. verruculatum)齿舌的形态结构。运用差异系数法对两种石磺齿舌参数进行比较分析。利用SPSS10.0对瘤背石磺、石磺齿舌参数(齿舌长、齿舌头宽、齿舌中宽、齿舌尾宽、横列数、每排最少齿片数和每排最多齿片数)与个体参数(体长、体宽、体高、足长、足宽和体重)作回归分析。结果表明,两种石磺齿舌都很发达,外观呈长统靴状;齿片排成许多横列,每一横列均有中央齿一枚,侧齿若干无缘齿;两种石磺的齿舌头宽、齿舌中宽和齿舌尾宽差异极显著,但差异系数小于1.28,认为两种石磺的齿片形态存在明显的种间差异,但齿舌参数不适合作为石磺属贝类的分类依据;瘤背石磺的体宽和石磺的体重在评估各自齿舌生物学性状方面起到比较重要的作用。     

Effects of sediments on larval settlement of abalone Haliotis diversicolor

The effects of deposited sediments on the settlement of the abalone Haliotis diversicolor Reeve were examined through both field observations and a laboratory experiment. Occurrences of newly settled post-larvae (shell length < 500 μm) and the amount of suspended and deposited sediments were monitored at two stations (Stns 1 and 2), which experienced different sediment deposition conditions, located at Nagai on the coast of Sagami Bay, Japan. Quantities of suspended sediments at the two stations varied considerably during the survey period, but no significant difference was detected between the stations. Mean volume densities of sediments deposited on cobbles were significantly higher at Stn 2 than at Stn 1. Densities of newly settled post-larvae from the 2001 to 2004 cohorts were significantly higher at Stn 1. A laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the effects of sediment quantity and quality on larval settlement. Two substances with different physical properties, kaolin and clamshell powder, were used as sediments. Larvae were subjected to four different sediment treatments with crustose coralline algae (CCA) substrates; thin and thick treatments for both kaolin and clamshell powder. Negative (without CCA) and positive (with CCA) controls without sediments were also established. The rate of metamorphosis decreased as sediment thickness increased in both the kaolin and clamshell powder treatments. Larvae in the kaolin treatments appeared to be trapped by the kaolin, and most could not metamorphose successfully. There were no trapped larvae in the clamshell powder treatments. The results indicate that the quantity and physical properties of sediments deposited on substrata affect the settlement and behaviour of larval abalone. Experimental results suggest that the lower densities of newly settled post-larvae observed at Stn 2 may have been a result of larger quantities of deposited sediments, which reduced the availability of suitable substrate for larval settlement.     

Distribution and residual activity of two insecticidal proteins, avidin and aprotinin, expressed in transgenic tobacco plants, in the bodies and frass of Spodoptera litura larvae following feeding

To understand how a major cosmopolitan pest responds to two very different insecticidal proteins and to determine whether herbivorous insects and their frass could be environmental sources of recombinant proteins from transgenic plants, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) larvae were fed on tobacco leaves expressing either the biotin-binding protein, avidin, or the protease inhibitor, aprotinin. Control larvae received non-transgenic tobacco. Samples of larvae were taken after 5, 6 or 7 days’ feeding and frass was collected after two 24-h periods at 6 and 7 days. Insects in all treatments grew significantly during the experiment, but the avidin-fed larvae were significantly smaller than the others on Day 7. Avidin was found in all samples of avidin-fed larvae (7.0±0.86 ng mg⁻¹, n=45), at a lower level than in their frass (31.9±5.08 ng mg⁻¹, n=30), and these frass levels were lower than those of the the leaves fed to the larvae (69.0±6.71 ng mg⁻¹, n=45). All of the avidin detected in these samples was capable of binding biotin. On average, between 10 and 28% of avidin was recovered with the methods used, whereas almost full recovery of aprotinin was effected. Aprotinin levels in larvae (8.2±0.53 ng mg⁻¹, n=45) were also lower than aprotinin levels in frass (77.4±6.9 ng mg⁻¹, n=30), which were somewhat lower than those in the leaves fed to the larvae (88.6±2.51 ng mg⁻¹, n=45). Approximately half the trypsin-binding ability of aprotinin was lost in larvae, and in frass, aprotinin had lost about 90% of its ability to bind trypsin.     

General morphology and ultrastructure of the radula of Testudinalia testudinalis (O. F. Müller, 1776) (Patellogastropoda,Gastropoda)

The radular morphology of the patellid species Testudinalia testudinalis (O. F. Müller, 1776) from the White Sea was studied using light, electron, and confocal microscopy. The radula is of the docoglossan type with four teeth per row and consisting of six zones. We characterize teeth formation in T. testidinalis as follows: one tooth is formed by numerous and extremely narrow odontoblasts through apocrine secretion; this initially formed tooth consists of numerous vesicles; the synthetic apparatus of the odontoblasts is localized in the apical and central parts of the cells throughout the cytoplasm and is penetrated by microtubules which are involved in the transport of the synthesized products to the apical part of the odontoblast; the newly formed teeth consist of unpolymerized chitin. Mitotic activity is located in the lateral parts of the formation zone. The first four rows contain an irregular arrangement of teeth, but the radular teeth are regularly arranged after the fifth row. The irregularly arranged teeth early on could be a consequence of the asynchronous formation of teeth and the distance between the odontoblasts and the membranoblasts. The morphological data obtained significantly expands our knowledge of the morphological diversity of the radula formation in Gastropoda.     

Heat tolerance, behavioural temperature selection and temperature-dependent respiration in larval Octopus huttoni

This study reports temperature effects on paralarvae from a benthic octopus species, Octopus huttoni, found throughout New Zealand and temperate Australia. We quantified the thermal tolerance, thermal preference and temperature-dependent respiration rates in 1-5 days old paralarvae. Thermal stress (1 °C increase h⁻¹) and thermal selection (∼10-24 °C vertical gradient) experiments were conducted with paralarvae reared for 4 days at 16 °C. In addition, measurement of oxygen consumption at 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C was made for paralarvae aged 1, 4 and 5 days using microrespirometry. Onset of spasms, rigour (CT_max) and mortality (upper lethal limit) occurred for 50% of experimental animals at, respectively, 26.0±0.2 °C, 27.8±0.2 °C and 31.4±0.1 °C. The upper, 23.1±0.2 °C, and lower, 15.0±1.7 °C, temperatures actively avoided by paralarvae correspond with the temperature range over which normal behaviours were observed in the thermal stress experiments. Over the temperature range of 10 °C-25 °C, respiration rates, standardized for an individual larva, increased with age, from 54.0 to 165.2 nmol larvae⁻¹ h⁻¹ in one-day old larvae to 40.1-99.4 nmol h⁻¹ at five days. Older larvae showed a lesser response to increased temperature: the effect of increasing temperature from 20 to 25 °C (Q₁₀) on 5 days old larvae (Q₁₀=1.35) was lower when compared with the 1 day old larvae (Q₁₀=1.68). The lower Q₁₀ in older larvae may reflect age-related changes in metabolic processes or a greater scope of older larvae to respond to thermal stress such as by reducing activity. Collectively, our data indicate that temperatures >25 °C may be a critical temperature. Further studies on the population-level variation in thermal tolerance in this species are warranted to predict how continued increases in ocean temperature will limit O. huttoni at early larval stages across the range of this species.     

Radula formation in two species of Conoidea (Gastropoda)

The radula is the basic feeding structure in gastropod molluscs and exhibits great morphological diversity that reflects the exceptional anatomical and ecological diversity occurring in these animals. This uniquely molluscan structure is formed in the blind end of the radular sac by specialized cells (membranoblasts and odontoblasts). Secretion type, and the number and shape of the odontoblasts that form each tooth characterize the mode of radula formation. These characteristics vary in different groups of gastropods. Elucidation of this diversity is key to identifying the main patterns of radula formation in Gastropoda. Of particular interest would be a phylogenetically closely related group that is characterized by high variability of the radula. One such group is the large monophyletic superfamily Conoidea, the radula of which is highly variable and may consist of the radular membrane with five teeth per row, or the radular membrane with only two or three teeth per row, or even just two harpoon-like teeth per row without a radular membrane. We studied the radulae of two species of Conoidea (Clavus maestratii Kilburn, Fedosov & Kantor, 2014 [Drilliidae] and, Lophiotoma acuta (Perry, 1811) [Turridae]) using light and electron microscopy. Based on these data and previous studies, we identify the general patterns of the radula formation for all Conoidea: the dorsolateral position of two groups of odontoblasts, uniform size, and shape of odontoblasts, folding of the radula in the radular sac regardless of the radula configuration. The morphology of the subradular epithelium is most likely adaptive to the radula type.     

Larval development and metamorphic behaviour of the subtropical spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora vexillosa

Although newly described, Pseudopolydora vexillosa is one of the most conspicuous surface-feeding spioniform polychaetes in subtropical waters. This is the first report on larval growth and metamorphosis of P. vexillosa. Newly hatched (3-chaetigers stage) larvae of P. vexillosa reached metamorphic competence at 12-17 chaetigers stage when fed with Chaetoceros gracilis or Dunaliella tertiolecta at a concentration of ∼ 10⁵ cells ml^− 1 for 6 to 8 days at 32 psu and 27 °C. Larvae on these two diets achieved comparable levels, of approximately 70% metamorphosis. On the other hand, larvae fed with Isochrysis galbana or starved in 0.22 μm filtered seawater never reached competence during the 10 days of study. The effect of organic matter on larval substrate selection was examined using glass beads, manipulated sediments and natural sediments. A significantly higher percentage of larvae metamorphosed on glass beads that had been submerged in unfiltered natural seawater for 5 days as compared to the control; when manipulating the organic content of sediment as a substratum, significantly more larvae metamorphosed in 100% natural sediment, compared with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% natural sediment mixed with different portions of ashed sediment. Surprisingly, with natural undisturbed surface sediment sampled along a transect perpendicular to a sewage discharge site, these laboratory bioassays demonstrate that the larvae of P. vexillosa are capable of responding to sedimentary cues in complex ways to find a habitat suitable for metamorphosis and survival.     

Facilitation and inhibition of larval attachment of the bryozoan Bugula neritina in association with mono-species and multi-species biofilms

In this study, we investigated the effect of mono-species and multi-species biofilms on larval attachment of the bryozoan Bugula neritina. The effect of biofilms was examined through a double-dish choice bioassay in which larvae were given the choice of attaching either to a clean surface of a container or to surfaces covered with biofilms. Larvae attached in response to mono-species biofilms of 5 out of 7 bacterial isolates from a subtidal region, but they avoided surfaces covered by biofilms of 7 out of 8 isolates obtained from an intertidal region. In the follow-up choice experiments with multi-species biofilms developed for 2 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 30 days, larvae preferentially attached to filmed surfaces over the unfilmed surfaces. When biofilms from 2 different tidal regions (intertidal and subtidal) were offered as choices in the double-dish bioassay, larvae in all cases attached on the subtidal biofilms. Two-day-old subtidal biofilms with low densities of bacteria induced significantly higher (p < 0.05) attachment than did 30- day-old intertidal biofilms, which had high bacterial density. Terminal Restriction Fragment Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis revealed that the bacterial communities were substantially different in the subtidal and intertidal regions during all periods of the experiment. Attachment of B. neritina on subtidal biofilms did not depend on the bacterial density but rather was negatively correlated with diatom density, thickness of the exopolysaccharide layer and biofilm age. Our results suggest that the larvae of B. neritina can discriminate between biofilmed and clean surfaces and between biofilms developed under different tidal zones.     

Seasonal aberrant radular formation in Thais bronni (Dunker) and T. clavigera (Küster) (Gastropoda : Muricidae)

Radulae of Thais bronni (Dunker) and T. clavigera (Küster) were examined at Mukaishima Island for a period of 2 yr, 1982 to 1984. Radulae of both species are similar in morphology, both having the basic pentacuspid rachidian plan. Sexual dimorphism of the radula was not observed, but rachidian tooth changes morphologically in different growth stages. Seasonal conditions affect the size and shape of the radula; in winter it is clearly malformed and strikingly thin. These aberrant parts of the radula comprised some dozens of rows, in which only several extremely thin rows exist. Results of experiments using T. clavigera under different water temperature conditions showed that the radula is rarely produced below 10 °C and that rate of radular production and replacement increases with increase in temperature. These results suggest that in the field the radula of these species is replaced entirely 2–2.5 times per year and 10–15 times during the life of the animal.     

