Die reusenzelle (cyrtocyte) des Dinophilus (archiannelida)

Dinophilus has a protonephridial system with end-cells. These end-cells are cyrtocytes with an inner canal, a tuft of flagella and a cell wall consisting of rods joined by membranes.

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Abkürzungen BS Blutsinus - CC Cytoplasma der Cyrtocyte - CG Zellgrenze - CK Cytoplasma der Kanalzelle - CV Vertiefung der inneren Zelloberfläche an der Geißelbasis - G Geißel - Coe Coelom - MB Membran des Blutsinus - MC Membran um die Cyrtocyte-Basalmembran - MS Membran zwischen den Reusenstäben - NC Kern der Cyrtocyte - NK Kern der Kanalzelle - Pf Cytoplasmapfeiler der Cyrtocyte - Rs Reusenstab - Spd Speicheldrüse Senkrechte Linie in jeder Abbildung = 1      

Archaeobotany of capers (Capparis) (Capparaceae)

The origins of capers, their use and cultivation are discussed. Capers seeds and charcoal are often recovered from archaeological sites of the Mediterranean and West Asia. These are referred to as C. Spinosa L. This is mostly a group of cultivars restricted to localities surrounding the Western Mediterranean and some places in the Eastern Mediterranean. Identification of the findings is discussed in terms of seed morphology, present distribution and ancient uses of C. aegyptia Lam., C. sicula Veill., C. cartilaginea Decne, C. orientalis Veill., C. decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. and other species. Citations of Capparis in early Rabbinic, Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman texts are presented. Received June 3, 2002 / Accepted October 8, 2002 Correspondence to: D. Rivera     

Interspecific competition among larvae ofHemipyrellia ligurriens (Calliphoridae) andBoettcherisca formosensis (Sarcophagidae) (Diptera)

1. The effects of larval rearing density and species relative proportions on life-history parameters of two necrophagous Diptera, Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (Calliphoridae) and Boettcherisca formosensis Kirner and Lopes (Sarcophagidae), were investigated in mixed cultures. Larval rearing density had a significant effect on larval to adult survivorship, duration of immature development, adult size and relative performance (measured by the composite index of performance, r′) of both species. However, species relative proportions affected adult size of both flies and the duration of immature development of B. formosensis only.
2. B. formosensis had a higher survivorship than H. ligurriens in all mixed cultures and showed a similar survivorship pattern to that in pure cultures. By contrast, survivorship of H. ligurriens was lower in mixed than in pure cultures.
3. H. ligurriens adults reared from mixed cultures were smaller than those from pure cultures of comparable density, but B. formosensis adults from pure and mixed cultures were of similar size.
4. The results suggest that competition between B. formosensis and H. ligurriens larvae was asymmetric and the former was the superior competior.
5. At low larval densities in mixed cultures, the presence of H. ligurriens enhanced the performance (as measured by r′) of B. formosensis, a consequence of suspected interspecific facilitation of larval growth.

     

Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Molin, 1859) (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Stossich, 1887) (Fellodistomidae) (Digenea) from the epipelagic teleost Belone belone (L.) in the western Mediterranean

Numerous individuals of the poorly known species Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Fellodistomidae) have been recovered from the teleost fish Belone belone gracilis from off the Scandola Nature Reserve, Western Mediterranean. They are redescribed, incorporating previously undescribed features: for L. retroflexus, a post-oral ring, a bipartite seminal vesicle, the shape of the excretory vesicle, the subterminal excretory pore and the flask-shaped gland-cells associated with the distinctly pedunculate ventral sucker; and for T. acanthocephala, the intestinal bifurcation in the forebody, necessitating its return to the genus Tergestia from Theledera. Additionally, T. acanthocephala is compared with T. laticollis from various species of Trachurus from the same geographical area.     

Diplectanids (Monogenea) on the archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas) (Toxotidae) off Peninsular Malaysia

Two new and two previously described species of diplectanid monogeneans (Heteroplectanum flabelliforme n. sp., Diplectanum sumpit n. sp., D. jaculator Mizelle & Kritsky, 1969 and D. toxotes Mizelle & Kritsky, 1969) were collected from archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix off the Island of Langkawi, Kedah and off Perak, Malaysia. The reproductive systems and squamodiscs of D. jaculator and D. toxotes are described for the first time. D. sumpit n. sp. differs from D. toxotes and D. jaculator in a having a small curved copulatory tube with a distinct accessory piece, compared to the long, tubular copulatory tube of D. jaculator and the slender tube of D. toxotes. D. sumpit n. sp. also differs from D. toxotes in having a larger ventral bar and larger squamodiscs. H. flabelliforme n. sp. differs from all known Heteroplectanum species in the shape and size of the squamodiscs, the arrangement of the sclerites in the squamodiscs, the extremely large ventral bar and the short, curved, non-spinous copulatory tube.     

Analysis of multiparasitism by Eupelmus vuilleti (Craw) (Eupelmidae) and Dinarmus basalis (Rond) (Pteromalidae) in the presence of one of their common hosts,Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) (Coleoptera Bruchidae)

Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) is a tropical beetle (Coleoptera Bruchidae) that develops during the larval and pupal stages in the seeds of a legume Vigna unguiculata (Walp). Two species of Hymenoptera, Dinarmus basalis (Rond) and Eupelmus vuilleti (Craw), solitary ectoparasitoids of the larvae and pupae of B. atrolineatus, were introduced successively in the presence of their hosts, varying the interval between the two introductions. When D. basalis females were introduced 24 h, 3 days or 7 days after E. vuilleti, multiparasitism was low. The females had low fecundity, and their eggs were not distributed randomly over the different available hosts. When E. vuilleti females were introduced second, they oviposited on the different hosts availabe and did not avoid multiparasitism. The presence of hosts already parasitised by D. basalis increased the reproduction of E. vuilleti, and the fecundity of the females was higher than in control batches with E. vuilleti alone. E. vuilleti seems capable of detecting the ovipositor shafts drilled by the D. basalis females, and by introducing its own ovipositors killing the D. basalis eggs or larvae. When interspecific competition was occurring the number of E. vuilleti adults emerging from the seeds was no different from that observed in control batches with E. vuilleti alone, and there were always fewer D. basalis adults than in control batches (D. basalis alone). This interspecific competition reduces the influence of the two parasitoids in the biological control of bruchid populations.     

A taxonomic review of Phlebotomus (Idiophlebotomus) (Psychodidae)

Five known species (asperulus Quate & Fairchild, erebicolus Quate, pholetor Quate & Fairchild, sejunctus Quate, and stellae Quate) of the caverni-colous subgenus Phlebotomus (Idiophlebotomus) are discussed in relation to newly recognized species from West Malaysia and India. P. frondifer n.sp. and P. tubifer n.sp. are described and a key to the adults of all seven species is given. General features of the subgenus are discussed, with particular reference to the functional relationships between the specialized morphology of the mouthparts and the probable bat hosts of these species.     

Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) as trap plant for Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The preference of lepidopterous stem borer moths to oviposit on certain wild host plants can be exploited in habitat management systems by using those hosts as trap crops. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) was evaluated for its attractiveness and suitability to the pyralid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the noctuid Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Two choice tests were conducted in the laboratory and in the greenhouse to determine oviposition choice of C. partellus for maize, Vetiver and rice (Oryza sativa L.), and of B. fusca for Vetiver and maize. C. partellus larval survival was evaluated in green house studies. Results indicated that C. partellus chose Vetiver grass over maize though larval survival on Vetiver was extremely low. B. fusca did not show any host preference.     

Interaction of poly(I)·poly(C) with trans-dichloro-diammine-platinum (II)

The covalent binding of trans-Pt (NH₃)₂Cl₂ to the double-stranded poly(I)·poly(C) follows three types of reactions, depending on r_b and the concentration of polynucleotide in the reaction mixture. At r_b ? 0.1, the principal reaction is coordination to poly(I), giving rise to some destabilization of the double strand, as shown by uv and CD spectra, and a decrease in T_m values, giving rise to free loops of poly(C). At higher r_b and low polynucleotide concentration, the free cytidine bases react with platinum bound on the complementary strand to form intramolecular (interstrand) crosslinks that restabilize the double-stranded structure. At high r_b and high polynucleotide concentration, while the above reaction still occurs, the predominant one is the formation of intermolecular crosslinks. Under no conditions has strand separation been observed.     

The species of Ardeicola (Phthiraptera) on Threskiornis (Aves)

The species of Ardeicola parasitic on the Ibis genus Threskiornis are reviewed-clayae Brelih, freemani sp.n., ibis Le Souef & Bullen, indicus Brelih, intermedia sp.n., nippon Hajela & Tandan-and a key for their identification is presented. Notes on the affinities of the species and a discussion on the distribution of Ardeicola on Threskiornis are included.     

Interaction of poly(I) and poly(I)·poly(C) with chlorodiethylenetriamino platinum(II) chloride

The fixation of dien-Pt on poly(I)·poly(C) leads to only minor changes in the uv and CD spectra at ambient temperature, showing that there is little perturbation of the secondary structure in the r_b range studied (up to 0.30). However, the melting profiles show two steps. The T_m for strand separation increases linearly from 61°C (r_b = 0) to 80°C (r_b = 0.18), after which it declines on further increasing the r_b. The second melting step is not complete at 100°C, and the magnitude of the absorbance change in this second step also appears to be at a maximum at r_b = 0.18. Although dien-Pt can only coordinate to one base, the nmr spectra at 80°C also show a second type of interaction with the adjacent bases, which is only destroyed in the presence of a strong denaturing agent, 5M guanidinium hydrochloride. From these results and the spectrophotometric data, we observe that dien-Pt forms a triple sandwich by hydrogen bonding of the platinum amino groups to the adjacent hypoxanthine bases (N⁷). The presence of these hydrogen bonds accounts for the increased stability (maximal at one Pt to three hypoxanthine bases) and their rupture is seen in the second melting step. No interaction has been observed with poly(C) strand. Reaction of dien-Pt with poly(I) shows the formation of the same triple sandwich structure in the nmr spectra.     

The species of Ibidoecus (Phthiraptera) on Threskiornis (Aves)

The species of Ibidoecus parasitic on the Ibis genus Threskiornis are reviewed-clausus (Giebel), dianae Tandan, insularis sp.n., tandani sp.n., threskiornis Bedford-and a key for their identification presented. The host and geographical distribution of the phthirapteran parasites of this genus are discussed.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of tetrakis(dimethylsulfoxide) platinum(II) bis(triflouromethanesulfonate)

Crystals of Pt(DMSO)₄(TFMS)₂ have been prepared by dissolution of platinum(II) hydroxide in a solution of CF₃SO₃H in DMSO and subsequent evaporation. The structure was determined by use of a CAD-4 diffractometer with monochromatic Mo Kα radiation. The space group is P with Z = 2, a = 8.630(2), b = 9.557(3), c = 16.659(3) Å, α = 73.33(2), β = 77.38(2) and γ = 79.19(3)°. The refinement converged to R = 0.056. The coordination around platinum is distorted square-planar with two S- and two O-bonded DMSO ligands in a cis-arrangement. The four donor atoms and the platinum are coplanar within 0.03 Å. There is a severe steric crowding between the two S-bonded DMSO molecules, which gives rise to a distortion of the bond angles around the platinum. The crowding is minimized as much as possible by a staggered arrangement of oxygen atoms and methyl groups of adjacent ligands. Pt---S bond lengths 2.208(3) and 2.205(4) Å are significantly shorter that those in the corresponding palladium complex, in accordance with a much stronger bond in the case of platinum. Bond length comparisons also indicate that ground state transinfluence of S-bonded DMSO probably is about the same in platinum and palladium complexes.     

The natural history ofPetrobia (Tetranychina) harti (Ewing) andPetrobia (Mesotetranychus) tunisiae Manson (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the laboratory

Petrobia harti (Ewing) developed more rapidly, deposited more eggs and lived longer onOxalis corniculata than onO. articulata. No development took place on several other recorded host plants. In the field this mite was most abundant during early summer. Males made up less than 10% of the population, and no diapause eggs were seen in the field.Petrobia tunisiae Manson developed on various winter Gramineae, produced about 17 non-diapause eggs during its first generation and mostly diapause eggs in the second. A few diapause eggs kept in the laboratory and dipped in chloroform hatched even after 3 years. A summer diapause is postulated for this species.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of a blue-emitting Sr(3.5) Y(6.5) O(2) (PO(4) )(1.5) (SiO(4) )(4.5) :Eu(2+) phosphor

A novel blue‐emitting Sr_3.5Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5:Eu²⁺ phosphor was synthesized via a solid‐state reaction. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the Sr_3.5Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5 host had a hexagonal crystal structure in the space group P6₃/m and unit cell parameters a = 9.418 Å, c = 6.900 Å. The as‐prepared phosphor showed a blue emission and all the main emission peaks were located at around 466 nm for different excitation wavelengths of 297, 333 and 391 nm. The temperature dependence of the photoluminescence property was investigated in the range 20–250 °C, and the emission intensity decreased to 71% of the initial value at room temperature on increasing the temperature to 150 °C. According to the classical theory of fluorescent thermal quenching, the activation energy (ΔE) for the thermal quenching luminescence of the as‐prepared Sr_3.45Y_6.5O₂(PO₄)_1.5(SiO₄)_4.5:0.05Eu²⁺ phosphor was determined to be 0.20 eV. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Block oligopeptides (L-lysyl)m-(L-alanyl)n-L-Tyrosyl-(L-Alanyl)n-(L-Lysyl)m. II. Circular dichroism and pulsefluorimetry conformational studies

The conformation of chromatographically pure block oligopeptides (L -lysyl)_m-(L -alanyl)_n- L -tyrosyl-(L -alanyl)_n-(L -lysyl)_m with n = 3 and m = 6 or 3 is investigated. By circular dichroism it is shown that these peptides may exhibit a partially α-helical structure depending upon pH, ionic strength, solvent, and temprerature. An attempt is made to describe the helical content of these small peptides by utilizing the data obtained on high-molecular-weight poly(L -lysine). By measurement of the quantum yield and the decays of the peptides fluorescence, it is shown that, in aqueous solution, at neutral pH, the fluorescence of the peptides is quenched by interactions with the peptide carbonyl groups. The decays are multiexponential, which shows the presence of several conformations of the phenolic chromophore relative to the peptide chain. The addition of methanol, which induced the helix formation, decreases the quenching of the fluorescence and the multiexponential character of the decays. In presence of sodium hydroxide, which further increases the helical content of the peptides, a dynamic quenching occured that can be attributed to interactions between the phenol hydroxyl group of tyrosine (ith residue) and the ε-amino groups of the (i+4)th and (i -4)th lysyl residues.     

Proton-NMR study of the interaction of trans-dichloro-diamine-platinum(II) with poly(I) and poly(I).poly(C)

The fixation of trans-(NH₃)₂Cl₂ Pt(II) to poly(I)·poly(C) at low r_b (< 0.05) leads to the formation of two complexed species. The major species (ca. 82% of bound platinum) involves coordination of platinum to a single hypoxanthine base, while the other species involves coordination of two hypoxanthine bases, which are either far apart on the same strand or on separate poly(I) strands, to the platinum. These same two species are found after reaction with poly(I), as are two other species throughout the entire r_b range studied (r_b = 0–0.30). The latter two species are assigned to trans-Pt bound to two bases on a poly(I) strand with (a) one or (b) two free bases between the two bound bases. These two species, (a) and (b), account for ca. 35% of the bound platinum, although the 1:1 species remains dominant (ca. 55%). These two additional species are observed at high r_b (>0.075) after reaction with poly(I)·poly(C) but as very minor species. They are formed by reaction with melted poly(I) loops. Also at high r_b, we have observed a shifted cytidine H⁵ resonance arising from interaction of trans-Pt with a melted loop of poly(C). Most probably, this arises from an intramolecular poly(I) to poly(C) crosslink. Results from the reaction of trans-Pt with poly(C) are presented for comparison.     

The helix-coil transitions of poly (dA)-poly (dT) and poly (dA-dT)-poly (dA-dT)

Helix–coil transition curves are calculated for poly (dA) poly(dT) and poly (dA-dT) poly (dA-dT) using the integral equation approach of Goel and Montroll.⁵ The transitions are described by the loop entropy model with the exponent of the loop entropy factor, k, remaining an arbitrary constant. The theoretical calculations are compared with experimental transition curves of the two polymers. Results indicate that the stacking energies for these two polymers differ by about 1 kcal/mole of base pairs. Also, a fit between theory and experiment was not possible for k > 1.70.     

Lepidocoleus cf.ulrichi (Machaeridia) from the Trenton Group (Ordovician) of Ontario (Canada)

A specimen of the machaeridianLepidocoleus cf.ulrichi described herein focuses attention on taxonomical difficulties with extremely dorso-ventrally elongated sclerites found in some lepidocoleid taxa.Lepidocoleus ulrichi Withers, 1926 andLepidocoleus sigmoideus Withers, 1926 exhibit very similar appearances and prove indistinguishable based onWithers 1926 criteria. The key to separating taxa as similar as these may instead lie in the most juvenile stages of growth.     

Interferon induction by platinum(II)-poly(I)·poly(C) complexes

The effect of the interaction between poly(I)·poly(C) and cis-dichloro-diammineplatinum(II) (cis-Pt), its trans analogue and chloro-diethylene-triamminoplatinum(II) (dien-Pt) on interferon induction activity was investigated. The covalent monodentate fixation of the three compounds on N⁷ of inosine has different effects on the structure and thermostability of poly(I)·poly(C) which is well reflected by the interferon induction activity of the samples. Thus, the sandwich stabilization by dien-Pt at low binding ratios is manifested by an increased interferon induction and a high resistance towards RNAase degradation. The destabilization of the duplex by cis-Pt decreases interferon induction, accompanied by an increase in RNAase sensitivity of the complexes. In the case of trans-Pt the duplex structure is little perturbed and interferon induction is essentially maintained.