Ecomorphology ofCrassostrea cucullata (Born, 1778) (Ostreidae) in a mangrove creek (Gazi,Kenya)

Variations of shell form and shell length were studied for oysters growing in the mangroves of Gazi Creek, Kenya, and related to different environmental factors.For the study of the form, Fourier analysis was performed on the circumference of 85 oysters. The resulting coefficients were compared among specimens using cluster analysis. The correspondence between this classification and substrate diameter is virtually perfect (only one misclassification out of 85 oysters). For the clusters based on height above chart datum, 9 specimens, all on intermediate height levels, were misclassified. Orientation with respect to tidal current had 13 misclassifications. Mangrove species seemed to influence form only marginally, if at all.In the study of the size ofCrassostrea cucullata, the length of 956 oysters, growing along two transects were measured, and correlated with several environmental factors. Oyster length was not related to substrate diameter or its orientation with respect to the main current. Length was not influenced by density up to a cover of 70%. For densities higher than 70%, there was a fairly strong negative correlation (r ² = 0.634,n = 217). Length was not correlated with height above bottom (base of the tree) for heights lower than 20 cm, while oysters growing closer to the bottom were smaller. The correlation with height above chart datum was negative but very low (r ² = 0.060,n = 957). However, if all measurements of oysters closer than 20 cm to the bottom, and all from a density of more than 70% cover are deleted from the data set, the correlation with height increased dramatically, the slope still being negative (r ² = 0.859,n = 543).     

Parasitization of a hydrothermal vent limpet (Lepetodrilidae, Vetigastropoda) by a highly modified copepod (Chitonophilidae, Cyclopoida)

The limpet Lepetodrilus fucensis McLean is very abundant at hydrothermal vents on the Juan de Fuca and Explorer Ridges in the northeast Pacific Ocean. This limpet is parasitized by an undescribed chitonophilid copepod throughout the limpet's range. The parasite copepodite enters the mantle cavity and attaches to the afferent branchial vein. The initial invasive stage is a vermiform endosome within the vein that develops an extensive rootlet system causing an enlargement of the afferent branchial vein. Subsequently, an ectosomal female body grows outside the vein to sizes up to 2 mm in width. Once a dwarf male attaches, egg clusters form and nauplii are released. In over 3000 limpets examined from 30 populations, prevalence averaged about 5% with localized infections in female limpets over 25%. After the establishment of limpet populations at new vents, copepod prevalence increased over the succeeding months to 3 years. Host effects were marked and included castration of both sexes and deterioration in gill condition which affected both food acquisition and the gill symbiont. There was a significantly greater parasite prevalence in larger females which likely modifies the reproductive and competitive success of local host populations.     

Redescription of a rare flathead,Onigocia grandisquama (Regan, 1908) (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae)

A rare platycephalid,Onigocia grandisquama (Regan), is redescribed in detail from the holotype and an additional specimen collected from the Gulf of Thailand, western Pacific. The species is characterized by the following combination of characters: 11 anal fin rays, 32–34 lateral line scales, anteriormost 3–5 or 3–6 lateral line scales with a distinct spine, 1–2 preocular spines, broad and flat ocular flap, and long head (42.4–44.7% of standard length).     

Toxorhina (Ceratocheilus) caucasiensis,a new species from the Middle Miocene of Stavropol (northern Caucasus,USSR) (Diptera,Limoniidae)

Middle Miocene limnic deposits from Stavropol contain wings of the limomidToxorhina (Ceratocheilus) caucasiensis n. sp. Recent species of this genus are distributed in tropic regions around the world.     

Solgerites Reeside, 1932 (Cretaceous Ammonoidea) a synonym ofForresteria Reeside, 1932, with a revision ofSolgerites brancoi (Solger, 1904) (Cretaceous Ammonoidea) from Cameroon

A revision of the surviving “Barroisiceras” specimens from Cameroon described by SOLGER (1904) suggests thatBarroisiceras brancoi, type species ofSolgerites REESIDE, 1932, including varietiesmitis andarmatus of SOLGER, andBarroisiceras hoberfellneri alstadenensis SOLGER non SCHLüTER are variants of a single species and thatSolgerites is a synonym ofForresteria (Forresteria) REESIDE, 1932, of whichEboroceras BASSE, 1947 also is a synonym.     

Bioefficacy of root extracts of a medicinal plant,Withania somnifera (Dunal) against a polyphagous pest,Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Oral administration of root extracts of a medicinal plant, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) to last instar larvae of a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura resulted into abnormal morphogenesis and the effects comprised mortality, delay in larval-pupal and pupal-adult ecdysis, ecdysial stasis, formation of larval-pupal and pupal-adult intermediates, reduced pupation and formation of abnormal pupae, complete suppression of normal adult emergence and formation of adultoids. These effects are similar to those produced by the administration of JHAs and may be due to interference with the normal hormonal mechanism of moulting and metamorphosis.     

Synthesis, Copper(II) Complexation, (64)Cu-Labeling, and Bioconjugation of a New Bis(2-pyridylmethyl) Derivative of 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane

A new ligand derivative of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN), 2-[4,7-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononan-1-yl]acetic acid ( 6), has been synthesized and its complexation behavior toward Cu2+ ions investigated. The ligand 6 has been characterized by spectroscopic methods, and a molecular structure of a corresponding Cu(II) complex has been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The suitability of 6 for conjugation to peptide substrates has been shown by amide coupling of 6 to the stabilized derivative of bombesin (BN), beta Ala-beta Ala-[Cha13, Nle14]BN(7-14), to give the conjugate 8. The free ligand 6 and the bioconjugate 8 were labeled with 64Cu2+, and the resulting complexes, 64Cu subset6 and 64Cu subset8 , were found to be stable in the presence of a large excess of a competing ligand (cyclam) or copper-seeking superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as in rat plasma. Biodistribution studies of 64Cu subset8 in Wistar rats showed a high activity uptake into the pancreas (5.76 +/- 0.25 SUV, 5 min p.i.; 3.93 +/- 0.25 SUV, 1 h p.i.), which is the organ with high levels of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). This receptor is overexpressed in a large number of breast and prostate carcinomas. The novel 64Cu subset6 complex had a dominating influence on the nonspecific activity biodistribution of its BN conjugate, since the distribution data of 64Cu subset6 are similar to those of 64Cu subset8 . The 64Cu complexes exhibited a low activity accumulation in the liver tissue and an extensive renal clearance, which was distinctively different to the biodistribution of 64CuCl 2, suggesting that 64Cu subset6 does not undergo significant demetalation, but rather exhibits high in vivo stability.     

Scymnodon plunketi (Waite, 1910): a junior synonym of Scymnodon macracanthus (Regan, 1906) (Somniosidae: Elasmobranchii)

The taxonomic status and validity of Scymnodon macracanthus (Regan, 1906) and Scymnodon plunketi (Waite, 1910) are revised in light of new material from the Southern Pacific and Indian Oceans. Despite being historically accepted as distinct taxa, recent studies suggested the possibility that these species could represent a single taxon. Morphometrics, meristics and morphology of dermal denticles show that S. plunketi is indeed a junior synonym of S. macracanthus. Previous distinctive characters proved to be the result of intraspecific variation. S. macracanthus is therefore redescribed including an updated comparative diagnosis for the genus Scymnodon in the family Somniosidae.     

Towards a diagnostic view of Hyalomma (Hyalomma) aegyptium (Acari,Ixodidae)

The diagnostic characters of larval, nymphal and adult Hyalomma aegyptium (L., 1758) based on specimens from the territory of most part of the area are given. In the diagnoses of immature stages, was used the characters, which were formerly tested by the author for diagnostics of other Hyalomma species occurring in the former USSR. Commonly used characters and those which were revealed by the author as useful for the majority of Euhyalomma Filippova, 1984 and Hyalommina Schulze, 1919 species, have been used in the diagnoses of male and female. Differential diagnosis of Hyalomma aegyptium. Female: genital orifice as wide arch with straight posterior margin (fig. 2, 5); vestibular part of vagina funnel-like, greatly swollen (fig. 2, 5); setae of alloscutum stick-like, tapering in apical one (figs 2, 3, 4); second segment of palps with proximal narrowing (figs 3, 1, 2); spurs of coxae I widely separated, triangular, wide, subequal in size (fig. 3, 5). Male: any grooves of conscutum absent, except short and pit-like cervical ones (fig. 4); punctation sparce and impressive (fig. 4); adenal shields short and wide, without inner branch, posterior part widened, anteromedian margin straight (fig. 5, 4); spurs of coxae I widely separated, triangular, wide, subequal in size (fig. 6, 5). Nymph: posteromedian setae of alloscutum stick-like and, as a rule, with indented apices (fig. 7, 2); spurs of coxae I large, median spur as equilateral triangle and shorter than lateral one (fig. 7, 8); spurs of coxae II-IV well developed, with acute apices (fig. 7, 8). Larva: posterior part of scutum (behind the eyes) heavy elongated, its apex straight, postero-lateral incisions weakly developed (fig. 8, 1); spurs of coxae I as equilateral triangle in shape and with rounded apices, spurs of coxae II-III very large (fig. 8, 5).     

Some aspects of respiratory metabolism of a penaeid prawn,Penaeus japonicus (Bate) (Crustacea,Decapoda, Penaeidae)

Respiratory metabolism of a marine penaeid prawn, Penaeus japonicus (Bate) was studied in relation to body size, starvation, dissolved oxygen tension, salinity and temperature. Oxygen consumption was significantly (P < 0.03) elevated with decline in body size. The rate of oxygen consumption was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in the day of starvation, but the values of the loth and 15th day did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from each other, indicating adaptation to starved conditions. Respiratory rate was on the ascending scale with an elevation in the surrounding oxygen content. Oxygen consumption increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both hyper- and hypotonic media. Rate of oxygen consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) augmented with an increase in the ambient temperature upto 34°C but a drastic fall was found at both low (18°C) and high (36°C) extreme temperatures. Functional significance of these findings to the prawn, in combating the environmental eddies is discussed.This investigation was supported by I.C.A.R., New Delhi, through a project No. 21 (80)/73-ASR (I)This investigation was supported by I.C.A.R., New Delhi, through a project No. 21 (80)/73-ASR (I)     

Diaporthosporellaceae,a novel family of Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes,Ascomycota)

Diaporthosporella cercidicola, collected from diseased branches of Cercis chinensis in China, is herein described and illustrated. Evidence for this new genus and species is provided by both holomorphic morphology and phylogenetic analysis. Diaporthosporella cannot be classified into any existing family. Thus, Diaporthosporellaceae is introduced as a new family to accommodate Diaporthosporella, typified by D. cercidicola. Morphologically, Diaporthosporellaceae can be distinguished from other diaporthalean families by irregularly uniseriate, allantoid or subreniform ascospores, conidiophores acropleurogenous, branched or sympodially branched, cylindrical, aseptate, and ellipsoidal, biguttulate conidia. Phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal (r) DNA sequence data shows that Diaporthosporellaceae forms a distinct family within Diaporthales.