Description of two new species of Clivina Latreille (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Clivinini) from southeastern United States

Two new species of the genus Clivina Latreille are described. One, Clivina choatei Bousquet & Skelley, belongs to the nominotypical subgenus and is known from six specimens collected in northern Florida. The species is structurally similar to Clivina myops Bousquet, known only from the holotype found in North Carolina, but differs among others by its smaller size and wider elytral striae. The second species, Clivina alabama Bousquet, belongs to the subgenus Antroforceps Barr and is known from two specimens collected in north-central Alabama. The species is structurally most similar to Clivina sasajii Ball, known only from Latimer County in Oklahoma, but differs among others in the absence of eyes and in having the pronotum and elytra proportionally wider.     

PSEUDOHIMANTIDIUM PACIFICUM,AN EPIZOIC DIATOM NEW TO HE FLORIDA CURRENT (WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN)1, 2

The marine epizoie diatom, Pseudohimantidium pacificum Hustedt & Krasske, is reported for the first time in Florida Current waters of the Western North Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of Florida. The diaom was fround attached to indivieuals of copepod species in the orders Harpacicoida and Cyclopida.     

BENTHIC MARINE DIATOM ASSOCIATIONS: UPPER FLORIDA BAY (FLORIDA) AND ASSOCIATED SOUNDS1

Models of the diatom associations found in upper Florida Bay and adjoining sounds have been constructed utilizing Q modal factor-vector analysis and ecologic diversity indices (Shannon index, number of species, evenness). Four distinct associations were defined using Q-mode factor-vector analysis. Two associations were epiphytic, occurring on Thalassia testudinum König—Association I was characterized by Cocconeis placentula Ehr., Association III by Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehr.) Reim. & Lewin and Cocconeis placentula Ehr. The other two associations were epipelic, occurring on the carbonate mud substratum—Association II was characterized by Cyclotella striata (Kütz.) Grun., Rhopalodia gibberula (Ehr.) O. Müller and Surirella fastuosa (Ehr.) Kütz., Association IV by Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton and Cyclotella striata (Kütz.) Grun. The majority of the 161 species identified were present in both the epiphytic and epipelic assemblages. Only 33 species were restricted to the epiphyton, and 18 species restricted to the epipelon. The epipelic assemblage was significantly more diverse than was the epiphytic assemblage. A general trend of increased diversity away from terrestrial environs toward more open areas of water in both the epipelon and epiphyton was also found.     

Binding of active and inactive hemolytic factor of sea anemone nematocyst venom to red blood cells

Sea anemone nematocyst venom, in the presence of Ca²⁺, induced the lysis of red blood cells after an induction period. In the absence of Ca²⁺, however, no lysis occurred, but the hemolytic factor was shown to bind to the cells. This binding was shown to be requisite for the Ca²⁺ dependent lysis to ensue. After freeze thawing, the venom proteins responsible for lysis lost their hemolytic activity, yet still bound to the cells. The freezethawed inactivated venom competitively blocked hemolysis by active venom.     

Plasmodium hermani: Experimental transmission by Culex salinarius and comparison with other susceptible Florida mosquitoes

Culex salinarius is susceptible to Plasmodium hermani, a malarial parasite of wild turkeys in Florida. The sporogonous cycle was completed and mosquitoes with infected salivary glands transmitted the parasite by bites. Transmission was also achieved by intraperitoneal and intravenous injections of whole body slurry. This is the third species found to be susceptible to turkey malaria in Florida. A comparison of C. salinarius with two other susceptible Florida mosquitoes, Culex nigripalpus and Wyeomyia vanduzeei, revealed that C. salinarius was more susceptible to P. hermani based on oocyst counts. C. nigripalpus has previously been demonstrated as an experimental and a natural vector of P. hermani, whereas W. vanduzeei has been designated as an experimental host only. In W. vanduzeei at least 30% of the oocysts were melanized (“black bodies”) and this mosquito did not transmit the parasite via bites. Additional detailed comparisons of comparative susceptibility and transmission potentials of these three species to turkey malaria, P. hermani, have been made.     

