Evaluation of a new character for the phylogenetic analysis of Ostracoda (Crustacea): the podocopan maxillular branchial plate

A data set of the number of setae on the maxillular branchial plate of podocopan ostracods was compiled from published drawings and our own dissections. A total of 168 species in six superfamilies were covered, with the Cytheroidea, Cypridoidea and Bairdioidea being best represented. The number of setae is shown to be independent of the size of the ostracod and the environment in which the species lives, but to have phylogenetic significance at superfamily level. Ontogenetic data suggest that the low number of branchial plate setae in many cytheroidean families is a paedomorphic phenomenon.     

Adaptive modifications of carapace outlines in the Cytheroidea (Ostracoda: Crustacea)

Shell outlines of 202 extant cytheroidean ostracods were analysed in dorsal, lateral, and posterior views by elliptic Fourier analysis. The results obtained confirm that the exterior morphology is related to ecological factors as well as phylogenetic constraints. Phytal species living on tall seagrass and benthic species burrowing in sediments are characterized and differentiated from the species crawling on sediments by the presence of slender shells with tapered venters. With reference to reconstruction of ancestral state of outline traits on the molecular phylogeny, the hypothetical ancestor of cytheroidean ostracods is presumed to have had an average-shaped shell. Morphological plasticity of the shell outline was observed in many families. The phytal species living on tall seagrass appear to have evolved convergently with species from other habitats, acquiring slim shell outlines during the Cenozoic period. The present analysis also reveals the phylogenetic constraints on the morphological evolution of the Trachyleberididae in their adaptation to a burrowing habit.  © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2009, 97 , 810–821.     

The ontogeny of the cypridid ostracod Eucypris virens (Jurine, 1820) (Crustacea,Ostracoda)

The chaetotaxy (shape, structure and distribution of setae) of appendages and valve allometry during the post embryonic ontogeny of the cyprididine ostracod Eucypris virens are described. It is shown that the basic ontogenetic development of E. virens is very similar to that of other species of the family Cyprididae. During ontogeny, the chaetotaxy shows continual development on all podomeres of the limbs with the exception of the last podomere on the antennulae. The long setae on the exopodite and protopodite of the antennae have a natatory function until the actual natatory setae develop in later instars. Aesthetascs (presumed chemoreceptors) ya and y3 are the first to develop and may have an important function in the first instars. Cyprididae require a pediform limb in the posterior of the body presumably to help them to attach to substrates and this is reflected by the pediform nature of one limb at all times throughout all instars. This study has also shown that the fifth limb is most probably of thoracic origin and hence ostracods have only one pair of maxillae.     

The ontogeny of the entocytherid ostracod Uncinocythere occidentalis (Kozloff & Whitman, 1954) Hart, 1962 (Crustacea)

The Entocytheridae is a cytheroidean family that is known for its commensal mode of life on other crustaceans. However, due to their small size and large sexual dimorphism in the sizes of the carapace, the ontogeny of the entocytherids is poorly understood. This paper documents the basic body plans and pore systems of the entocytherid Uncinocythere occidentalis (Kozloff & Whitman, 1954) Hart, 1962 through ontogeny and compares them with other podocope groups. U. occidentalis has seven juvenile stages, one less than other cytheroidean groups. The general appearance of the limbs during the ontogeny of U. occidentalis is similar to that of other podocope ostracods, such as Limnocythere inopinata (Cytheroidea) Loxoconcha japonica (Cytheroidea),Eucypris virens (Cypridoidea), and Neonesidea oligodentata (Bairdioidea) with the exception of the maxillula. The adult maxillula of U. occidentalis is reduced to just a palp and third masticatory lobe (endite), and the third masticatory lobe and branchial plate of this appendage form later in the ontogeny compared with other podocope species (i.e., these features show post displacemental ontogenetic development). The number of the pore systems of the earliest juvenile (A-7) of U. occidentalis is 10, and is different from that of the corresponding stage of other cytheroidean groups which have 9. This fact, together with the different mode of development of the maxillula, indicates that the entocytherids are not only highly specialized to their commensal mode of life but that they are also phylogenetically distant from most other cytheroidean families, possibly differentiating from the others during the early evolution of the cytherids.     

Morphology and distribution of antennular setae of scyllarid lobsters (Scyllarides aequinoctialis, S. latus, and S. nodifer) with comments on their possible function

Abstract. Lateral flagella of the antennules of scyllarid lobsters were examined for setal morphology and distribution via scanning electron microscopy. Setal distribution patterns were mapped directly for 3 regions of the antennule ( base, tuft , and tip ) and analyzed for differences: (1) between left and right antennules, (2) between males and females within a species, and (3) among species by comparing counts of setae per annulus in the ventral tuft region only. Six types of antennular setae were identified based on their external morphology: aesthetases, simple, modified simple, asymmetric, hemi-plumose, and toothbrush setae. These different types were organized in a clear pattern over the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the lateral flagella of the antennule. Aesthetase, asymmetric, modified simple, and hemi-plumose setae were found only on annuli in the tuft region between the distal and proximal ends of the flagellum. Simple setae were found on all annuli of all regions of the antennule, and toothbrush setae were mainly concentrated on all annuli of the base region and on proximal annuli of the tuft region . All species of scyllarids examined had the same general pattern of setal distribution and no differences were found between left and right, or male and female antennules. Similar setae located on the lateral antennules of species from the families Nephrophidae and Palinuridae (clawed and spiny lobsters) have been previously described as chemo- and/or mechanoreceptive for use in distance chemoreception (i.e., detection and orientation to olfactory stimuli). Based on work on clawed and spiny lobsters, we predict that the aesthetases on slipper lobsters have a chemoreceptive function and that simple and toothbrush setae may have a bimodal chemo- and mechanoreceptive function.     

A preliminary revision of sordidus-like species of Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 (Anomopoda, Branchiopoda) in North America, with description of I. bernerae n. sp.

Presently the inter-generic structure of the Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 is not clear, and we regard as `sordidus-like' all the species with (1) incomplete moulting, (2) valves without lateral horns or other remarkable structures, (3) non-distal position of anus on postabdomen, (4) long lateral setae on the postabdomen, which reaches the anus; (5) single or doubled teeth on preanal margin of postabdomen. Available material on sordidus-like forms of Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 (Anomopoda, Branchiopoda) from North America was investigated. We also analyzed a limited amount of material similar to I. sordidus s. str., but not enough to be presented now. Three other conventional species were found and redescribed: the exclusively North American I. gouldeni Williams, 1978, as well as I. cuneatus?tifter, 1988 and I. spinosus?tifter, 1988, both described earlier from Europe. An original analysis of the differences between all species was performed. A new sordidus-like species, I. bernerae n. sp., from a single locality in South Carolina, U.S.A., is described. The main diagnostic features of this new species within sordidus-like members of the Ilyocryptusare: thin and sharp dorsal keel; exclusively single preanal teeth, greatly increasing in size in basal direction; lateral setae on postabdomen, not decreasing in size basad; absence of denticles on base of postabdomen; complete absence of any denticles on distal and middle portion of ventral margin of postabdominal claws; distalmost spine on claw base longer than basalmost; bases of antennules compressed against each other (although not touching); slightly different armature of two sides of lateral swimming setae; presence of small hooks on tips of lateral swimming setae; distal segments of setae on trunk of limb I setulated only in basal portion; sensillum on gnathobase II curved.     

Morphology and distribution of setae on the antennules of the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus reveal new types of bimodal chemo-mechanosensilla

This study describes the morphology and distribution of setae on the lateral and medial flagella of the antennules of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus in an effort to identify antennular chemoreceptors in addition to the well-studied aesthetasc chemosensilla. Setae were examined using light and electron microscopy, and their distribution on flagellar annuli was analyzed. We identified ten setal types based on external morphology: hooded, plumose, short setuled, long simple, medium simple, short simple, aesthetasc, guard, companion, and asymmetric setae, with the last four types being unique to the "tuft" located on the distal half of the lateral flagellum. The three setal types whose ultrastructure was examined--hooded, long simple, and medium simple setae--had characteristics of bimodal (chemo-mechanoreceptive) sensilla. The antennules have four distinct annular types based on their setal complement, as shown by cluster analysis. This basic distribution of non-tuft setal types is similar for both lateral and medial flagella. Annuli in the tuft region have tuft setal types superimposed on a basic organization of non-tuft setal types. These results show that the antennules possess a diverse set of setae, that these setae have a highly ordered arrangement on the antennules, that at least four (and probably many more) of these setal types are chemosensilla, and suggest that most antennular chemosensilla are bimodally sensitive.     

Review of naupliar development among Miraciidae (Copepoda,Harpacticoida) with a naupliar description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paramphiascella</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">choi</Emphasis> sp. nov. from Thailand

Both genders of Paramphiascella choi sp. nov. were collected from the green alga Enteromorpha clathrata in Rayong province, Thailand. P. choi shares with other species of the genus: cylindrical body shape, rostrum not bifid, eight-segmented antennules, three-segmented exopodal antenna, and female P5 exopod with five setae. The new species distinguished from other conspecific species by: three-segmented exopodal antenna, inner edge of basis of male P1 and P2 bear a bare ovate-knob each. Enp-1 very elongate, Enp-2 of male P2 transformed into a large, strong, slightly curved and tapering attenuation with two central chitinous ridges, and bearing one medially directed knob close to enp-1. At the base of this knob arise three plumose setae of unequal length. These characters are suggested to be autapomorphies of the new species. Six naupliar stages are obtained and described a key for the identification of stages is provided. Nauplius I has one pair of caudal setae; three-segmented antennules; antenna consists of a coxa, basis, endopod and exopod; mandible has a coxa, basis, endopod and exopod; hindbody bears two caudal setae. Nauplius II develops one aesthetasc on the antennule; antenna has added an arthrite arising from the coxa; mandible has a row of tiny spinulose setae. Nauplius III has added two pairs of caudal setae. Nauplius IV bears bilobed bud of the maxillule armed with two setae and four pairs of caudal setae. Nauplius V bears a multilobed bud of the maxillule with three setae and five pairs of caudal setae. At Nauplius VI, the buds of swimming legs 1 and 2 are added.     