Experimental and comparative morphology of radula renewal in pulmonates (Mollusca,Gastropoda)

Summary The continuous renewal of the pulmonate radula and the histology and regeneration of its concomitant epithelia were studied by light and electron microscopy, autoradiography and electron microprobe analysis. The two species investigated show histological differences and the results were compared with those of a preceding study on a prosobranch radula. The radula is an intricate cuticular structure of the foregut. Only the fully grown part, which is active during feeding, lies in the buccal cavity while it is constantly renewed by the coordinated cooperation of specialized cells forming the radular sheath. The end of the sheath is occupied by cells which produce the organic matrix of the radula. In taeniogloss prosobranchs, seven multicellular cushions of small odontoblasts lie at the end of the sheath and produce the seven teeth of each cross-row. In pulmonates, the multidenticular radula is generated by numerous groups of a few voluminuous cells. Despite these histological differences, prosobranchs and pulmonates generate the radula matrix by microvilli, cytoplasmatic protrusions and apocrine secretions. The epithelia of the radular sheath contribute to the transport, tanning and mineralization of the radula. The concomitant epithelia are replaced in limited proliferation zones at the end of the radular sheath and their cells migrate anteriorly to the buccal cavity. The ultrastructure of the sheath cells and the alterations which they undergo in connection with their functions are discussed. The proliferation zone of the superior epithelium is strictly confined and the cells move together with the radula forward. In prosobranchs, the cells of the superior epithelium begin to degenerate in the middle of the radular sheath and the entire epithelium is simply extruded into the buccal cavity. In pulmonates, the opening of the radular sheath is closed by the cuticular collostylar hood which is generated by a distinct epithelium which is proved to be stationary. When leaving the proliferation zone, the superior epithelium differentiates into supporting cells and mineralizing cells; the latter cause the hardening of the radular teeth and already degenerate in the middle of the sheath. The whole superior epithelium degenerates at the border to the collostylar hood-epithelium. In Lymnaea the degeneration zone is strictly confined whereas in Cepaea the collostylar hood and its generating epithelium extend into the radular sheath and the degeneration zone ranges over a distance of 3–5 rows of teeth. The proliferation zone of the inferior epithelium extends over the posterior half of the radular sheath, but the replacement rate is much lower than in the superior epithelium. Although the inferior epithelium carries the radula, it migrates slower than the radula. Obviously the radula has to be transported actively by apical protrusions of the cells, which penetrate into the radular membrane. At the opening of the radular sheath the inferior epithelium generates the adhesive layer and degenerates. During feeding, the adhesive layer has to maintain the firm mechanical connection between radula and distal radular epithelium. Autoradiographic experiments demonstrate that the distal radular epithelium is stationary. Nevertheless, the radula is known to advance to its degeneration zone. Special attention is paid to this problem. We strongly suspect that the transport of the adhesive layer and the radula is based on pseudopodial movements of apical protrusions characteristic for the distal radular epithelium. These protrusions interdigitate with the lower face of the adhesive layer. The mechanical connection has to be maintained and so the respective structures (tonofilaments and hemi-desmosomes) have to be continually renewed. This needs a high amount of energy and obviously results in the conspicuous concentration of mitochondria near the apical surface.Abbreviations al adhesive layer - ax axon - bc buccal cavity - bce buccal cavity epithelium - bl basal layer - bla basal labyrinth - bm basal membrane - bp basal plate - bpc basal plate cell - c cilia - ch collostylar hood - che collostylar hood-epithelium - cl cuticular layer - col collostyle - cr cell remnant - cts connective tissue sheath - d desmosome - dl upper layer - dre distal radular epithelium - dz degeneration zone - fe front edge - g granula - gol dictyosome - hd hemidesmosome - hl haemolymph - ie inferior epithelium - j jaw - ma tooth matrix - mc mineralizing cell - mem membranoblast - mfb microfibrills - mfl microfilaments - mgb multigranular body - mi mitochondria - mit mitosis - ml middle layer - mt microtubuli - mv microvilli - mw membrane whirl - n nucleus - nc necrotic cluster - nf nerve fibres - nsg neurosecretory granula - o odontophor - od odontoblast - odg odontoblast group - pod pre-odontoblast - rb residual body - rer rough endoplasmatic reticulum - rm radular membrane - rt radula teeth - sc supporting cell - se superior epithelium - sj septate junction - sro subradular organ - ss secretion substance - tf tonofilaments - tsm supramedian tensor muscle - tw terminal web - v vacuole - ves vesicle     

