Reproduction in the Malayan freshwater cerithiacean gastropod Melanoides tuberculata

Melanoides tuberculata in the Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia were found to be entirely female, reproducing parthenogenetically. The reproductive system is extremely simple in structure and histology, lacking all the glandular developments common in most mesogastropods. Eggs pass into a cephalic brood-pouch where they develop to juveniles of 5–6 shell whorls before emergence. Numbers of developing young in the brood-pouches increased with shell height of the parents except for a decline in the few very largest snails. The highest brood-pouch count was 265, but average counts were much lower. 85 % of developing young in the brood-pouches were very early stages from eggs to embryos of one whorl only, perhaps implying that many eggs fail to develop successfully to young snails. Three localities studied yielded consistently different brood-pouch counts, implying variation in fecundity. Juveniles emerge from the brood-pouch most commonly between nightfall and midnight and normal emergence seems to require diurnal alternation of light and dark. In continuous darkness, brood-pouch counts increased markedly, perhaps as a result of greater activity and feeding during darkness. Several features of the reproductive biology suggest that Melanoides might become a useful experimental animal in freshwater studies.     

Studies on the breeding habits and development of the brood-pouch of a viviparous prosobranch; Melania scabra

Studie son the breeding habits and development of the brood-pouch of a freshwater prosobranch, Melania scabra, have revealed that the snail is ovoviviparous, showing parthenogenetic reproduction. The embryos complete their development in a special incubatory pouch called the brood-pouch or brood chamber, and hatch out in a form completely resembling that of the adult. The snail was found to be a continuous breeder, showing gravid condition throughout the year. General structure, development and functions of the brood-pouch were studied in detail. The brood-pouch was found to contain a slightly alkaline albuminous fluid with a pH 7.2, Qualitative and histochemical studies of the brood-pouch revealed the presence of glycogen, fat and protein as the major constituents. These probably play an important role in the nutrition of embryos.     

The reproductive biology of Theromyzon tessulatum (Glossiphoniidae: Hirudinoidea), with comments on Theromyzon rude

The reproductive biology and behaviour of Theromyzon tessalatum is described from the commencement of copulation to the release of the young and the death of the parent. Copulation occurs several times over a10–20 day period with either the same or different partners. Eggs were laid6–14 days after copulation in usually four cocoons each containing approximately 100 eggs. The cocoons were brooded by the parents and the young, on development of the embryonic attachment organ and later by the posterior sucker, attached to the ventral surface of the parent's abdomen. The young detached from the parent either on contact with a suitable host for a blood meal or after approximately five months just prior to the parent's death.     

La reproduction saisonniére chez les isopodes terrestres: Contrôle photopériodique et neurohumoral

Summary

Seasonal reproduction in terrestrial Isopods is regulated by a neurohormone (VIH) synthesized in neurosecretory cells located in the protocerebrum median part. VIH restrains vitellogenin synthesis by the fat body. This inhibitory system is driven by the photoperiodic variations. Long days introduce a decrease in synthesis and—or—VIH release, allowing the oocytes to carry out the last vitellogenic phase. Other signals (mating, eggs in brood-pouch) tune the activity of the inhibitory system. Various aspects of photoperiodic and neurohormonal controls of reproduction are discussed: geographical variability and genetic determinism of the photoperiodic response; chemical nature, specificity and VIH mode of action; male physiology and VE synthesis, modalities of VIH synthesis and release.     

Effect of freezing of water samples on viable counts of environmental mycobacteria

The effect of prolonged storage on mycobacteria and other heterotrophic bacteria in brook water samples was examined by determination of viable counts from fresh samples and again after water concentrates had been stored in nutrient broth at —75°C for 15 months. The counts of mycobacteria were on average three times higher after storage (range of ratio 0·9–10·4). In contrast, the viable counts of other heterotrophic bacteria were reduced by 69%. The increase in mycobacterial counts was probably due to break-up of microcolonies or release of attached bacteria from particles. The possibility of cultivating mycobacteria from frozen samples is of practical help in large-scale field surveys.     

苏门白酒草对乡土植物群落种间联结性及稳定性的影响

根据2×2列联表,运用方差比率（VR）,χ2检验和Jaccard指数以及改良的Godron M.稳定性测度方法,研究江西省上饶市苏门白酒草群落中12个主要种群间的联结性。结果表明：(1)苏门白酒草入侵前群落总体联结性为显著正联结,群落中的正联结种对多,存在极显著正联结种对;(2)苏门白酒草入侵后,群落总体种间联结性呈负相关,种对正联结数量较入侵前明显减少,出现显著负联结种对;(3)苏门白酒草入侵后,联结性较强的乡土群落植物明显分为两个生态种组;(4)苏门白酒草的入侵导致乡土植物群落稳定性下降,16个原有物种消失,出现4个新物种。     

NMDA Receptor Subtype Selectivity: Eliprodil, Polyamine Spider Toxins, Dextromethorphan, and Desipramine Selectively Block NMDA-Evoked Striatal Acetylcholine but Not Spermidine Release

Abstract: NMDA receptor stimulation concomitantly increases the release of [¹⁴C]acetylcholine and [³H]spermidine from rat striatal slices in vitro. The NMDA-induced release of both acetylcholine and spermidine was blocked with equal potency by the NMDA channel blocker phencyclidine (0.1–10 µ M ). However, certain other channel blockers, including dextromethorphan (1–100 µ M ), which antagonized NMDA-evoked acetylcholine release without affecting NMDA-evoked spermidine release, and dextrorphan (1–100 µ M ) and memantine (1–100 µ M ), which block NMDA-evoked acetylcholine release more potently than NMDA-evoked spermidine release, showed greater selectivity of action. As previously shown for ifenprodil, eliprodil (SL82.0715; 1–100 µ M ) blocked NMDA-evoked acetylcholine but not spermidine release. This selectivity is also observed for other agents interacting with the polyamine site(s) on the NMDA receptor, including arcaine (1–1,000 µ M ), philanthotoxin₃₄₃, and argiotoxin₆₃₆ (10 µ M ) and was also noted for desipramine (1–100 µ M ). The NMDA-induced release of acetylcholine and spermidine is likely to be mediated by different native NMDA receptor subtypes, and several NMDA antagonists may be candidates for a selective action at a particular NMDA receptor subtype.     

ANNUAL AND LUNAR REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES IN LITTORINA SAXATILIS (OLIVI) AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BREEDING IN THE MARINE FIRTH OF FORTH AND THE FORTH ESTUARY

Gonads were most commonly reduced in October and fullest inMar-Jun with more pronounced seasonal differences in the estuarythan in the firth. Brood-pouches accordingly were fullest inspring-early summer and emptiest in autumn-early winter. Eggsand early embryos predominated in brood-pouches of early springbut were few in Aug-Oct whereas well-developed juveniles werefew in early spring, increased in spring-summer and came topredominate in Jun-Nov. Brood-pouch loads varied with size offemale but, for a standard 10 mm female, were significantlylower in the 2 estuarine sites than in the firth. Changes inmean brood-pouch count varied only 2.5-fold during the yearin the firth but 4.10-fold in the estuary. In vitro development of eggs to shelled juveniles with the velumresorbed took some 68 d at 10°C and 32%. Eggs and late brood-pouchjuveniles were significantly heavier in the estuary than inthe firth (dry weight, ash-free dry weight (AFDW), ash weight).AFDW changed little during development while ash weight (mostlyshell) increased 3.5-4.4-fold. In a laboratory tide tank, femalesreleased 60 d means of <1.3 juveniles d^–1; more inmid- and late year than in Jan-Mar, more from upshore firthfemales than from low shore or estuary females, more when heldat high tide-tank levels than at lower levels, and generallyat rates comparable to release in containers held at the siteof origin. Egg production in laboratory females did not keeppace with release of young and, at the end of trials, brood-pouchcounts were mostly lower than in contemporary free winkles.Females that had released most (e.g. at high tank levels) containedleast brood-pouch embryos and young subsequently. Release of young in the tide tank was markedly faster at timesnear new moon (often reaching or exceeding 2 female^–1d^–1) than near full moon (often <1 female^–1 d^–1).This lunar fluctuation was clearest in fast-releasing sets heldat high- or mid-tide tank levels. It was not observed in Jan-Mar(when release from most females was slow) nor in females atlow tank levels. (Received 3 September 1990; accepted 8 November 1990)     

THE BREEDING CYCLE OF THE SOUTHERN SEA LION, OTARIA BYRONIA

Daily counts of Southern sea lions ( Otaria byronia ) made at Punta Norte, Argentina, during four consecutive breeding seasons (1980–1984) yielded similar results in the time of the reproductive events. Males and females began to arrive during the second week of December. Males reached peak numbers (100–110) between 15 and 21 January. Females reached maximum numbers (300–350) at the end of January. About 380–430 pups were born between December 20 and February 2, and 70–80 percent of births occurred between 10 and 25 January. Copulations peaked during the third week of January. The sex ratio of adult males to adult females at peak season fluctuated from 1:3.7 to 1:4.2. By the first week of February, coinciding with the maximum number of young males (25–50), 90 percent of the adult males had abandoned the area and the number of females fluctuated greatly. Since 1980 the number of females and pups has shown a slight increase, particularly during the 1983–1984 breeding season.     

三峡库区苏门白酒草（Conyza sumatrensis）化感作用与入侵性研究

为探讨外来种苏门白酒草（Conyza sumatrensis）的入侵机理,在长江三峡工程库区苏门白酒草入侵地,采用生物检测的方法研究开旷荒地、公路边、林缘3种不同生境条件下的苏门白酒草地上部分和地下部分水浸提液的化感作用。研究结果发现：（1）在小白菜（Brassica chinensis）幼苗萌发生长试验中,苏门白酒草地下和地上部分水浸提液对供试种子的萌发以及幼苗的生长主要表现出抑制作用,并随着浸提液浓度的增加,抑制作用增强;（2）在小白菜种子的萌发及幼苗生长各项指标的对比中发现,用各样地的苏门白酒草地上部分水浸提液处理的各组指标之间的差异大于用其地下部分水浸提液处理的各组指标之间的差异,说明对于不同样地的苏门白酒草的入侵力,地上部分的化感作用比地下部分具有更大的贡献力;（3）不同生境的苏门白酒草化感作用存在差异,生于公路边和开旷荒地生境的苏门白酒草地上部分和地下部分的化感作用能力最强,而生于林缘的苏门白酒草地上部分和地下部分的化感作用能力弱,即公路边〉开旷荒地〉林缘;（4）不同生境条件下的苏门白酒草化感作用力与本地植物的相对多度存在显著的正相关关系,表明苏门白酒草化感作用的差异是导致它在不同生境间入侵力差异的原因之一;（5）苏门白酒草的化感作用确实存在,也是其入侵成功的重要原因。     

Distribution, life cycle and population dynamics of the aquatic enchytraeid Propappus volki (Oligochaeta) in an English chalkstream

Propappus volki was recorded in Dorset chalk streams from gravel substrata where it represented up to 88% of the oligochaete fauna. It was absent from silted sediments associated with marginal and submergent macrophytes. P. volki showed an annual life cycle with a peak of mature individuals in the period April to June, whilst young worms were most abundant after July. The mean monthly biomass in Bere Stream was estimated to be 0.29–0.45 g wet weight m⁻² and the highest mean density was 5465 m⁻² in April 1979.     

The feeding ecology of mink (Mustela vison) in coastal habitat

The diet of a coast-living population of mink was investigated from the scats collected over a three-year period, and compared with information on the availability of principal prey species. Lagomorphs were the single most important prey, and predation upon them matched the abundance of rabbits as determined by monthly counts. Aquatic foraging was particularly important, with rockpool-inhabiting fish accounting for 29–1% occurrence of food items. Fish predation was more pronounced during winter months when lagomorph prey was less available. Crustacean prey, particularly the shore crab, Carcinus maenas , occurred frequently in the diet. Seabirds figured regularly in the diet; these were either taken as carrion from the strand-line or through predation on breeding colonies during the summer months.     

Electrophysiological investigations of sex pheromone reception and release in Bruchidius atrolineatus

ABSTRACT. Male antennal sensitivity to female sex pheromone in Bruchidius atrolineatus was investigated electrophysiologically (EAG). The existence of receptors for this pheromone was shown in the antennae of males. (No such receptors exist in the antennae of females.) Young (age < 24h) males gave an EAG of amplitude 25–30% of the response of older males. Diapausing males several days old gave a much smaller response than active males of the same age.
EAGs were used to test the production/release of pheromone by groups of twenty females. Before they are 24 h old, active females do not produce/release the pheromone; older females release it at an almost constant rate. Sexually diapausing females do not produce and/or release the sex pheromone.
In sexually active females, mating inhibits pheromone release almost immediately. There is a correlation between reproductive status of the females (development of ovaries, oogenesis) and the production or release of the pheromone. A corresponding correlation also exists in the males whose antennae show a very low sensitivity when they are young or when they are in reproductive diapause.     

Pheromones in relation to aggregation and reproduction in desert locusts

Abstract. Desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), exhibit a population density-dependent phase polymorphism which includes the gradual change of many morphological, physiological and behavioural characteristics. Many volatiles associated with desert locusts have been identified recently and it is assumed that they are involved in pheromonal control of behaviour and development of locusts. Ovipositing females deposit with their egg pods several volatiles that appear to be attractive to other females resulting – possibly in combination with environmental factors – in an aggregated oviposition. Mature males release several volatiles, among them phenylacetonitrile, which are reported to accelerate sexual maturation in young males. Also, aggregation pheromone systems for hoppers and adults have been described. However, recent studies and publications shed a new light on the postulated effects of some of these volatiles. Gregarious behaviour can undoubtedly be induced by mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, the main component of the adult aggregation pheromone system, phenylacetonitrile, is found to be a repellent obviously not involved in aggregation. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that phenylacetonitrile is used by mature gregarious males as a courtship inhibition pheromone to enhance mate guarding. Recent progress, contradictory results and perspectives in desert locust pheromone research related to reproduction are summarized and discussed in this paper.     

DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS ON PROTEIN SYNTHESIS RATES IN REGIONS OF THE CNS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO

Abstract— Protein synthesis rates have been determined quantitatively in several regions of the nervous system of rats of various ages. The developmental changes in these regions are generally similar with a high rate maintained from several days before birth to about 4 days of age (1.9–2.1% h⁻¹). A decline in the rate ensues thereupon which continues till approx 30 days of age, whence the curve flattens though continuing slowly downward with increasing age. In the young three regions, cerebellum, pineal and pituitary, exhibit exceptionally higher rates (40–50%) than the cerebral hemispheres, pons-medulla, mid brain or cord, which all display curves of similar magnitude and shape. While the rate in the cerebellum eventually declines with age to within 10% of the rate in cerebral hemisphere, rates in the pineal and pituitary though decreasing remain far above (100%) rates in cerebral hemisphere even in adults.
The rate in vitro for slices of cerebellum follows a pattern similar to that shown previously for cerebral hemispheres: in the very young rates are 70–80% of the in vivo value but decline much more rapidly with age and in adult represent only 10–15% of the rate in vivo.
A markedly different pattern is seen in whole (unsliced) pituitaries wherein in vitro rates parallel in vivo rates with increasing age at approx 70–80% of the in vivo rate. Pineals appear to follow a similar pattern.     

Age-structure and life-span in the Common goby, Pomatoschistus microps

Age-structure and longevity in the euryhaline Common goby, Pomatoschistus microps (Krøyer), has been studied by monthly sampling of estuarine and shore populations in the Isle of Man and in collections from other parts of the British Isles. Age of individuals was determined by examination of caudal peduncle scales, where time of annulus formation was confirmed from monthly changes in mean terminal sclerite width and in frequency of scale-types. After the first winter of life, an annulus of narrow sclerites is produced on resumption of growth in spring and a separate summer annulus, corresponding with a growth retardation during the peak breeding season, is laid down usually in June. Maximum age did not exceed 21–26 months, with most adult fishes dying in the second autumn of life a few months after their first breeding season (within possible age-limits of 12–20 months). Seasonal migration is discussed with reference to the downstream movement of estuarine P. microps when sexually mature after the first winter of life, the winter distribution relative to temperature, and the preference of newly demersal young for less saline parts of the estuary. Cases of mortality from predation and environmental extremes are listed. The question of senescence in relation to life-history pattern and survival in P. microps and some other teleosts is discussed with special reference to gonad maturation and spawning, and the attainment of limiting size.     

Correlates of reproductive success in a wild population of Hippocampus whitei

An analysis of 27 broods born in situ to wild male seahorses Hippocampus whitei , with known partners, showed that female size was the key determinant of the number of young released by the male. There was also an apparent decline in both the number of young per brood, and the size of those young, over the breeding season. The size of the brood and of the young may be more proximate indicators of reproductive success in seahorses than in other fishes, because they can be measured at the time of release, here 20–22 days after fertilization, after which survival is presumed to be relatively higher than in other species. The best model, however, explained <40% of the brood size.     

FIELD IMMOBILIZATION OF YOUNG WILDEBEEST WITH SUCCINYLCHOLINE CHLORIDE

The results of 112 cases of field immobilization of wildebeest, Gorgon taurinus hecki (Neumann), * with succinylcholine chloride are given, and compared with the results given by Talbot and Lamprey (1961), who reported field dose rates of 0.023 mg/lb. body weight as ineffective, 0.028–0.029 mg/lb. as effective, and 0.036 mg/lb. as lethal, when given to adult wildebeest. Doses in the present series were determined empirically in the field and it was found that the youngest age group of wildebeest tried with the drug (49 cases, 6–12 months old) survived 'lethal' doses of 0.036–0.037 mg/lb. Field experience suggested that not only were young wildebeest capable of surviving greater doses of succinylcholine than adults, but there was an absence of secondary complications. Adult animals suffered from regurgitation of ruminal contents and difficulty with breathing.
In the field it proved easier to produce consistent results with young wildebeest, and it is suggested that in testing the possible use of succinylcholine for immobilizing other game animals the effect of the drug on both young and old animals should be compared.
Use of an effective marking method, by branding, followed by field recording of marked animals has shown that six animals out of a total of 87 disappeared shortly after release. The casualty rate associated with the field marking is given.     

Seasonality and spatial variation in abundance, biomass and activity of heterotrophic bacterioplankton in relation to some biotic and abiotic variables in an Ethiopian rift-valley lake (Awassa)

SUMMARY. I. Seasonality and spatial variation in abundance, biomass and activity of heterotrophic bacterioplankton was studied in a tropical freshwater lake. Variation in phytoplankton biomass and production, and several other limnological parameters, were also quantified.
2. Bacterial number and biomass fluctuated between 3.88–8.33×10⁶ ml⁻¹ and 68–125 mg C m⁻³, respectively. No spatial variation was observed in these bacterial variables, although other limnological parameters showed vertical variation.
3. Seasonal and vertical variation of heterotrophic bacterial activity were estimated from oxygen consumption, ¹⁴CO₂dark uptake and plate counts of colony forming units. All three methods showed vertical heterogeneity, with higher activity in the hypolimnion during the long stratification period (February May). Oxygen consumption rate and plate counts showed seasonality.
4. In spite of the low seasonality of climate in the tropics, several biological, chemical and physical variables were correlated with changes in bacterial variables. Wind and rainfall, and their effects on stratification and mixing, vertical distribution of nutrients and rate of primary production appeared to be the important parameters affecting heterotrophic bacterioplankton.     

In Vivo Dynamics of Norepinephrine Release-Reuptake in Multiple Terminal Field Regions of Rat Brain

Abstract: Electrical stimulation of the ascending dorsal tegmental bundle of the locus ceruleus was used to elicit controlled release of norepinephrine. Real-time in vivo monitoring in the brains of urethane-anesthetized rats was observed with high speed chronocoulometry at rapidly responding carbon fiber electrodes. Using modeling similar to that developed for dopamine release, the electrochemical signals were characterized as the balance between norepinephrine release per electrical stimulation pulse and apparent Michaelis-Menten reuptake parameters. Stimulation produced simultaneous overflow release at all terminal fields examined. The release and reuptake characteristics varied considerably in different regions. If the parameters are normalized to endogenous concentration in the terminal fields, release but not reuptake correlates with innervation density in several regions. Stimulated release results in norepinephrine overflow and transport in most brain regions with half-lives of 1–3 s and overflow distances of 25–50 µm at most. A surprising exception occurs in the upper layers of cortex (cingulate and sensory) where half-lives may be in the 10s of seconds and spatial reach may be up to 100 µm. The uptake in the outer cortical layers appears to be minimal and comparable with only nonspecific reuptake.