The structure of the buccal cavity and pharynx in relation to the method of feeding of Reighardia sternae Diesing 1864 (Pentastomida)

The buccal complex of the haematophagous pentastomid Reighardia sternae has been described. It consists of a buccal capsule containing a prominent oral papilla communicating with a heavily chitinized pharynx which is crescentic in cross section. The chitinous skeleton of the buccal apparatus provides a framework for the attachment of various muscle systems, the contractions of which have been related to the mode of operation of the oral papilla and pharnyx during the feeding process. Particular emphasis was placed on the possible function of the oral papilla in the initial rupture of a blood capillary, and on the pumping action of the pharynx during the ingestion of the liberated blood.     

A comparative study of activity levels in larval anurans and response to the presence of different predators

Activity level is a key behavioral trait in many animals whichmediates a trade-off between finding food and avoiding predation.Optimal activity level will therefore depend on environment,and plasticity in response may increase fitness (if an organismencounters multiple environments in a lifetime). One groupin which activity level, and its relationship to foraging andpredation risk, has been well studied is larval anurans. Anuransinhabit a range of distinct freshwater aquatic community typesthat are created by differences in pond permanency and toppredator. Species segregate across these pond types and thereforetadpoles from different species encounter different selectionregimes. I hypothesized that species from different pond typeswould therefore differ in activity behavior, and in plasticityof this behavior. I tested this in a phylogenetic frameworkto consider the evolution of plasticity in anurans diversifyinginto different pond types. Time spent active was quantifiedfor larvae of each of 13 anuran species (from three taxonomicfamilies) in four conditions: when no predator was present,and in the non-lethal presence of a dragonfly, newt, or fishpredator. Species nested within pond type by taxonomic familydiffered significantly in time spent active. A significantinteraction between predator treatment and taxonomic familywas also observed. A phylogenetic analysis of change in behaviorrevealed strong positive correlations in evolution of thesebehaviors and suggests constraints on the ability of larvalanurans to independently modify activity levels in the presenceversus absence of predators.     

A study of the mechanism of algal uptake in yolk-sac larvae of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

The drinking rate of water, and the ingestion- and assimilation rates of algae in yolk-sac larvae of Atlantic halibut were examined by use of³H-dextran and¹⁴C-labelled algae. The drinking rate throughout the yolk-sac stage was in the range of 7–160 nl per larva h⁻¹, with a slight increase towards the end of the period. The ingestion rate of algae ( Tetraselmis sp.) was very low before day 30 and showed a peak between day 43 and 48 at 5° C. The assimilation efficiency of the algae was in the range of 1-5%. The clearance rate of algae was 100–1000 times higher than the drinking rate, and was correlated to the distance between the gill arches. Bigger cells were more effectively retained than smaller ones. The results suggested that the larvae acted as filter feeders from day 30 up to the point when they are expected to start feeding on bigger prey.     

A comparative study of Lower Cambrian Halkieria and Middle Cambrian Wiwaxia

Two Cambrian lepidote metazoans known from different respective types of preservation have been compared in order to elucidate their biology and affinities. The widely distributed Lower Cambrian Halkieria is represented by isolated hollow sclerites, probably of originally calcareous composition. The Middle Cambrian Wiwaxia is known from the Burgess Shale as isolated sclerites (scales and spines) and as more or less complete individuals. Although Halkieria sclerites were mineralized and those of Wiwaxia were probably not, there are fundamental structural and morphological similarities between the two. Both bad an imbricating scaly and spiny armour consisting of hollow sclerites with a longitudinally fibrous structure. The sclerites did not grow, but were probably moulted during the course of ontogenetic growth. Halkieria and Wiwaxia are regarded as closely related. Both are referred to the Order Sachitida He 1980. The sclerite armour of Halkieria is reconstructed on the template provided by Wiwaxia. The interpretation of sachitid sclerites as protective armour is an alternative to the interpretation by Jell (1981, Alcheringa 5 )that sachitid sclerites were respiratory organs in an animal of probable annelid affinities. Sachitids are interpreted as sluggish, benthic deposit feeders that do not belong to any recognized phylum.     

A comparative study of the pumping activity of some fouling animals from the White Sea

The pumping activity of the bivalve Mytulus edulus, Hiatella arctica, and solitary ascidian Styela rustica from the White Sea has been studied. The dependence of the pumping activity on the mass and size of animals has been analyzed. It was shown that the mussel is the most active filter-feeder, that the least value of the pumping activity has been registered for H. arctica, and that S. rustica occupies an intermediate position according this index. The results obtained are examined in connection with the competitive relationship of the animals in the fouling community.     