Factors affecting horizontal transmission of the microsporidium Amblyospora albifasciati to its intermediate copepod host Mesocyclops annulatus

Factors that directly impact horizontal transmission of the microsporidium Amblyospora albifasciati to its intermediate copepod host, Mesocyclops annulatus were examined in laboratory bioassays. Results were evaluated in relation to life history strategies that facilitate persistence of the parasite in natural populations of its definitive mosquito host, Ochlerotatusalbifasciatus. A moderately high quantity of meiospores from mosquito larvae was required to infect adult female copepods; the IC50 was estimated at 3.6 × 10⁴ meiospores/ml. Meiospore infectivity following storage at 25 °C was detected up to 30 days, while meiospores stored at 4 °C remained infectious to copepods for 17 months with virtually no decline in infectivity. Uninfected female M. annulatus are long-lived; no appreciable mortality was observed in field-collected individuals for 26 days, with a few individuals surviving up to 70 days. The pathological impact of A. albifasciati infection on M. annulatus resulted in a 30% reduction in survivorship after 7 days followed by gradual progressive mortality with no infected individuals surviving more than 40 days. This moderate level of pathogenicity allows for a steady continual release of spores into the environment where they may be ingested by mosquito larvae. Infected female copepods survived in sediment under conditions of desiccation up to 30 days, thus demonstrating their capacity to function as a link for maintaining A. albifasciati between mosquito generations following periods of desiccation. The susceptibility of late stage copepodid M. annulatus to meiospores of A. albifasciati and subsequent transstadial transmission of infection to adult females was established.     

Reduction in fitness of female Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) infected with Metarhizium anisopliae

Bioassays were conducted to document the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae infection on adult female Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) reproduction before death and subsequent survival of offspring. The effect of infection on fecundity was evaluated for females already laying eggs and for newly eclosed females using M. anisopliae isolates ARSEF 7234 and 7711, respectively. Decreased longevity and oviposition compared with controls were observed in females that were already laying eggs when exposed to M. anisopliae ARSEF 7234. Newly eclosed females exposed to M. anisopliae ARSEF 7711 displayed shortened longevity (10.0 ± 0.7 days vs 74.3 ± 6.8 days for controls) and decreased oviposition (1.3 ± 0.7 eggs per ARSEF 7711-exposed female vs 97.2 ± 13.7 eggs per female for controls) compared with controls. Percentages of eggs that did not hatch were greater for both groups of fungal-treated females compared with controls and 60.0% of unhatched eggs contained signs of fungal infection. The percentage of larvae dying within 9 weeks of oviposition was higher for sexually mature females exposed to ARSEF 7234 compared with controls and >40% of dead larvae displayed signs of fungal infection. Thus, for both stages of females and both fungal isolates, fewer surviving larvae were produced after female fungal infection compared with controls. M. anisopliae infection affects female fitness by decreasing female longevity, by decreasing female oviposition before death and through horizontal transmission of M. anisopliae to offspring.     

Occurrence and characterization of a nucleopolyhedrovirus from Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) isolated in the azores

A nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV-Az) was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera littoralis, collected at the Island of S. Miguel in Azores. The virulence of this isolate was tested against S. littoralis larvae in laboratory. LD₅₀ against 2nd and 3rd instars were not significantly different, 1.44 × 10⁴, 3.89 × 10⁴ OBs per larvae, respectively, but both were significantly different from that against 4th instar, which was 61.3 × 10⁴ OBs per larvae. The complete codons sequence of SpliMNPV-Az Polh gene obtained was 750 bp (NCBI GenBank Accession No. AY600451). This sequence was compared to other 38 polyhedrin genes from NPVs and to 6 granulin genes from GVs and resulted to be identical to the sequence of a SpliMNPV previously published, thus indicating that the natural host of SpliMNPV-Az must be S. littoralis. Genetic distances estimated from restriction enzymes profiles showed SpliMNPV-Az is close to the Egyptian SpliMNPV type B, despite some degree of genetic divergence suggested by slight differences observed on PstI profile.     

The radula of the Late Cretaceous scaphitid ammonite Rhaeboceras halli (Meek and Hayden, 1856)

Abstract: Radular teeth occur between the jaws in two specimens of the Late Cretaceous scaphitid ammonite Rhaeboceras halli (Meek and Hayden, 1856) from the Western Interior of the United States. The detailed morphology of the teeth has been revealed by propagation phase contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography. Each row of the radula of R. halli consists of a total of seven teeth (a central rachidian, two pairs of lateral and one pair of marginal teeth), as in other known ammonoid radulae, although the central tooth could not be confirmed in the specimens examined. The lateral teeth are multicuspid and robust, and the marginal teeth are long (4.6 mm) and slender. In overall morphology, the heterodont and ctenoglossan radula of R. halli is similar that of Jurassic and Cretaceous ammonites with the same aptychus‐type lower jaw, that is, the Aptychophora. This discovery reveals the range of variation in radular morphology, which could be related to ecological or phylogenetic factors. It also invalidates the hypothesis that the hook‐like structures in R. halli previously described are radular elements.     

Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae that survive sublethal doses of nucleopolyhedrovirus exhibit high metabolic rates

To determine the effect of sublethal doses of Helicoverpa armigera single nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearSNPV) on the metabolic rate of H. armigera, the respiration rates of third instar H. armigera larvae inoculated with sublethal doses of HearSNPV were evaluated. Respiration rates, measured as the rate of CO₂ production (VCO₂), were recorded daily using closed-system respirometry. By 4 days post-inoculation (dpi), the metabolic rates of LD₂₅ or LD₇₅ survivors were significantly higher than that of uninoculated controls. When dose data were pooled, the VCO₂ values of larvae that survived inoculation (0.0288 ml h⁻¹), the uninoculated controls (0.0250 ml h⁻¹), and the larvae that did not survive inoculation (0.0199 ml h⁻¹) differed significantly from one another. At 4 dpi, the VCO₂ of the uninoculated controls were significantly lower than the VCO₂ of inoculation survivors, but significantly higher than the VCO₂ of inoculation non-survivors. Inoculation survivors may have had high metabolic rates due to a combination of viral replication, organ damage, and an energy-intensive induced cellular immune response. The high 4 dpi metabolic rate of inoculation survivors may reflect an effective immune response and may be seen as the metabolic signature of larvae that are in the process of surviving inoculation with HearSNPV.     

Chemical implantation of Group 4 cations on silica via cyclopentadienyl- and N,N-dialkylcarbamato derivatives

Chemical implantation of Group 4 cations [Ti(III), Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Hf(IV)] has been carried out under mild conditions by the reaction of polycyclopentadienyl- (MCp_n; M = Ti, n = 3, 4; M = Zr, Hf, n = 4), mixed cyclopentadienyl/N,N-dialkylcarbamato (ML_x(O₂CNEt₂)_y; M = Ti, L = Cp, C₅Me₅ (Cp*), x = 2, y = 1; M = Hf, L = Cp, x = 1, y = 3), and N,N-dialkylcarbamato (M(O₂CNR₂)_n, M = Ti, n = 3, R = ⁱPr; M = Ti, Hf, n = 4, R = Et; M = Zr, n = 4, R = ⁱPr) derivatives, with the silanol groups of amorphous silica. Cyclopentadiene/pentamethylcyclopentadiene and/or carbon dioxide and the secondary amine are released in the process. The amount of implanted cations depends on the metal and on the ligands, the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex being less reactive than the unsubstituted congener. The starting complexes and the final products have been characterized by EPR or by ¹³C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy.