Isolation and characteristics of Thiopedia rosea (neotype)

Four new strains of Thiopedia rosea were isolated in pure culture from blooms of platelet-forming purple sulfur bacteria in the top layers of the anoxic hypolimnia of two freshwater lakes. Individual cells of the new strains as well as of T. rosea strain 4211 were spherical to oval, nonmotile and contained gas vesicles in the central part. The predominant photosynthetic pigments were bacteriochlorophyll a and okenone. All strains were strictly anaerobic and obligately phototrophic. Optimal growth occurred at low light intensities of 100 E · m^-2 s^-1 (tungsten lamp); intensities above 150 E · m^-2 s^-1 inhibited growth completely. Photoautotrophic growth was possible at sulfide concentrations up to 0.6 mM; higher concentrations were inhibitory. Acetate, butyrate and valerate supported photoorganotrophic growth in the presence of bicarbonate and sulfide concentrations below 1 mM. Sulfide was required as a source of cellular sulfur because assimilatory sulfate reduction is lacking. All strains were assigned to the species Thiopedia rosea with strain 4211 as a neotype.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. H. G. Schlegel on the occasion of his 66th birthday     

Preparation and analysis of Pseudomonas putida cells for elemental composition

A series of procedures including cultivation, harvesting, washing, drying, ashing, and chemical preparation were developed for the analysis of the elemental composition of Pseudomonas putida cells. The composition of P. putida grown in continuous culture in five separate experiments at 30°C, pH 7.5, in 0.1% peptone‐yeast extract medium adjusted to a salinity of 26.5 g/L was averaged in μg/g for 50 subsamples: C, 521,000 ± 10,200; N, 143,000 ± 2,100; H, 73,600 ± 2,000; P, 17,600 ± 4,600; S, 5,200 ± 200; Mg, 3,970 ± 1,360; Na, 2,730 ± 1,160; Ca, 2,560 ± 700; K, 2,400 ± 630; Fe, 170 ± 55; Zn, 97 ± 34; and Cu, 28 ± 7.

The critical steps in the procedure were washing three times with “pure”; 4°C water using mechanical agitation and homogenization of the dried cells with an agate mortar and pestle.     

Comparative size,biomass, elemental composition (C,N, H), and energy concentration of caridean shrimp eggs

Summary

In the evolution of decapod crustaceans, interspecific variation in egg size is considered as an important life-history trait that is linked with the duration of embryonic and larval development, the number and type of larval stages, and with juvenile size. Aiming to provide a quantitative characterization of reproductive traits in related decapod taxa differing in lifestyle (freshwater, estuarine, marine) and geographic-climatic distribution (tropical-temperate), we compared size, biomass, and elemental composition of eggs of caridean shrimps from three families: seven species of Palaemonidae (three congeners of Macrobrachium: M. olfersii, M. carcinus, M. acanthurus; four species of Palaemon: P. northropi, P. pandaliformis, P. elegans, P. adspersus), two Atyidae (Potimirim potimirim, Atya scabra), and one Pandalid (Pandalus montagui). Egg size was measured as larger and smaller diameter (D₁ D₂), volume was calculated from D₁ and D₂, and biomass was measured as dry mass (W), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and energy (E, estimated from C) contents. The smallest size and lowest biomass were found in the eggs of two freshwater atyids (both originating from Brazil); the largest size occurred in a marine species, P. montagui (from the North Sea); and intermediate values in freshwater, estuarine, and marine palaemonid species (from Brazil and the Baltic Sea, respectively). Among the Palaemon species, the most limnic (P. pandaliformis) showed a significantly larger egg size and volume (P<0.001) than the estuarine and marine congeners, P. elegans, P. adspersus and P. northropi. This suggests that the generally postulated relationship between egg size and lifestyle (freshwater vs. estuarine or marine) may appear at a generic but not at the family level. On the other hand, individual biomass (in μg or Joules per egg) of early eggs was significantly higher in P. elegans and P. adspersus, indicating interspecific variability in biomass and energy concentration (in μg or Joules per unit volume, mm³). Generally lower biomass concentrations in early eggs of freshwater shrimps may be caused by a higher average water content. Eggs in late embryonic stages were generally larger than earlier eggs of the same species, reflecting an increase in the water content, while an increasing D₁:D₂ quotient indicated an increasingly elongated egg shape. The biomass per egg decreased during embryonic development due to metabolic degradation of organic reserves. As a consequence of inverse ontogenetic changes in size and organic biomass of developing eggs, the mass-specific biomass values (C, N, H in percent of W; E in Joules per mg W) and volume-specific concentrations (μg or Joules per unit volume) decreased. This change was consistently stronger in the C, H, and E contents than in other measures of biomass (W, N). In consequence, the C:N mass ratio also decreased, suggesting that lipid degradation rather than protein utilization was the principal fuel for embryonic development. Our results indicate high intra- (mainly developmental) and interspecific variation in reproductive traits of closely related species. While volume-specific biomass and energy concentrations of early eggs appear to be associated with variation in habitat salinity (freshwater, brackish, marine), individual egg size and biomass may be related more with the climatic-geographic distribution (temperate, tropical) of different taxa.     

Comparative study of the elemental composition of vegetative and dormant microbial cells

X-ray microanalysis showed that vegetative cells, viable resting forms, and nonviable forms (micromummies) of the bacteria Bacillus cereus and Micrococcus luteus and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae differ in the contents of bioelements S, P, Ca, and K and the Ca/K and P/S ratios. Viable resting forms (cystlike refractory cells and bacillar endospores) had more calcium and less phosphorus and potassium than vegetative cells, the difference being higher for bacilli than for micrococci and yeasts. The distinctive feature of all viable resting microbial forms was their low P/S ratios and high Ca/K ratios. The differences revealed in the cellular content and ratios of bioelements probably reflect changes in ionic homeostasis accompanying the transition of vegetative microbial cells to the dormant state. Relevant potassium parameters indicate that the membranes of viable resting forms retain their barrier function. At the same time, the nonviable forms, even morphologically intact, of B. cereus and S. cerevisiae exhibited an anomalously low content of potassium, while those of M. luteus had an anomalously high content of this element. This suggests that the cellular membranes of micromummies lose their barrier function, which results in a free diffusion of potassium ions across the membranes. The possibility of using the elemental composition parameters for quick analysis of the physiological state of microorganisms in natural environments is discussed.     

Histochemistry and elemental composition of the stomach cells in Littorina littorea (L.)

The present work deals with the histochemical, histoenzymological and micro-analytical study of the stomach of Littorina Littorea (L.). The results suggest the existence of intracellular digestion within the stomach cells. Thus, the occurrence of lysosomes in the mid-cytoplasm of stomach cells has been revealed by demonstration beta-glucuronidase activity in cryostat sections of frozen tissues. Other enzymatic activities have been proved with the same tissues. Accordingly, the results on lipid and pigment histochemistry indicate a certain digestion in this cell type. Mucocytes show a protective role for the epithelium, their main secretions being acid MPS. The elemental composition of electron dense concretions from the stomach cells indicate the presence of very high amounts of iron associated to lower peaks for sulphur, phosphorous and other cations found as calcium, copper and zinc.     

Sphingolipid composition of human platelets

Total lipid extracts from washed trypsinized human platelets were fractionated into neutral lipids, glycosphingolipids, and phospholipids by silicic acid chromatography. The concentrations and chemical structures of the neutral and acidic glycosphingolipids were then studied in detail. On the basis of sugar molar ratios, studies of permethylation products, and the action of stereospecific glycosidases on the lipids, identifications were made of four neutral glycosphingolipids. Lactosylceramide was the most abundant type and accounted for 64% of the total neutral glycolipid mixture. The major fatty acids of the lactosylceramide were 20:0, 22:0, 24:0, and 24:1; the major long-chain base was 4-sphingenine. The platelets were surprisingly rich in a ceramide fraction, which represented 1.3% of the total platelet lipids. It had a different fatty acid composition than the neutral glycosphingolipid and ganglioside fractions. Hematoside was also isolated from the total lipid fraction of platelets; the neuraminic acid component was N-acetylneuraminic acid. Treatment of platelets with trypsin, chymotrypsin, or thrombin increased the yield of hematoside as compared with a control, while the level of ceramides was not changed. It was concluded that the platelets are similar to leukocytes, liver, and spleen in that lactosylceramide and hematoside are the principal neutral and acidic glycosphingolipids. The presence of a relatively high proportion of ceramide in platelets may be a unique characteristic of this cellular fraction of blood.     

Postnatal changes in the distribution and elemental composition of Paneth cells in normal and corticosteroid-treated rats

Summary Paneth cells containing zinc-rich granules were found in the small intestine of 6-day-old rats. These cells were more numerous in older animals and were consistently most common in the distal ileum. The zinc content of granules from 10-day-old rats was similar to that found in adults (ca 300 mg atoms/kg dry weight) but no calcium could be detected. An injection of cortisone acetate at 5 days resulted in a premature increase in the numbers of Paneth cells in 10-day-old rats. The cell granules contained normal, adult levels of zinc, a calcium concentration of ca 400 mg atoms/kg dry weight and also an increased concentration of phosphorus.     

Acidocalcisomes of trypanosomatids have species-specific elemental composition

The elemental composition and stoichiometric profile of elements present in acidocalcisomes of different genera of the Trypanosomatidae family (insect, plant, and mammalian parasites) submitted to parallel cultivation conditions were studied. X-ray microanalysis using transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with a morphometric approach was used to investigate the elemental content, number, distribution, and volumetric density of acidocalcisomes of different species. Microanalytical data showed that the different parasites possess the same elemental composition (oxygen, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc) in their acidocalcisomes. However, the relative concentrations of the elements varied among species, but not within acidocalcisomes of individual species. Iron was detected in acidocalcisomes of all species analyzed, characterizing this element as a constituent of these organelles. Taken together, the results strongly indicate a species-specific composition of acidocalcisomes in trypanosomatid parasites.     

Features of the elemental composition of medicinal plants, synthesizing phenolic compounds

A total of 52 species of medicinal plants capable of synthesizing phenolic compounds were subjected to mass-scale screening for 24 chemical elements. The screening was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry in combination with spectrophotometric detection. The plant species tested were found to accumulate groups of two to ten chemical elements (Fe, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, etc.), which are known cofactors and activators of many enzymes of phenol metabolism. Some of the plant species tested are overconcentrators of Cr, Co, Mn, I, and other chemical elements. The possibility of the use of these plants in the treatment and prophylaxis of disorders of the microelement metabolism is discussed.     

Lipid composition of miniature pig platelets

1. Analyses of platelet lipid composition were carried out on material pooled from male and female miniature pigs. 2. The cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio was 0.6. 3. Phosphatidylcholine represents the major class of phospholipids (47%) and phosphatidylinositol the minor (2%). 4. The main fatty acids of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and sphingomyelin were: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids. 5. The ratios of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids were: sphingomyelin, 1.7; phosphatidylcholine, 1.2; phosphatidylserine, 0.9; phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, 0.6. 6. Our results suggests that human and miniature pig platelet lipids bear several characteristics in common. This fact would allow miniature pig to be used as a new experimental model.     

Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on the growth,elemental composition,and cell size of two marine diatoms: potential implications of global climate change

Two pennate diatoms, Amphora coffeaeformis and Nitzschia ovalis, were used to evaluate potential responses to the future CO₂ and temperature increases with respect to cell-specific growth rate, elemental composition, size, population growth rate, and carrying capacity. Diatoms were subjected to four different treatments over a 2 week period (approximately 4 generations): a control (28°C and present-day CO₂, ~400 ppm), high CO₂ (28°C with high CO₂, ~750 ppm), high temperature (31°C and present-day CO₂, ~400 ppm), and greenhouse-effect treatment (31°C with high CO₂, ~750 ppm). The results indicated that both the cell-specific growth rates and the carrying capacity of A. coffeaeformis decreased at the higher temperature treatment, whereas N. ovalis did not differ among all treatments. No significant difference was found in either species’ elemental cell composition, but higher C:N and C:P ratios were observed for A. coffeaeformis and N. ovalis, respectively, in high CO₂ and greenhouse-effect treatments. Smaller cell sizes were observed for both species under the greenhouse-effect treatment, a phenomenon that could alter benthic food webs in the future.     

Growth rates and elemental composition of Alexandrium monilatum, a red-tide dinoflagellate

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on growth of Alexandrium monilatum were studied in laboratory cultures. This toxic, red-tide dinoflagellate grew faster with higher temperatures, up to a maximum of approximately 1 division per day at 31 °C. Salinities above 15 psu had a lesser effect on growth rate, as might be expected for an estuarine species. Growth rates of cultures exposed to natural light and temperature fluctuations were comparable to laboratory cultures. The minimum N cell quota suggested that high N flux would be required to support bloom development. A literature survey of documented A. monilatum blooms indicated that within US waters, blooms occur in July–September in nearshore or estuarine regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Atlantic coast. Temperature and salinity measured during blooms correspond to the optimal growth conditions of the laboratory cultures. Nevertheless, the occurrence of A. monilatum blooms is sporadic compared to the occurrence of seemingly optimal growth conditions. Laboratory growth experiments predict when blooms of this species are unlikely due to low growth rates, but so far cannot predict individual blooms.     

First record of Mesozoic scroll coprolites: classification,characteristics, elemental composition and probable producers

Multiple, small, cylindrical scroll coprolites having rounded and tapering ends and pertaining to a new ichnotaxon have been recovered from the Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India. This is the first record of scroll coprolites from the Mesozoic. Based on cross‐sectional geometry, external surface textures, and internal morphology, these coprolites are subdivided into three morphotypes. The coprolites contain several kinds of undigested food material in the form of ganoid fish scales, teeth, lower jaw and skeletal remains of various osteichthyans, chondrichthyans, archosauriforms and indeterminate reptiles. These inclusions are embedded in the groundmass separated by thin mucosal layers. The groundmass contains abundant gas vesicles, and secondarily‐filled shrinkage cracks. EDS analysis shows that the overall composition of the coprolites reflects Ca, P, C and O, suggesting calcium phosphate mineralogy, though other elements such as Fe, Mn, Al, Si are present in lesser proportions. Based on their similarity with the scrolled faeces of extant euryhaline hammerhead sharks, it is deduced that these coprolites were produced by euryhaline hybodontid sharks. At least two hybodontid taxa, Lonchidion and Pristrisodus, show high prevalence in the Tiki vertebrate fauna, suggesting that these were the possible producers. As the coprolite inclusions contain remains of other aquatic animals, these carnivorous hybodonts constituted the dominant predators of the Tiki aquatic ecosystem.     

Correlation among soil test values and elemental composition of chrysanthemums

Summary Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. plants were grown in a soil mix fertilized daily with a balanced solution containing N, P, K, Ca, and Mg at 4 rates which were 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 times. At the end of 4 weeks of vegetative growth, the above-ground portions of the plants were analyzed for elemental content, and the soil mix was analyzed by 3 soil testing procedures. The N, P, and K contents of chrysanthemum were positively correlated with the reported values of these nutrients in the soil as determined by the Spurway, Penn State, and Intensity-Balance soil tests. Magnesium, as in the Penn State and Intensity-Balance soil tests, was negatively correlated with plant Mg content; however, Ca was not significantly correlated with plant Ca in the Penn State test and negatively correlated in the Intensity-Balance test. The magnitude of the correlation coefficients between nutrient content of the plants, and the soil test value of the nutrient by all three soil tests were similar indicating that all three soil tests can be used.Paper No. 5686 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Structure, composition, and assembly of basement membrane

Basement membranes are thin layers of matrix separating parenchymal cells from connective tissue. Their ultrastructure consists of a three-dimensional network of irregular, fuzzy strands referred to as "cords"; the cord thickness averages 3-4 nm. Immunostaining reveals that the cords are composed of at least five substances: collagen IV, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, entactin, and fibronectin. Collagen IV has been identified as a filament of variable thickness persisting after the other components have been removed by plasmin digestion or salt extraction. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan appears as sets of two parallel lines, referred to as "double tracks," which run at the surface of the cords. Laminin is detected in the cords as diffuse material within which thin wavy lines may be distinguished. The entactin and fibronectin present within the cords have not been identified as visible structures. The ability of laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, fibronectin, and entactin to bind to collagen IV has been demonstrated by visualization with rotary shadowing and/or biochemical studies. Incubation of three of these substances-collagen IV, laminin (with small entactin contamination), and proteoglycan-at 35 degrees C for 1 hr resulted in a precipitate that was sectioned for electron microscopic examination and processed for gold immunolabeling for each of the three incubated substances. Three structures are present in the precipitate: 1) a lacework, exclusively composed of heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the form of two parallel lines, similar to double tracks; 2) semi-solid, irregular accumulations, composed of the three initial substances distributed on a cord network; and 3) convoluted sheets, which are also composed of the three initial substances distributed on a cord network but which, in addition, have the uniform appearance and thickness of the lamina densa of basement membrane. Hence these sheets are closely similar to the main component of authentic basement membranes.     

The influence of elemental composition and surface topography on adhesion,proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts

The influence of elemental composition and surface topography of substrates on the adhesion, proliferation and early differentiation stages of mouse osteoblasts, line MC3T3-E1, cultured on the surface of titanium and multicomponent bioactive nanostructured films (MuBiNaFs) Ti-Ca-(P)-C-O-N and Ti-Ca-Si-C-O-N has been studied. Osteoblasts spread both on the surface of uncoated titanium samples and on the samples coated with the films and had more elongated and irregular shape than the cells cultured on control glass substrate. Immunofluorescence study has shown that osteoblasts formed straight actin bundles associated with focal contacts. Osteoblasts on titanium films formed fewer focal contacts than the cells cultured on Ti-Ca-(P)-C-O-N films. The sandblast treatment did not affect the distribution of the focal contacts and actin structures within the cells. Osteoblasts actively divided on the surface of Ti-Ca-(P)-C-O-N and Ti-Ca-Si-C-O-N films and alteration of surface topography did not affect their growth rate. The quantitative colorimetrical test on alkaline phosphatase activity has shown that modification of surface topography does not affect the level of osteoblastic differentiation. Thus, the elemental composition plays an important role in the interaction of osteoblasts with the surface of films, while the modification of the surface topography in the range of S _q from 0.4 to 1 μm does not influence adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts.