A box-model of metal flows through the Scheldt estuary (1981–1983 and 1992–1995)

The behaviour of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the Scheldtestuary was investigated in the periods 1981 to 1983and 1995. The Hg behaviour was studied between 1992and 1994. A box model was used to establish therelationship between the trace metal inputs and thefate of these pollutants in the Scheldt estuary.Annual budgets were calculated for particulate anddissolved trace metals. For Hg, seasonal budgets ofthe various species (inorganic Hg, methylmercury,Hg °) could also be calculated. These budgetsallow an evaluation of the consistency of eachindividual flux or process, such as the inputs of thevarious metals into the North Sea, the sedimentationflux of particulate metals in the area of highturbidity, the evasional fluxes and the formationrates of Hg °, etc. in relation to the other ones. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The influence of mist and rain on the reproductive success of the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea (1995–96)

Evans, S.W. & Bouwman, H. 2000. The influence of mist and rain on the reproductive success of the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 83–86.

Due to the locality of the Blue Swallow Natural Heritage Site it appears that the birds have no alternative but to forage in the mist. The birds cease foraging as soon as it starts raining. Eight eggs failed to hatch after a week in which rainfall occurred for 60% and mist for 85% of the time. Later in the season a further six eggs failed to hatch after a week in which rainfall occurred for 18% and mist occurred for 65% of the time. The only mortality of two nestling Blue Swallows occurred at the end of a week in which rainfall occurred for 65% and mist was recorded for 85% of the time. At a nest containing three eggs, during the presence of mist (16°C wet/19°C dry) the female Blue Swallow spent a mean of 52 min h^?1 foraging and therefore only a mean of 8 min h^?1 incubating. In the absence of mist (21°C wet/26°C dry) the female Blue Swallow spent a mean of 25 min h^?1 foraging and therefore 35 min h^?1 incubating. Rainfall did not occur during the monitoring of this nest. It appears that the mist greatly reduces the foraging efficiency of the birds and that rainfall duration impacts on the birds by limiting the available foraging time.     

Ecological Monitoring of the Water Area of Port Vostochnyi (Wrangel Bay) in the Sea of Japan (1995–2002)

Benthic surveys carried out in 1989 (literature data), 1995, and 2001 (original data) revealed changes in the structure of soft bottom communities of Wrangel Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan), where a deep-water port of Vostochnyi is situated. The functioning of the port has caused no significant environmental pollution by heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants. Bottom dredging and the siltation induced by it have drastically lowered the benthos biomass, changed benthic communities, and altered their trophic structure. Sestonophages have disappeared nearly altogether being replaced by detrivores. The ecological state of the benthos is characterized as unstable.     

The impact of the Scheldt input on the trace metal distribution in the Belgian coastal area (results of 1981–1983 and 1995–1996)

Offshore fluxes of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Hg were calculated based onresidual flow patterns and salinity gradients along the Belgian coast. Theresidual flow lines along the Belgian coast are more or less parallel to thecoast except in the area where the north-easterly flowing watermass comingfrom the Channel encounters the south-westerly-oriented Scheldt outflow,forming a residual hydrodynamical front. From the steady-state salinitypattern, diffusion coefficients perpendicular to the residual flow werededuced; they ranged from 21 to 108 m² s^-1. Offshore fluxes of dissolved and particulate trace metals based on diffusiveand mixing processes are calculated. The steady state profiles of dissolvedmetals show a dilution effect in the coastal waters, reaching an almostconstant concentration in the marine watermass in the 1981–1983dataset. The ratios of the Scheldt input of trace metals to the totaldissolved offshore flux vary from 38 to 55% (1981–1983),depending on the kind of metal, and from 55 to 91% (1995–1996).The ratio of the Scheldt input to the dissolved metal flow parallel to thecoast, is in both periods (1981–1983 and 1995–1996), smallerthan 1%. The steady-state concentration profiles of particular metalsversus salinity are fairly constant in the coastal-estuarine and marinewatermasses, but decrease very abruptly from the first to the secondwatermass. Assuming a conservative behaviour of the particular metals,offshore fluxes and the resulting concentration increases agree fairly wellwith the observed values. The ratios of the Scheldt input to the particulatetrace metal offshore flux vary between 30 to 46% (1981–1983)and 13 to 37% (1995–1996). The contribution of the Scheldtestuary to the flows parallel to the coast ranges from 1.6 to 2.9%(1981–1983) and from 0.6 to 1.6% (1995). This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A three year (1993–1995) calendar of pollen and Alternaria mould in the atmosphere of south western Sydney

The relevance of allergy skin prick testing in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and pollen asthma can usefully be interpreted in relation to the timing and duration of seasonal symptoms and the presence of pollen and mould spores in the air. This calendar has been constructed from three years continuous observations of pollen and Alternaria mould spore counts between January 1993 and December 1995, using a Burkard 7‐day volumetric spore trap. Of the total airborne pollen, tree pollen comprises 65%, weeds and herbs 11% and grasses 18%. Unidentified pollen, “other”; group, accounts for 6% of the total airborne pollen. The most numerous of the tree pollen is that of the introduced trees cypress (Cupressus spp.) and privet (Ligustrum spp.). Grass pollen is seen in small numbers throughout the winter but shows a rapid increase in spring to peak in mid to late November. Weeds pollinate from early spring through to summer. Alternaria mould, which is a risk factor for childhood asthma, occurs mainly in late spring and summer but is present in small numbers intermittently throughout winter.     

Julius Sachs (1832–1897) and the Unity of Life

In 1865, the German botanist Julius Sachs published a seminal monograph entitled Experimental-Physiologie der Pflanzen (Experimental Physiology of Plants) and hence became the founder of a new scientific discipline that originated 150 y ago. Here, we outline the significance of the achievements of Sachs. In addition, we document, with reference to his Vorlesungen über Pflanzen-Physiologie (Lectures on the Physiology of Plants, 1882), that Sachs was one of the first experimentalists who proposed the functional unity of all organisms alive today (humans, animals, plants and other “vegetable” organisms, such as algae, cyanophyceae, fungi, myxomycetes, and bacteria).     

Adriano Buzzati-Traverso and the foundation of the International Laboratory of Genetics and Biophysics in Naples (1962–1969)

Despite a long tradition of research in applied genetics, particularly in agricultural research, in Italy the transition to the new knowledges and techniques of molecular biology was long and difficult. Political and financial constraints made academic institutions very slow to grasp the importance of molecular approaches to biology and medicine. In fact, the main studies concerning problems of molecular biology took place inside non-academic institutions. We reconstruct the complex paths leading to the birth of the International Laboratory of Genetics and Biophysics (LIGB) in Naples, and describe its work and activities in the period in which it was directed by its creator, Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, between 1962 and 1969. The origins of the LIGB are inextricably bound to the growth of biophysical research at the University of Pavia and at the Higher Health Institute in Rome. For a short period, with the aid provided by Italian and European physicists to biological research on the effects of nuclear radiation, LIGB became a focal point in European molecular biology. In 1968 the scientific and educational activities of the LIGB dramatically fell victim to the contradictions of the Italian academic and scientific system, and to the political climate which emerged in Italy at the time.     

Louis Agassiz (1807–1873) and the reality of natural groups

The philosophy of pattern cladism has been variously explained by reference to the work of Louis Agassiz. The present study analyzes Agassiz's attempt to combine an empirical approach to the study of nature with an idealistic philosophy. From this emerges the problem of empiricism and of the isomorphy between the order of nature and human thinking. The analysis of the writings of Louis Agassiz serves as the basis for discussion of the reality of natural groups as postulated by pattern cladists.     

Heterogeneous seeding of HET-s(218–289) and the mutability of prion structures

One fundamental property of prions is the formation of strains—prions that have distinct biological effects, despite a common amino acid sequence. The strain phenomenon is thought to be caused by the formation of different molecular structures, each encoding for a particular biological activity. While the precise mechanism of the formation of strains is unknown, they tend to arise following environmental changes, such as passage between different species. One possible mechanism discussed here is heterogeneous seeding; the formation of a prion nucleated by a different molecular structure. While heterogeneous seeding is not the only mechanism of prion mutation, it is consistent with some observations on species adaptation and drug resistance. Heterogeneous seeding provides a useful framework to understand how prions can adapt to new environmental conditions and change biological phenotypes.     

Distribution and diversity of desmosomatid and nannoniscid isopods (Crustacea) on the Greenland–Iceland–Faeroe Ridge

The distribution and diversity of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda; families Desmosomatidae Sars, 1897 and Nannoniscidae Hansen, 1916) was examined in Icelandic waters where a diversity of water masses (temperature range −0.9 to 12°C) occurs and the topography is characterized by the large and shallow Greenland–Iceland–Faeroe (GIF) Ridge extending across the North Atlantic in an east-west direction. Both families were species rich in the area, in total occurring with 34 species in 20 genera. Most of the species were restricted either to the north (10) or to the south (14) of the GIF Ridge, occurring either in cold (−0.8 to 2.8°C) or warm (>2°C) water masses. Five species were found on both sides of the Ridge, occurring at a wide range of temperatures (−0.9 to >4°C), while another five species extend across the GIF Ridge. Most species occurred in two and more water masses and the species north of the Ridge occurred usually within narrower temperature range than the species living south of the Ridge. The water masses in association with the Ridge seem to limit distribution of most species. Despite similar number of species occurring in the areas north and south of the Ridge, the areas differ considerably in diversity pattern with depth.     

Structure–Function Analysis of the ADAM Family of Disintegrin-Like and Metalloproteinase-Containing Proteins (Review)

The ADAMs belong to a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase-containing protein family that are zinc-dependent metalloproteinases. These proteins share all or some of the following domain structure: a signal peptide, a propeptide, a metalloproteinase, a disintegrin, a cysteine-rich, and an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. ADAMs are widely distributed in many organs, tissues, and cells, such as brain, testis, epididymis, ovary, breast, placenta, liver, heart, lung, bone, and muscle. These proteins are capable of four potential functions: proteolysis, adhesion, fusion, and intracellular signaling. Because the number of ADAM genes has grown rapidly and the biological functions of most members are unclear, this review analyzes the protein structures and functions, their activation and processing, their known and potential activities, and their evolutionary relationships. A sequence alignment of human ADAMs is compiled and their homology and physical data are calculated. The conceivable functions of ADAMs in reproduction, development, and diseases are also discussed.     

Structural and some medicinal characteristics of the copper(II)–hydroxychloroquine complex

In the first phase of this study, the binding of hydroxychloroquine to the copper(II) cation is examined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance spectrometry (FT-ICR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H and ¹³C NMR) in one and two dimensions. The data suggest the metal–ligand complex is a polarity adaptive molecule. In the second phase of the study, the complexes activity is tested against the National Cancer Institute’s 60 cell line panel. Its anti-cancer activity is compared to quinine, Cu(II)–quinine and hydroxychloroquine. It serves as a base line for future anti-cancer complexes in which hydroxychloroquine is utilized for its ability to impact cell autophagy.     

Specificities and pH profiles of adenine and hypoxanthine–guanine–xanthine phosphoribosyltransferases (nucleotide synthases) of the thermoacidophile archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

Two open reading frames in the genome of Sulfolobus solfataricus (SSO2341 and SSO2424) were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The protein products were purified and their enzymatic activity characterized. Although SSO2341 was annotated as a gene (gpT-1) encoding a 6-oxopurine phosphoribosyltransferase (PRTase), the protein product turned out to be a PRTase highly specific for adenine and we suggest that the reading frame should be renamed apT. The other reading frame SSO2424 (gpT-2) proved to be a true 6-oxopurine PRTase active with hypoxanthine, xanthine and guanine as substrates, and we suggest that the gene should be renamed gpT. Both enzymes exhibited unusual profiles of activity versus pH. The adenine PRTase showed the highest activity at pH 7.5–8.5, but had a distinct peak of activity also at pH 4.5. The 6-oxo PRTase showed maximal activity with hypoxanthine and guanine around pH 4.5, while maximal activity with xanthine was observed at pH 7.5. We discuss likely reasons why SSO2341 in S. solfataricus and similar open reading frames in other Crenarchaeota could not be identified as genes encoding APRTase.     

Effect of air temperature on forecasting the start of the Betula pollen season at two contrasting sites in the south of Europe (1995–2001)

In order to survive periods of adverse cold climatic conditions, plant requirements are satisfied by means of physiological adaptations to prevent cells from freezing. Thus, the growth of woody plants in temperate regions slows down and they enter into a physiological state called dormancy. In order to identify the chilling and heat requirements to overcome the dormancy period of Betula in the south of Europe, a comparative study was carried out with aerobiological pollen data of a 7-year (1995-2001) period in Vigo (Spain) and Perugia (Italy). To satisfy chilling requirements, base temperatures of 7 degrees C and 5.75 degrees C showed a lower standard variation coefficient: 3.94% and 2.36% in Perugia and Vigo respectively. In the case of heat accumulation, the sum of mean temperatures in Perugia and the sum of maximum temperatures in Vigo were the parameters that showed a minor coefficient of variation (11.13% and 14.51% respectively).     

Predator–prey interactions and the cannibalism of larvae of Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Predation and cannibalism can affect the co-existence of mosquito species or the assemblage of mosquito species (i.e., community structure). In this study, predatory feeding patterns and cannibalism of larvae of Armigeres subalbatus mosquitoes were quantified under laboratory conditions using Aedes albopictus and Culex uniformis larvae as prey organisms. Rate of consumption of prey larvae and the rate of cannibalism of 1st to 4th instar larvae of Armigeres subalbatus were reported at 24 h intervals with and without alternative food supplement. Both the 3rd and 4th instar larvae of Ar. subalbatus showed a substantial predation on the larvae of Ae. albopictus (33.6 ± 4.4) and Cx uniformis (47.3 ± 7.6). The cannibalism of the predatory larvae was strongly correlated to the larval density (r = 0.9). The predator and the prey density and the given food type were significant factors that determined the rate of pupation, death and the emergence as adults. A significant relationship was shown for the co-occurrence of predatory larvae and the prey larvae at the 85 natural breeding habitats observed at the field (χ² = 74.4, p < 0.001). Nine breeding sites (10.6%) were positive for both prey and predatory larvae. Our study showed robust information about the predatory and cannibalistic behavior of Ar. subalbatus larvae emphasizing their role in managing the population structure of mosquito communities.     

Phylogeny of the Alismatales (Monocotyledons) and the relationship of Acorus (Acorales?)

A phylogenetic analysis of the early branching lineages of the monocotyledons is performed using data from two plastid genes (rbcL and matK), five mitochondrial genes (atp1, ccmB, cob, mttB and nad5) and morphology. The complete matrix includes 93 terminals representing Acorus, the 14 families currently recognized within Alismatales, and numerous lineages of monocotyledons and other angiosperms. Total evidence analysis results in an almost completely resolved strict consensus tree, but all data partitions, genomic as well as morphological, are incongruent. The effects of RNA editing and potentially processed paralogous sequences are explored and discussed. Despite a decrease in incongruence length differences after exclusion of edited sites, the major data partitions remain significantly incongruent. The 14 families of Alismatales are all found to be monophyletic, but Acorus is found to be included in Alismatales rather than being the sister group to all other monocotyledons. The placement is strongly supported by the mitochondrial data, atp1 in particular, but it cannot be explained as an artifact caused by patterns of editing or by sampling of processed paralogues.     

A long-term study (1985–1995) of fish populations in the impounded Warta River,Poland

Three sites, two in the tailwater and one upstream of the backwater of a large man-made reservoir in the middle course of the 808 km long lowland Warta River (Oder catchment), were studied. The pre-impoundment study lasted one (1985), the post-impoundment one 10 yr (1986–1995). The dam contributed to the extinction of the anadromous Vimba vimba, and of the rheophilous Chondrostoma nasus, both cyprinids. A number of directly or indirectly negative changes related to the construction of the reservoir were recorded in the tailwater. These changes affected the species number, spawning groups, diversity, density, standing crop, mean body weight, ABC index, and proportional stock density – PSD. Numerous impacts related to engineering, water chemistry and climate were more negative for fish at the tailwater than at the backwater sites. The hydrology of the site upstream of the backwater continued to be dependent on natural factors. Fish populations there suffered only from accidental impacts of the construction of the dam, such as bank revetment or the clearance of trees and shrubs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cloning and mapping of bovine ZFX gene to the long arm of the X-chromosome (Xq34) and homologous mapping of ZFY gene to the distal region of the short arm of the bovine (Yp13), ovine (Yp12–p13), and caprine (Yp12–p13) Y Chromosome

A part of mouse Zfy-2 sequence was synthesized and used to screen a genomic library of the spinous country-rat (Tokudaia osimensis spp., 2n = 45). An isolated clone had the C-terminal region of Zfy, which consisted of 1190 bp, encoded 336 amino acid residues, and harbored 11 out of 13 zinc finger motifs. With this as a probe, a bovine testis cDNA library was screened. Two ZFX clones were isolated and their sequences combined. The short sequence, lacking part of the 5′ upstream region, was amplified by PCR or RT-PCR, cloned, and sequenced. A full-length ZFX was constructed by combining these three sequences. The bovine ZFX consisted of 5328 bp and encoded 800 amino acid residues, which contained 13 zinc finger motifs. ZFX was used as a probe for fluorescence in situ hybridization and was mapped to Xq34, different from its previously reported site at Xq21-q231. A SINE (short interspersed nuclear element) sequence consisting of 188 bp was found close to the end of the 3′-untranslated region of ZFX. The SINE sequence hybridized to all bovine chromosomes. ZFY is highly homologous with ZFX and, as a result, ZFY could be mapped simultaneously. ZFY was mapped to the distal region of the short arm of the Y Chromosome (Chr) (Yp13), contradicting the previously reported position Yq1. Ovine and caprine ZFY were also mapped with bovine ZFX. Both were mapped to the distal region of the short arm of the Y Chr (Yp12-p13). Ovine ZFX was mapped to a region close to the centromere of the X Chr (Xq13). Received: 23 July 1997 / Accepted: 30 September 1997     

Differentiation of the Dolly Varden Char (Salvelinus malma) and the Taranetz Char (Salvelinus taranetzi) Inferred from the PCR–RFLP Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA

Genetic differentiation of two sympatric char species, the Dolly Varden char (Salvelinus malma Walbaum) and the Taranetz char (S. taranetzi Kaganovski), has been studied. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis has been used to compare three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments (ND1/ND2, ND5/ND6, and Cytb/D-loop) amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The divergence between S. malma and S. taranetzi inferred from mtDNA nucleotide sequences is 2.8%; between S. leucomaenis and S. taranetzi, 7.1%; and between S. malma and S. leucomaenis, 7.5%. The absence of common haplotypes and the degree of divergence indicate that the Dolly Varden char and the Taranetz char are genetically isolated and confirm that S. taranetzimay be regarded as a separate species.