Ovulation and implantation in montane voles (Microtus montanus) as a function of varying amounts of copulatory stimulation

Estrous female voles (Microtus montanus) received (a) no copulation, (b) one ejaculatory series, (c) two ejaculatory series, or (d) more than two series. Copulation was shown to be essential for ovulation, and increasing amounts of copulatory stimulation were demonstrated to increase the probability of ovulation. Only 25% of females receiving one ejaculatory series ovulated, whereas 100% of those receiving more than two series ovulated. Thus, multiple ejaculations play an important role in successful reproduction in this species.     

Phylogeny of lymphocyte heterogeneity. II. Differential effects of temperature on fish T-like and B-like cells.

Lymphocytes from the bluegill, a freshwater fish, were observed to undergo in vitro mitogenic responses to a variety of “classical” mitogens. Using cell fractionation approaches based upon surface markers and in vitro mitogenesis, bluegill lymphocytes could be divided into two populations. One population responded to PHA and Con A but not to LPS, contained surface antigens in common with bluegill brain, and did not form spontaneous rosettes with rabbit erythrocytes. The other population responded to LPS but not to PHA or Con A, did not appear to contain surface antigens in common with brain, and did form rosettes with rabbit erythrocytes. The former population responded to mitogenic stimulation very well at 32 °C, whereas the latter population responded better at 22 than at 32 °C. The pattern of mitogenic responses and brain antigen distribution coupled with the observation that mixed lymphocyte responses were obtained at 32 but not at 22 °C makes it likely that the 32 °C responsive population represents the fish equivalent of T cells. The other population may be B cells. These data suggest that the immunosuppressive effects of low temperatures on cold-blooded animals may be effects on the generation of functional T cells and not on B cells.     

A double-blind evaluation of transfer factor therapy of HBsAg-positive chronic aggressive hepatitis: preliminary report of efficacy.

A controlled, prospective, double-blind trial of transfer factor in chronic aggressive hepatitis was carried out. This report presents the results obtained from study of the nine HB_sAg-positive subjects who were included in the trial. Transfer factor was prepared from adults who had recovered from acute hepatitis B or from acute non-B viral hepatitis and was administered to five HB_sAg-positive subjects. Four HB_sAg-seropositive subjects received placebo. Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed at the beginning and at the conclusion of the 10-week study period; biochemical and clinical parameters were monitored throughout. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study period. Four of five transfer factor recipients showed moderate or marked improvement in hepatic histology, clinical status, and serum transaminase levels, while none of four placebo recipients demonstrated improvement. The difference in response between the two groups was significant (P = 0.048). No consistent changes in in vivo or in vitro correlates of cell-mediated immunity were demonstrated. No adverse effects were noted among transfer factor recipients. These data suggest that transfer factor may be of benefit in chronic aggressive hepatitis associated with HB_sAg. Additional studies appear to be indicated to delineate the mode of action of transfer factor as well as the role that such immunotherapy should play in the management of patients with this disorder.     

Isoprenylation of transfer ribonucleic acid

A two-fold difference in the total N⁶-(Δ²-isopentenyl) adenosine content was found between the serine accepting tRNA fractions from adult and embryonic bovine liver. Elution profiles of benzoylated DEAE cellulose showed three peaks of adult tRNA were capable of accepting serine. Using gas-liquid chromatography, each peak had measurable amounts of N⁶-(Δ²-isopentenyl) adenosine. When the same techniques were applied to embryonic bovine tRNA, three peaks accepted serine; however, only one peak contained N⁶-(Δ²-isopentenyl) adenosine. These results can be interpreted to indicate that adult and embryonic tRNA differ in the N⁶-(Δ²-isopentenyl) adenosine content of tRNA^ser.     

Spatial patterns and ecology of benthic communities on a high-latitude South Florida (Broward County,USA) reef system

High-latitude reef communities consisting of typical Caribbean fauna of variable composition and density exist on four parallel ridges at varying depths along the Broward County (Florida, USA) coast. Two of these ridges, at 7–13 and 15–30 m in depth, are drowned early Holocene coral reefs of 5 and 7 ky uncorrected radiocarbon age. In this study, community data were collected on each reef using 50-m, line-intercept transects. Using multivariate non-metric statistics, the data show distinct differences in benthic community structure across several spatial gradients. Diversity indices revealed that while all values were low, species diversity (H) was consistent throughout the county, and species richness (d) and evenness (J) increased along a north-south gradient. Scleractinian coral (27 species) cover was low (<6%) in all areas, and Montastrea cavernosa dominated as the major hermatypic scleractinian. Notably absent was the major Caribbean reef-builder Acropora palmata. A rich alcyonacean fauna was present on all studied reefs, and these were typically the most important faunal group determining community structure. Although during the 2-year period 2000–2002 mean water temperatures never fell below 20 °C, scleractinia were small in size.     

Albumin synthesis during induced and spontaneous metamorphosis in the bullfrog Rana catesbeiana

Treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles with triiodothyronine (T₃) alters the in vivo distribution of radioactive amino acids among serum protein fractions. The effects on the albumin fraction have been interpreted as reflections of the relative rate of synthesis. About 12 hr after intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 × 10^?10 mole of T₃ per gram, there is an increase in the relative rate of albumin synthesis. The effect peaks on day 3 at 5 × the untreated level and returns to near the untreated level by day 6. Continuous immersion in 1 × 10^?7M T₃ results in a similar stimulation of albumin synthesis, but with no decline after day 3. The timing of the response is independent of dose or route of T₃ administration. The effect of T₃ on the relative rate of albumin synthesis is also observed in froglets. There is a 6-fold increase in the relative rate of albumin synthesis during spontaneous metamorphosis peaking at stage XXI and returning to the premetamorphic level by stage XXV. The following was concluded: (1) The increase in the relative rate of albumin synthesis during metamorphosis results from increased endogenous thyroid levels. (2) Following a peak, the decline in albumin synthesis observed in induced and spontaneously metamorphosing animals is a result of decreasing thyroid hormone levels. (3) The effect of T₃ on albumin synthesis may be the summation of two effects, a direct effect of T₃ and a stimulation by amino acids from the resorbing tail. (4) A decreased relative rate of albumin degradation or a sparing of albumin is probably responsible for the elevated relative concentration of albumin in the serum of postmetamorphic animals.     

Adaptive introductions: How multiple experiments and comparisons to wild populations provide insights into requirements for long-term introduction success of an endangered shrub

Recovery of an imperiled plant species may require augmentation of existing populations or creation of new ones. Hundreds of such projects have been conducted over the last few decades, but there is a bias in the literature favoring successes over failures. In this paper, we evaluate a series of introductions that experimentally manipulated microhabitat and fire in an adaptive introduction framework. Between 2002 and 2012, we (and our collaborators) carried out ten introductions and augmentations of Florida ziziphus Pseudoziziphus (Condalia, Ziziphus) celata, a clonal shrub limited to very small populations and narrowly endemic to pyrogenic central Florida sandhills. Six of the introductions were designed as experiments to test hypotheses about how demographic performance was affected by microhabitat, fire, and propagule type. Introduced transplants had high survival (<90% annually), inconsistent growth, and little transition to reproduction, while introduced seeds had low germination and survival. Transplants were more efficient than seeds as translocation propagules. Shaded (vs. open) sites supported generally higher transplant and seedling survival and seed germination percentages, but growth responses varied among experiments. Supplemental irrigation increased transplant survival and seed germination, but otherwise seedling and plant survival and growth were not significantly affected. Contrary to expectations based on wild populations, introduced propagules have not been more successful in unshaded sites, suggesting that Florida ziziphus has broader microhabitat preferences than hypothesized. Compared to wild plants, introduced plants had similar survival and responses to fire, slower growth, and more delayed flowering. Introduced plants had no clonal spread. While no introduced population has demonstrated a capacity for long-term viability, one augmented population has flowered and produced viable fruits. Given that Florida ziziphus genets are long-lived, low levels of sexual reproduction may be adequate for the establishment of viable populations. Thus, after many translocations over more than a decade, it is premature to characterize any single translocation as a success or a failure, underscoring the need for a long view of translocation success.     

Scanning molecular sieve chromatography of interacting protein systems. IV. The difference profile method as applied to the Gibbs-Duhem expression in the analysis of the dimer-tetramer equilibria of oxyhemoglobin A

The recently-developed large zone difference profile method in scanning molecular sieve chromatography is applied to the analysis of the Gibbs-Duhem expression in the tetramer-dimer equilibrium of human oxyhemoglobin A. The preferential binding term and solvation parameters of the Hofmeister anion phosphate are examined. Results indicate that as the concentration of phosphate ions increase, a hydrated phosphate is formed which enhances the association by perturbing the solvation layer of the hemoglobin molecules. The standard free energy change at a given Hofmeister anion activity of InA(x) = -3.2476 is 9.4 +/- 0.2 kcal mole . DeltaG degrees at InA(x) = -1.2711 is 10.90 +/- 0.05 kcal mole , suggesting that approximately 11 kcal are required to dissociate one mole of tetramer into dimer.     

Effect of polyamines on the electrokinetic properties of red blood cells.

At the physiological pH 7.4, the zeta potential of the normal red blood cell in 1.5% glycine buffer was found to be ?52 mv, whereas that of sickling erythrocytes is ?45 mv. Addition of spermidine to normal red blood cells reduced the zeta potential by approximately 20 mv. In sickling red blood cells, where the polyamine content is determined to be 5 to 6 times greater than in the normal erythrocyte, addition of spermidine reduced the zeta potential by only 5 mv, indicating that little more polyamine binding occurs. The polyamine content of whole blood taken from 24 patients having sickle cell anemia was found to be more than ten times that of whole blood from normal donors. Binding of polyamines to the normal red blood cell was analyzed from the surface charge potential variation as a function of polyamine concentration and the apparent binding constant determined to be 130 d1/g. The difference in the electrokinetic properties of normal and sickling red blood cells in this system may be attributed, in part, to a variation in the polyamine content of the two types of erythrocytes.     

Diel variations of selected physico-chemical parameters in Lake Kissimmee,Florida

Every two months, diel depth profiles were made of dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and conductivity at two stations in Lake Kissimmee, Florida, from July 1974 through June 1975. Results suggest that stratification does not occur in the large (137 km²), shallow (mean depth 2.5 m) lake, though steep vertical gradients in these parameters may develop. The data also suggest that when these gradients do occur, they rapidly degenerate at night or under slight wind stress. Since many Florida lakes are relatively shallow (mean depth < 5 m) and topography offers little obstruction to wind action, it is believed that the holomictic condition observed in Lake Kissimmee may be typical of the state's lakes, particularly those in the central portion of the peninsula.     

Genome-wide scan reveals important additive and non-additive genetic effects associated with resistance to Haemonchus contortus in Florida Native sheep

Florida Native sheep is among the sheep breeds best adapted to humid and hot climatic conditions such as those of Florida, USA, and have shown a superior ability to regulate nematode burdens. This is one of the oldest sheep breeds in North America and is an endangered species. To ensure genetic diversity and long-term survival of the breed, protection of the current genetic stock is critical and conservation efforts are required to promote its breeding and production. The objective of the present study was to investigate the importance of additive and non-additive genetic effects on resistance to natural Haemonchus contortus infections in Florida Native sheep using a whole genome scan. A total of 200 sheep were evaluated in the present study. Phenotypic records included faecal egg count (FEC, eggs/gram), FAMACHA® score, packed cell volume (PCV, %), body condition score and average daily gain (ADG, kg). Sheep were genotyped using the GGP Ovine 50K SNP chip and 45.2 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers spanning the entire genome were available for quality control procedures. Mixed models were used to analyse the response variables and included the identity by state matrix to control for population structure. Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple testing and a second arbitrary threshold (0.1 × 10^?3) was used. Fifteen SNPs with additive and non-additive genetic effects and located in Ovis aries chromosome OAR1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 21 were associated with FEC, FAMACHA® score, PCV and ADG. These SNPs could be potential genetic markers for resistance to natural H. contortus exposure in Florida Native sheep.     

Morphological,Molecular, and Differential-Host Characterization of Meloidogyne floridensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a Root-Knot Nematode Parasitizing Peach in Florida

A root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis n. sp., is described and illustrated from peach originally collected from Gainesville, Florida. This new species resembles M. incognita, M. christiei, M. graminicola, and M. hispanica, but with LM and SEM observations it differs from these species either by the body length, shape of head, tail and tail terminus of second-stage juveniles, body length and shape of spicules in males, and its distinctive female perineal pattern. This pattern has a high to narrowly rounded arch with coarsely broken and network-like striae in and around anal area, faint lateral lines interrupting transverse striae, a sunken vulva and anus, and large distinct phasmids. Molecular data from ribosomal IGS illustrate that M. floridensis n. sp. is different from the mitotic species M. arenaria, M. incognita, and M. javanica. Data from RAPDs confirm it and suggest that this new species lies in an intermediate phylogenetic position between the previous species and the meiotic species M. hapla, M. fallax, and M. chitwoodi. Differential host tests based on annual crops and on Prunus accessions are reported.     

Microbial Characteristics of a Submerged Karst Cave System in Northern Florida

Karst aquifer systems contain submerged caves that act as conduits for subterranean water flow and are subject to rapid surface recharge at points such as sink holes and submerging streams. We examined the microbial communities in six conduits of the Northern Florida Wakulla Springs cave system and in several hydrologically connected surface sinks. Culturable bacteria were assessed using both oligotrophic and copiotrophic media, and specific media for Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. Culture independent methods included using 16S rRNA PCR amplified DNA for T-RFLP analysis and development of clone libraries for sequencing. Pronounced seasonality was found in all microbiological parameters suggesting responsiveness to surface conditions from recharge of the groundwater despite near constant groundwater temperature. Other differences may reflect the character of the drainage areas feeding different conduits and flow rates and flow reversals that affected residence time in cave conduits. In a region of groundwater flow divide, elevated numbers of a plate counts, flocculent material, and a sulfide smell were reflected in T-RFLP pattern differences. Sequence data from five selected sampling locations revealed the presence of Enterobacter and Klebsiella sequences in surface waters, but not in conduits. One conduit contained a high percentage of sequences with close homology to the archaeal species Thermococcalles archaeon. Other cave-specific sequences were found that do not match previously characterized bacteria. Overall, the data suggest both temporal and spatial differences in the microbial communities within the extensive cave system conduits feeding the spring vent, reflecting both drainage area influences and undocumented subterranean microbial diversity.     

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) weight gain in captivity and implications for captive reptile body condition

The body condition of an animal is an indicator of health status and is dependent upon many factors, some of which can vary between wild and captive settings. Despite this, there have not been many studies on how captivity affects body condition relative to wild animal populations. This study explores the body condition of captive and wild American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) because reptiles are frequently overlooked in studies of captive animal health and because alligators are well-represented in captivity. We collected body condition data from 209 captive alligators and 935 wild alligators throughout Florida and southeastern Georgia and compared the relationships between body condition and body length for each group. We found that captive alligators exhibited significantly higher body condition values as they aged, and that this result was driven by the difference between captive and wild males. Body condition values for captive juveniles did not differ from wild juveniles, but they differed when comparing adults. Our results suggest that factors such as diet and movement rates play major roles in determining alligator body condition and that body condition may be an important metric for monitoring captive alligator health, especially for older adult males.