A comparative study of the phytochemistry of two African Rain Forests

A comparative analysis of aspects of the secondary chemistry of plants from the Kibale Forest, Uganda, and the Douala-Edea Forest Reserve, Cameroon (93 species in all) has shown mean concentrations of tannins and other phenolics to be significantly greater in both young and mature foliage from Douala-Edea than in comparable taxa from Kibale. The differences remain significant when analysis was restricted to common species only. Chromatographic analysis confirmed that the proportion of species from Douala-Edea yielding tannin breakdown products was significantly greater than that from Kibale. In contrast, the proportion of species whose leaves gave definite alkaloid-positive Dragendorff reactions was significantly higher in the Kibale site. Within each site, mature leaves of the great majority of species yielded either tannins or alkaloids but the presence of detectable quantities of both types of compound was rare. In each site distributions of the two classes relative to one another departed significantly from independence at the O < 0.005 level. Nutrient analyses of vegetation also showed striking differences between the two sites; the Ugandan material appearing to be more nutrient-rich. The distribution patterns of nutrients and of secondary metabolites between the two sites are discussed in relation to current hypotheses concerning strategies of defence chemistry among plant communities. The data suggest that in Douala-Edea, which is characterized by very sandy and acid soils, the common elements of the flora invest heavily in the production of high concentrations of tannins and other phenolics. According to current hypotheses, these are the class of secondary compounds whose characteristics are most suitable to defence of vegetation growing on poor soils, and/or in species-poor stands, and in which leaves are likely to be long-lived.     

A seasonal study of the carbon content of planktonic naked amoebae in the Hudson Estuary and in a productive freshwater pond with comparative data for ciliates

The total carbon contents of gymnamoebae and ciliates, dwelling in the water column of the Hudson Estuary and a highly productive freshwater pond, were monitored during a 7-month period from April through October 2006. The carbon contents of the gymnamoebae and the ciliates were greater in the pond compared with the estuary, and carbon contents of gymnamoebae were greater in the spring and autumn in both locations than those of ciliates. Given the global distribution of gymnamoebae, these results suggest that greater attention should be given to the potential role of gymnamoebae in microbial food webs.     

A comparative study of the central effects of melanocortin peptides on food intake in broiler and layer chicks

Broiler chicks eat more food than layer chicks. However, the causes of the difference in food intake in the neonatal period between these strains are not clear. In this study, we examined the involvement of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived melanocortin peptides α-, β- and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) in the difference in food intake between broiler and layer chicks. First, we compared the hypothalamic mRNA levels of POMC between these strains and found that there was no significant difference in these levels between broiler and layer chicks. Next, we examined the effects of central administration of MSHs on food intake in these strains. Central administration of α-MSH significantly suppressed food intake in both strains. Central administration of β-MSH significantly suppressed food intake in layer chicks, but not in broiler chicks, while central administration of γ-MSH did not influence food intake in either strain. It is therefore likely that the absence of the anorexigenic effect of β-MSH might be related to the increased food intake in broiler chicks.     

Reaction mechanism of the binuclear zinc enzyme glyoxalase II - A theoretical study

The glyoxalase system catalyzes the conversion of toxic methylglyoxal to nontoxic d-lactic acid using glutathione (GSH) as a coenzyme. Glyoxalase II (GlxII) is a binuclear Zn enzyme that catalyzes the second step of this conversion, namely the hydrolysis of S-d-lactoylglutathione, which is the product of the Glyoxalase I (GlxI) reaction. In this paper we use density functional theory method to investigate the reaction mechanism of GlxII. A model of the active site is constructed on the basis of the X-ray crystal structure of the native enzyme. Stationary points along the reaction pathway are optimized and the potential energy surface for the reaction is calculated. The calculations give strong support to the previously proposed mechanism. It is found that the bridging hydroxide is capable of performing nucleophilic attack at the substrate carbonyl to form a tetrahedral intermediate. This step is followed by a proton transfer from the bridging oxygen to Asp58 and finally C-S bond cleavage. The roles of the two zinc ions in the reaction mechanism are analyzed. Zn2 is found to stabilize the charge of tetrahedral intermediate thereby lowering the barrier for the nucleophilic attack, while Zn1 stabilizes the charge of the thiolate product, thereby facilitating the C-S bond cleavage. Finally, the energies involved in the product release and active-site regeneration are estimated and a new possible mechanism is suggested.     

A comparative study between two citrus rootstocks: Effect of nitrate on the root morpho-topology and net nitrate uptake

Root morpho-topology and net nitrate uptake of two citrus seedlings, Volkamer Lemon and Carrizo Citrange, grown at two nitrogen supplies (NO₃-N 5 M and 1000 M, respectively) were studied. Root morphological and topological parameters were gauged by an image-specific analysis system (WinRHIZO). Net nitrate uptake was estimated using the nitrate depletion method. The main findings showed that Carrizo seedlings had a dichotomous branching root system characterized by high root tip numbers and long 2^nd order lateral roots. Conversely, Volkamer root systems had a herringbone structure with a long tap root and 1^st order lateral root. Nitrate treatment did not seem to affect the pattern of the two genotypes, except for the 2^nd order lateral roots (Carrizo more than Volkamer) and root/shoot ratio and root mass ratio (Volkamer more than Carrizo) that were significantly different at low nitrate supply. Nitrate treatments induced a diverse net nitrate uptake regulation between citrus rootstocks. Indeed, at low nitrate supply, Carrizo showed a more efficient nitrate acquisition process in terms of: 1) higher net nitrate uptake maximum of the inducible high affinity transport system or full induction (A), (2) higher cumulative nitrate uptake (A_t) and (3) lower t₁ parameter defined as the half time of the net nitrate uptake rate of the inducible transport system during the induction phase, compared to Volkamer. Conversely, at the high nitrate level, only the genotypical difference of the t₁ parameter was maintained. The results suggested that, at the low nitrate level, the morphological root traits such as higher 2^nd order lateral roots and greater root tip numbers of the Carrizo compared with Volkamer seedlings, enhance the capacity to absorb nitrate from nutrient solution.     

A comparative study of the ontogenetic development of the cupules inCastanea andLithocarpus (Fagaceae)

Two contradicting theories have been proposed for the morphological nature of fagaceous cupules; the intercalary growth theory and the higher order dichasial branch theory. All the previous ontogenetic studies insist on the latter one, but the genera investigated have been rather restricted and have not covered all the cupule types. A comparative study of the ontogenetic development of cupules inCastanea crenata andLithocarpus edulis, which are representatives of fundamentally different cupule types, revealed that both the theories are incomplete. InL. edulis, the higher order dichasial branches contribute to cupule formation along the anterior portions of the lateral flowers. However, along the adaxial portion of the central flower, the cupule develops as an intercalary growth, represented by rapid increase of tangentially oblong epidermal cells. InCastanea, intercalary growth is not clearly observable, for presumably, the flowers are surrounded by a well-developed partial inflorescence mound from the beginning of development.Contributions from the Osaka Museum of Natural History No. 305.     

A comparative study of the relationship between light intensity and feeding ability in brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

1. Field observations indicate that the ability to feed at different light intensities may differ between brown trout and Arctic charr, and this is the first study to test this experimentally. To establish a background level of feeding in daylight at midday, trout and charr in two size groups were kept in tanks (one fish per tank) at three constant temperatures (5.0, 10.8 and 13.0 °C) and each fish was offered, one at a time, 50 freshly killed shrimps (Gammarus pulex), the number eaten being recorded. Shrimps could only be taken in the water column because a metal mesh prevented access to dead shrimps on the tank bottom. In a first series of experiments, individual fish were kept at one of 10 natural light intensities (range 0.001–50 lx). In a second series, conditions were similar except that the fish tank was covered in black polyethylene and had a light‐tight lid with a shutter so that light levels could be kept constant, using artificial illumination. In a third series, the fish were fed in total darkness, but the false bottom was removed, allowing access to dead shrimps on the tank bottom as well as in the water column. 2. The results of the first and second series differed interspecifically but were very similar intraspecifically, with no significant differences between the food intake for the two size groups or in the experiments at 10.8 and 13.0 °C. Food intake remained fairly constant at light intensities between 50 lx (dusk or dawn) and 0.03 lx and was similar to that of fish feeding at midday. At 10.8 and 13.0 °C, food intake between 0.03 and 50 lx was higher for trout than for charr, mean values for shrimps eaten per fish being 39.9 for trout (range 36–44, n = 100 fish) and 32.0 for charr (range 28–38, n = 100), but at 5.0 °C, the situation was reversed with mean values of 15.1 for trout (range 11–18, n = 50 fish) and 19.8 for charr (range 17–22, n = 50). 3. As light intensity decreased from 0.04 to 0.001 lx, feeding rate decreased exponentially but was always higher for charr than for trout, with a mean number of shrimps eaten at 0.001 lx of 9.3 for trout (range 5–13, n = 20 fish) and 13.6 for charr (range 9–20, n = 20) at 10.8 and 13.0 °C, and 2.0 for trout (range 1–4, n = 10 fish) and 5.5 for charr (range 2–8, n = 10) at 5.0 °C. In total darkness (false bottom fitted), none of the 50 shrimps was taken by either species. When the false bottom was removed in the third series, the mean number of shrimps consumed over 24 h was eight for trout (range 3–11, n = 20 fish) and 14.9 for charr (range 9–20, n = 20) at 10.8 and 13.0 °C, and two for trout (range 0–4, n = 10 fish) and five for charr (range 3–8, n = 10) at 5.0 °C. 4. Therefore, the feeding ability of trout was superior to that of charr when using photopic vision in daylight and mesotopic vision at dusk and dawn, but inferior to that of charr when using scotopic vision at low light intensity. Charr were also superior at low temperatures and when foraging for food in total darkness. Therefore, as light intensity decreases after dusk in their natural habitat, the advantage in feeding will shift from trout to charr, with the reverse occurring as light intensity increases after dawn.     

A quantum chemical study of the water-assisted mechanism in one-carbon unit transfer reaction catalyzed by glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase

A theoretical study for the water-assisted mechanism in one-carbon unit transfer reaction catalyzed by glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) is investigated in which the proton transfers in an indirect way and the energy barrier for each transition state has been lowered about 80–100 kJ/mol when compared with the corresponding one in a no-water-involved mechanism. There are two possible pathways in each mechanism: one is concerted and the other is stepwise. Our results have verified the presumption from experiments that one water molecule can assist to achieve the whole reaction. Because the addition of this water molecule in the transition states can relax the strong strain in the unstable system and greatly lowered the energy barrier. The water-assisted paths are preferable to the no-water-involved ones and the bulk solvent effect of water is also discussed.     

Oligomerization of the Cu(II) and Ni(II) tetraazaannulene complexes: A pulse radiolysis study of the associated reaction mechanism

The oligomerization of [Cu^II(H_x(tmdnTAA))]^x+ (x = 0, 1, 2 and (tmdnTAA))²⁻ is 2,4,9,11-tetramethyl-dinaphto[14]-2,4,6,9,11,13-hexaeneN₄) was initiated in homogeneous solution via the reaction of this Cu(II) complex with pulse radiolytically generated radicals. The reaction produces Cu(III) intermediates which are rapidly converted to Cu(II) ligand-radical species. In contrast to the mechanism proposed for the electrochemical oligomerization, where the local concentration of radicals is probably high, the reaction kinetics in homogeneous solution is propagated by a process where the Cu(II) ligand-radical precursors react with [Cu^II(H_x(tmdnTAA))]^x+.     

The CO2-concentrating mechanism is absent in the green alga Coccomyxa: a comparative study of photosynthetic CO2 and light responses of Coccomyxa, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and barley protoplasts

Photosynthesis was characterized for the unicellular green alga Coccomyxa sp., grown at low inorganic carbon (C_i) concentrations, and compared with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which had been grown so that the CO₂ concentrating mechanism (CCM) was expressed, and with protoplasts isolated from the C₃ plant barley (Hordeum vulgare). Chlamydomonas had a significantly higher C_i-use efficiency of photosynthesis, with an initial slope of the C_i-response curve of 0.7 mol(gChl)⁻¹ h⁻¹ mmol C_im⁻³)⁻¹, as compared to 0.3 and 0.23 mol(gChl)⁻¹ h⁻¹ (mmol C_im⁻³)⁻¹ for Coccomyxa and barley, respectively. The affinity for C_i was also higher in Chlamydomonas, as the half maximum rate of photosynthesis [K_0.5 (C_i)] was reached at 0.18 mol m⁻³, as compared to 0.30 and 0.45 mol m⁻³ for Coccomyxa and barley, respectively. Ethoxyzolamide (EZ), an inhibitor of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) and the CCM, caused a 17-fold decrease in the initial slope of the photosynthetic Cj-response curve in Chlamydomonas, but only a 1.5- to two-fold decrease in Coccomyxa and barley. The photosynthetic light-response curve showed further similarities between barley and Coccomyxa. The rate of bending of the curve, described by the convexity parameter, was 0.99 (sharp bending) and 0.81–0.83 (gradual bending) for cells grown under low and high light, respectively. In contrast, the maximum convexity of Chlamydomonas was 0.85. The intrinsically lower convexity of Chlamydomonas is suggested to result from the diversion of electron transport from carbon fixation to the CCM. Taken together, these results suggest that Coccomyxa does not possess a CCM and due to this apparent lack of a CCM, we propose that Coccomyxa is a better cell model system for studying C₃ plant photosynthesis than many algae currently used.