Description of the early ontogenic part of the Tentaculitids, with implications for classification

Ontogenic development and classification of tentaculitids at high systematic levels are reevaluated in the light of new findings on shell structure and morphology of larval parts, and these features are here regarded as being of primary importance for taxonomy. Class Tentaculita Bouček, 1964 is subdivided into two subclasses, of which subclass Chionioconarida Farsan, 1994 is distinguished by a tubular larval process closed at the apex and covered with microrings. The process is differentiated into a prolarval, metalarval and epilarval part, of which the latter coincides with metamorphosis. Morphology of the larval parts suggests that metamorphosis proceeds in two different manners, giving rise to superorders within this subclass. Within superorder Trompetoconarida Farsan, 1994 a bilaterally symmetrical larval cone develops with an aperture oblique to the long axis of the conch; following metamorphosis the conch becomes radially symmetrical and the aperture perpendicular to the axis; secondary shell, septa and pseudopunctae develop in the adult phase, and the structure of the shell is lamellar. In contrast, within the second superorder, Lirioconarida Farsan, 1994 the epilarval tube develops into a larval bulb with no changes in symmetry and position of the aperture; secondary shell, septa and pseudopuncta are absent. The microstructure of the shell is lamellar in the larval part whereas in postlarval parts it is either sigmoidal or lamellar. The subclass Dacryoconarida Fisher, 1962 possesses a subspherical, tear- or drop-like embryonic chamber which may have a caudal process. The microstructure of the embryonic chamber is variable within this group, being lamellar in some taxa whereas in others, a single layer of shell is present. The postembryonic parts of the lamellar forms possess nacreous or sigmoidal structures.     

Shell structure of helically coiled microconchids from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Germany

Microconchid affinity of helically coiled tubes of Microconchus aberrans (Hohenstein, 1913) from the early Anisian of southern Germany is supported by an SEM study of shell structure. There are probable pseudopunctae in the shell of M. aberrans. Helically coiled and some substrate-cemented planispiral microconchids have similar microlamellar tube structures in the Triassic. The structure of the morphologically aberrant M. aberrans is characteristic of Palaeozoic to Middle Triassic microconchids. Allochthonous tube fragments of M. aberrans in the Wellenkalk presumably originate from a microconchid biostrome.     

A family-level classification of the Order Microconchida (Class Tentaculita) and the description of two new microconchid genera

A family-level classification of microconchid tubeworms (Order Microconchida, Class Tentaculita) is proposed here for the first time. Based on distinct tube microstructure and/or tube ontogeny, the following families are defined: Palaeoconchidae (tubes having microlamellar structure deflected by pseudopunctae), Microconchidae (tubes having microlamellar structure deflected by punctae that are manifested on the tube exterior as distinct pores), Helicoconchidae (tubes showing lateral budding and binary fission budding), and Punctaconchidae (tubes having microlamellar structure deflected by large punctae manifested on the tube exterior by large, distinct pores). This classification is necessary because it enables us to place specific genera within particular families based on shared unique external and internal features. This family-level classification also helps distinguish morphologically convergent forms and allows for potential recognition of phyletic relationship among different genera and species. Additionally, two new genera (Tuberoconchus and Spinuliconchus), as well as one new species (Spinuliconchus biernatae) from the Lower Devonian (Emsian) of the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland are erected.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:50DC23F6-93A7-4B0A-B7F7-6C7667D4F6FB     

晚泥盆世腕足动物中国石燕(Sinospirifer)之修订

通过对保存在南京地质古生物研究所的弓石燕类模式标本(由葛利普最早研究)的再研究,作者认为,Sinospirifer Grabau,193l仍是一个有效属。它与Cyrtospirfer Nalivkin,1924的主要区别在于腹壳后部强烈加厚、假三角板中央具有肉茎管以及在壳褶及褶间均发育微瘤(whitneyi—subextensus型的微细纹饰)。Tien(1938)指定S．sinensis Grabau,1931作为Sinospirifer的模式种,因为它与S．subextensus(Martelli,1902)有着相同的形态构造,包括壳形、壳率、中槽壳线型式、中央肉茎管、微细纹饰及内部构造等,所以Ssinensis应是S．subextensus(Martelli,1902)的次同义名,Sinospirifer的模式种应更改为S．subextensus。此外,S．archiaciformis,S.wan-gleighi,S．vilis,S．subhavasakai,S．pellizzarii,S.pellizzariformis和S．heterosinosus几个种在外部及内部构造上也与Ssubextensus相同,同样被视作为S．subextensus的次同义名。葛利普文中所列举的所谓几个种之间的区分特征已在湖南中部同一地点同一层位所采集的同一样品的标本中观察到,它们仅仅是种内变异的现象。对于以往不同种的标本被归人同种的情况,作者均作了修订,例如,S．vilis Grabau,1931实际代表几个种标本的混合体,经修订,分别被归于Siplospirifer subextensus,“Sinospirifer”hayasakai,Tenticospirifer supervilis等。S．sub—hayasakai Grabau,1931仅限于正模为代表的特征,被归于Sinospirifer subextensus,而两个副模标本(NIGP 2736和2740)则应归人”Sinospirifer”gortanioides Grabau,1931。     

TOPOGRAPHY OF THE ORGANIC COMPONENTS IN MOTHER-OF-PEARL

1. The topography of the organic components (conchiolin) has been investigated on positive, postshadow-cast, formvar, and carbon replicas of mother-of-pearl from shells of a Cephalopod, of two Gastropods, and of six Pelecypods. All these shells are characterized by a true nacreous inner shell layer. 2. The material included normal shell surfaces, fragments of cleavage obtained by fracture, and surfaces polished tangentially and transversally to the inner surface of the shells. Replicas of these surfaces were prepared before and after etching of graded heaviness, induced by a chelating agent (sequestrene NA 2, titriplex III). Micrographs of the successive steps of the process of corrosion have been recorded. 3. Corrosion unmasked, on the nacreous surfaces, organic membranes or sheets, running as continuous formations in between adjacent mineral lamellae, and separating the individual crystals of aragonite which are aligned in rows and constitute each lamella. 4. The interlamellar sheets of material exhibit a reticulated structure, which is especially visible in preparations orientated tangentially to the lamellae and to the tabular surface of the aragonite crystals. The pattern of this lace-like structure, different in the various species studied, appeared in the same species as closely similar to that reported previously in leaflets of thoroughly decalcified mother-of-pearl, dissociated by ultrasonic waves. The present results support former conclusions with regard to the existence of taxonomic differences between Cephalopods, Gastropods, and Pelecypods in the morphological organization of the organic phase within mother-of-pearl.     

NEMATOCYSTS OF THE SEA ANEMONE METRIDIUM

Six types of nematocysts and their nematocytes in tentaclesand acontia of the sea anemone Metridium senile fimbriatum werestudied by electron microscopy. Microbasic b-mastigophores, microbasic amastigophores, and basitrichshave one fundamental feature in common: a straight, complexly-foldedshaft with dense spines pointing apically. An additional resemblancebetween a b-mastigophore and a basitrich is the possession ofa long, narrow, coiled thread bearing spines. An amastigophoreis characterized by a short, looped, unspined thread and a cup-shapedgranular matrix. Atrich and holotrich nematocysts have a coiled, spined tubeof uniform diameter which lies in an evenly granular matrixfilling the entire capsule. The above five nematocysts have three flaps at the apex of thecapsule which open upon discharge, and each nematocyte possessesa flagellum with which is associated one or two centrioles anda striated rootlet. The long rootlet of the b-mastigophorebearingnematocyte passes through a circular band of fibrils surroundingthe neck region of the capsule, and the short rootlet of theatrich lies in a dense fibrous sheath surrounding all but theapex of the capsule. The spirocyst differs from the other nematocysts in having athin, ridged, singlewalled capsule; an inverted tube containingbundles of tubules; an apical disk covered only by a thin layerof granular material and the nematocyst membrane; and the absenceof a flagellum in its nematocyte. Theories of excitation and mechanism of discharge of nematocystsand the function of spirocysts are discussed in the light ofthis and other recent studies of the fine structure of nematocysts.Special attention is drawn to the probable role of the foldsin the walls of shaft and thread in increasing the length ofthe tube upon discharge.     

THE EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND SUCROSE FEEDING ON THE FINE STRUCTURE IN CHLOROPLASTS AND ON THE CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF ETIOLATED LEAVES

Changes in the fine structure of proplastids of etiolated leaves exposed to various conditions of light and darkness for 24 and 48 hours were investigated, and the chlorophyll content of the leaves so treated was determined in vivo. The light treatments were given while the leaves were floated on tap water or on a 0.2 M sucrose solution. Leaves floated on water under low light intensity (2 foot-candles) were low in chlorophyll and contained plastids with concentric rows of vesicles. Transferring the leaves back to darkness resulted in the disappearance of the concentric rigs and re-formation of vesicular centers together with straight rows of vesicles and tubules, evenly spaced throughout the stroma. Chloroplasts of leaves floated on a sucrose solution under low light showed large vesicular centers together with stacks of rows of elongated tubules. The same chloroplast structure was found in leaves floated on a sucrose solution in the dark, after having been exposed to weak light for 24 hours. Chlorophyll content in these leaves was the same as in leaves floated on water under high light intensity, where the chloroplasts had normal grana and lamellae. The effect of the investigated factors on plastid development is discussed.     

ON THE TUBE ULTRASTRUCTURE AND ORIGIN OF CALCIFICATION IN SABELLIDS (ANNELIDA, POLYCHAETA)

Abstract:  Tube ultrastructure of Jurassic and Cretaceous Glomerula is very similar to that of Recent Calcisabella , supporting the synonymy of these genera and the early Mesozoic origin of calcification in sabellids. Tube structure of serpulids differs from that of Glomerula ; calcareous tubes probably evolved convergently within Sabellida. The tube wall in Recent Glomerula piloseta is composed of subparallel lamellae of aragonitic, irregular spherulitic prisms in the inner layer, and spherulites in the outer layer. Calcified lamellae are separated by organic films of different thickness. The structure of the internal tube layer in Glomerula piloseta , and the structure of entire wall in fossil Glomerula , are similar to the tube structure of Dodecaceria (Polychaeta, Cirratulidae). The irregular spherulitic prisms of Glomerula are similar to those found in the external layer of Hydroides dianthus and the internal layer of Spiraserpula caribensis .     

IN VITRO RECALCIFICATION OF ORGANIC MATRIX OF SCALLOP SHELL AND SERPULID TUBES

Organic matrix was isolated from the shell of the bivalve Argopectenirradians by decalcification. The capacity of the matrix toinitiate formation of crystals similar in form and orientationto the crystals of normal shell was investigated. Decalcifiedshell matrix placed in an inorganic recalcification solutioninitiated the formation of elongate crystals in parallel arrangementcorresponding to the parallel orientation observed in the matrixfibers and similar to the orientation of the long crystals innormal shell. The detailed form of the crystals deposited invitro was different from that of the normal shell crystals.Electron diffraction analysis of remineralized matrix demonstratedthat the material was calcite, the mineral of normal shell. In contrast, the calcareous tube of the serpulid Hydroides dianthushas crystals lacking uniform arrangement and a matrix whichdoes not have a well-oriented structure. The decalcified tubematrix was recalcified and the mineral posited showed some evidenceof normal orientation. The results demonstrate that matrices of Argopecten shell andHydroides tube can induce crystal formation in vitro. Sincethe soluble matrix would be expected to be removed during decalcification,the observed in vitro effects apparently involve the insolublematrix. (Received 19 June 1984;     

A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF PLANORBIDAE (GASTROPODA: HETEROBRANCHIA: PULMONATA) FROM NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

A new genus and species of Planorbidae, Kessneria papillosa n.gen.and sp. from the Northern Territory, Australia, are described.The new genus is morphologically most similar to Leichhardtia,another genus restricted to Northern Australia, from which itdiffers in a number of important shell and anatomical characters.The shell of the new genus differs from all other planorbidsin having a raised, papillate protoconch, and is also uniqueamongst Australian high-spired genera in being umbilicate and inhaving a sinuate outer lip. (Received 12 May 2000; accepted 25 September 2000)     

细爪叶蜂属研究及一新种记述(膜翅目,叶蜂科,平背叶蜂亚科)

对膜翅目叶蜂科平背叶蜂亚科的细爪叶蜂属Filix-ungulia Wei进行了系统研究,描述了分布于中国河南省西部的1新种：Filixungulia cylindrica sp．nov．,该新种唇基黑色,后足跗节细长,不膨大加粗,无硬刺毛,可与同属已知的2种鉴别。细爪叶蜂属是中国特有属,仅分布于中国中部的秦岭山地和中国东北地区,目前已发现3种。该属各足爪十分细长,无内齿和爪基片,与狭义平背叶蜂族已知各属均不相同,容易鉴别。编制了细爪叶蜂属已知种分种检索表,各种给出了简要记述、重要特征图和鉴别特征。新种模式标本保存于中南林学院昆虫标本室。     

THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE AXON AND GROWTH CONE OF THE DORSAL ROOT NEUROBLAST OF THE RABBIT EMBRYO

The centrally directed neurite of the dorsal root neuroblast has been described from the period of its initial entrance into the neural tube until a well-defined dorsal root is formed. Large numbers of microtubules, channels of agranular reticulum, and clusters of ribosomes are found throughout the length of the early axons. The filopodia of the growth cone appear as long thin processes or as broad flanges of cytoplasm having a finely filamentous matrix material and occasionally small ovoid or elongate vesicles. At first the varicosity is a small expansion of cytoplasm, usually containing channels of agranular reticulum and a few other organelles. The widely dilated cisternae of agranular reticulum frequently found within the growth cone probably correspond to the pinocytotic vacuoles seen in neurites in tissue culture. The varicosities enlarge to form bulbous masses of cytoplasm, which may measure up to 5 µ in width and 13 µ in length. They contain channels of agranular reticulum, microtubules, neurofilaments, mitochondria, heterogeneous dense bodies, and a few clusters of ribosomes. Large ovoid mitochondria having ribonucleoprotein particles in their matrix are common. Dense membrane specializations are found at the basal surface of the neuro-epithelial cell close to the area where the early neurites first enter the neural tube.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE MATURE UNGERMINATED RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) CARYOPSIS. THE GERM

An in-depth transmission electron microscope study of the ungerminated, unimbibed rice germ was conducted. All tissues in the germ were examined. Plastids were similar in all cells; many contained osmiophilic globules and phytoferritin, some displayed a limited thylakoid system, and all contained cytoplasmic tubular and vesicular inclusions formed by invaginations of the outer plastid membranes. Filament bundles were found in cells of the coleoptile, plumule, mesocotyl, radicle, and epiblast. Three general categories of cells could be identified in the germ based on protein body characteristics and on lipid body distribution: 1) Cells having inclusions in protein bodies and having numerous lipid bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm; 2) Cells having or lacking protein body inclusions and possessing peripheral lipid bodies and/or having electron-dense deposits in the lipid bodies; and 3) Cells lacking protein bodies and having peripheral lipid bodies.     

河北秦皇岛地区奥陶纪奇壁角石科分子的发现及意义

奇壁角石科（Ａｌｌｏｔｒｉｏｃｅｒａｔｉｄａｅ）分子在我华北东部属首次发现。它产于马家沟组下部。界于Ｄｅｆｏｒｍｏｎ－ｃｅｒａｓ－Ｐｅｒｉｐａｔｏｃｅｒａｓ与Ｐｏｌｙｄｅｓｍｉａ－Ｗｕｔｉｎｏｃｅｒａｓ－Ｅｏｓｉｏｔｅｌｕｓ组合带之间偏下。奇壁角石科是Ｆｌｏｗｅｒ,Ｒ．Ｈ．１９９５年创立的,至今科内已建立６属１３种和３个相似种。但以往所描述标本绝大多数仅保存有部分内体管,对其它特征所知甚少。文中描     

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF THREE SPECIES OF THE APOPHYLLOUS GENUS GYMNOPHYTON

The anatomy of three species of Gymnophyton has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The species are essentially leafless and morphologically they are very much alike, but they differ anatomically and can be characterized just by their anatomical differences. SEM revealed great differences in stomatal structure, orientation, and dimensions. Micro-channels (ectodesmata) in the guard cell walls were disclosed in great numbers in G. isatidicarpum by using interference contrast microscopy, and these structures are thought to function as pathways for wax precursors. In older stems of this species the epidermis and cortical palisade tissue are isolated by a continuous periderm layer. Before dying, the palisade cells undergo alterations, and the stomata are permanently closed by cuticular plugs between the guard cells or by fusion of the swollen adaxial parts of the subsidiary cells. Similar permanent closure mechanisms are not found in G. polycephalum and G. robustum, which also deviate by having their stomatal openings orientated at a right angle to the axis of the stem and by the occurrence of collenchyma strands instead of fiber strands along the stem corner ribs. Gymnophyton polycephalum and G. robustum seem to be more closely related to each other than either is to G. isatidicarpum, but they differ markedly from one another in the size and structure of their stomatal complexes.     

CORRELATION OF THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE GASTRIC PARIETAL CELL (DOG) WITH FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE STOMACH

The fine structure of the parietal (oxyntic) cell in the gastric glands (corpus of the stomach) of the dog was examined under conditions of active gastric acid secretion and compared with cellular structure in the non-acid-secretory (basal) state. Animals, in both acute and chronic experiments, were equipped with gastric fistulae so that gastric juice could be collected for analysis of total acidity, free acidity, volume, and pH prior to biopsy of the gastric mucosa. The specimens of mucosa were fixed in buffered OsO₄ and embedded in n-butyl methacrylate and the thin sections were stained with lead hydroxide before examination in the electron microscope. A majority of parietal cells showed an alteration of fine structure during stimulation of gastric acid secretion by a number of different techniques (electrical vagal stimulation, histamine administration, or insulin injection). The changes in fine structure affected mainly the smooth surfaced vesicular elements and the intracellular canaliculi in the cytoplasm of the cell. The mitochondria also appeared to be involved to some extent. During acid secretion a greater concentration of smooth surface profiles is found adjacent to the walls of the intracellular canaliculi; other parietal cells exhibited a marked decrease in number of smooth surfaced elements. Intracellular canaliculi, always present in non-acid-secreting oxyntic cells, develop more extensively in cells of acid-secreting gastric glands. The surface area of these canaliculi is greatly increased by the elaboration of a large number of closely approximated and elongated microvilli. Still other parietal cells apparently in a different stage of the secretory cycle exhibit non-patent canaliculi lacking prominence; such cells have very few smooth surfaced vesicular elements. These morphological findings correlated with the acid-secretory state of the stomach provide evidence that the parietal cell participates in the process of acid secretion.     

淡水贝类贝壳多层构造形成研究

对几种淡水贝（包括蚌、螺）进行形态及组织学观察，并通过实验方法重现贝壳三种物质，即：角质、棱柱质、珍珠质的生成过程，结果表明：外套膜外表皮细胞是由相同类型细胞组成，这些相同细胞在不同的作用条件下形成贝壳多层构造。     

ULTRASTRUCTURAL ZONATION OF ADRENOCORTEX IN THE RAT

The fine structure of the different zones in the adrenal cortex of the adult rat has been studied under the electron microscope. Four regions mainly differentiated by the mitochondrial morphology, the lipid droplets, and the structure of the ground cytoplasm were recognized. In the glomerular zone mitochondria are thin and elongated with an abundant matrix. The inner structure is characterized by the presence of tubules of 300 A that are straight or bend at an angle and which may be grouped in parallel array giving a pseudocrystalline pattern. The wall of each tubule is a finger-like projection of the inner membrane and its cavity corresponds to the outer chamber of the mitochondrion. In the intermediary zone mitochondria are larger and irregular. The matrix is filled with convoluted tubules and vesicular elements. The lipid droplets are larger and irregular in the glomerulosa and and small in the intermedia. The ground substance is dense and contains free ribosomes in the glomerulosa and starts to be vacuolated in the intermedia. In the fasciculata mitochondria are round or oval and are filled with vesicular elements with a mean size of 450 A. Larger vesicles and more clear elements (vacuoles) are seen near the edge as if their content was diluted. Some of these vacuoles protrude on the surface. In the reticular zone mitochondria are also vesicular but frequently show signs of alteration and disruption. Dense elements recognized as microbodies are observed in the fasciculata but they increase in number in the reticularis. These results are discussed on the light of the so called zonal theory of the adrenal cortex. Two stages in the differentiation of the mitochondria are postulated. The tubular structure of the glomerulosa undergoes a process of disorientation and dilatation of the tubules to form the tubulo-vesicular elements of the intermediary zone. In a second stage of differentiation, by fragmentation of the tubules, the vesicular structure of fasciculata is formed. These findings are discussed from the viewpoint of the relationship between mitochondria and synthesis of steroid hormones. A secretory process that starts within mitochondria by the formation of vesicles and proceeds into the ground cytoplasm, as extruded and more clear vacuoles, is postulated.     

广西苦苣苔科一新属——文采苣苔属

描述了在广西发现的苦苣苔科一新属和一新种,即文采苣苔属Wentsaiboea D. Fang & D. H. Qin及文采苣苔W. renifolia D. Fang & D. H. Qin, 并提供墨线图。文采苣苔属的柱头外形略似长檐苣苔属Dolicholoma D. Fang & W. T. Wang, 不同在于前者叶肾形,基部心形,具掌状脉,花冠斜钟状,裂片圆形,雄蕊和退化雄蕊着生于冠筒近基部。新属在体态上还接近小花苣苔属Chiritopsis W. T. Wang, 但前者叶具掌状脉,冠筒钟状,远轴侧膨胀,柱头马蹄形;在后者叶具羽状脉,冠筒筒状,不膨胀,柱头下唇倒梯形至线形。     

Wentsaiboea D. Fang & D. H. Qin,a new genus of the Gesneriaceae from Guangxi,China

Wentsaiboea renifolia D. Fang & D. H. Qin, a new genus and species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This genus is similar to Dolicholoma D. Fang & W. T. Wang in the shape of stigma, but differs by having leaves reniform, palmately nerved and base cordate, corolla obliquely campanulate, corolla lobes rounded, and both stamens and staminodes adnate to corolla tube near base. It is also similar to Chiritopsis W. T. Wang in the habit, but differs by having leaves palmately nerved, corolla tube campanulate and abaxially swollen, and stigma hippocrepiform.