Integumental organs of the phyllosoma larva of the rock lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton)

The external morphology and distribution of the integumentalorgans of the final-stage phyllosoma of the rock lobster Jasusedwardsii were examined. Seven types of organs were recognizedon the integument of the body trunk, antennules and antennae:plumose setae, simple setae, porous setae, aesthetasc setae,simple pores, dorsal cuticular organs and dome-shaped structures.The plumose setae and simple pores were abundant on the dorsalsurface of the cephalosome, abdomen and telson. The dorsal cuticularorgans were present only on the dorsal surface of the cephalosome,and the aesthetasc setae were restricted to the antennule. A comparison of the morphology of these organs with the senseorgans of other decapods with known function suggests that thedorsal surface of the body trunk is one of the major sites ofreception of near-field water movement in the Jasus phyllosoma.     

Two new species of poecilostomatoid copepods symbiotic on the venomous echinoid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxopneustes pileolus</Emphasis> (Lamarck) (Echinodermata) from Vietnam

Two new coexisting species of crustacean copepods (Poecilostomatoida) belonging to the echinoid-specific genera Mecomerinx Humes, 1977 (Pseudanthessiidae) and Clavisodalis Humes, 1970 (Taeniacanthidae) found associated with the venomous flower urchin Toxopneustes pileolus (Lamarck) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea: Toxopneustidae) in the South China Sea (Vietnam) are described. The diagnostic features of Mecomerinx ohtsukai n. sp. are: (i) three setae and one aesthetasc on the first segment of antennules; (ii) relatively long caudal ramus; (iii) elongated terminal segment of the antenna; and (iv) two claws on the terminal segment of antenna slightly unequal in length. The taeniacanthid copepod Clavisodalis toxopneusti n. sp. is distinguished from all seven known congeners by having two-segmented endopod of the legs 2–4 and four setae on the distal endopodal segment of the leg 1. This is the first report on copepods associated with echinoids of the genus Toxopneustes Agassiz and the first finding of Mecomerinx as well as taeniacanthid copepods in the South China Sea associated with echinoids.     

Troglocyclops janstocki,new genus,new species,a very primitive cyclopid (Copepods: Cyclopoida) from an anchialine cave in the Bahamas

Troglocyclops janstocki is proposed to accommodate cyclopids from Hatchet Bay Cave, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. The species is the most primitive member of the Halicyclopinae because of the presence of 15-segmented antennules, mandibular palp reduced to 3 setae, one of them quite long and plumose, a bisegmented maxillary endopodite, and 3 segments in the maxilliped endopodite. These copepods possess the first pediger still distinct, being partially enclosed dorsally and laterally by a carapace-like extension of the posterior margin of the dorsal cephalic shield. This latter character represents a plesiomorphic state shared with the primitive cyclopinids and, within the Cyclopidae, only with the Euryteinae. The new taxon is the only known species of Halicyclopinae having two apical spines on the terminal segment of the exopodite of legs 2 to 4, and the intercoxal sclerites of the legs 1 and 2 sexually dimorphic. The phylogenetic importance of each of these characters is discussed.     

Larval development of the rhizocephalan cirripede Briarosaccus tenellus (Maxillopoda: Thecostraca) reared in the laboratory: a scanning electron microscopy study

SEM investigations of laboratory-reared larvae of Briarosaccus tenellus Boschma, 1970, revealed five naupliar instars, one more than previously described for the Rhizocephala. The external features of these and the cypris larva are described in detail. The youngest instar (NO) is characterised by a better developed furca than in subsequent stages and one additional antennulary seta. Differences in outline, shape of antennulae, and hind-body denticulation, offer the potential of individual discrimination. All the nauplii possess a transparent, hollow cuticular ring around their body. This flotation collar represents the bulged margin of the larval head shield and is attached to the body along a delicate ridge. Three pairs of tiny pores in contact with the ridge possibly regulate inflation of the ring, but details of this mechanisms remain unknown. Due to total lecithotrophy, the nauplii of B. tenellus have limbs setation reduced to that needed for swimming only, and other feeding structures such as the labrum are also highly reduced. In the antennulae, the morphological changes in form and setation were followed from nauplius to cypris and shown to largely resemble events in ontogeny of the thoracican barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. On this basis we establish a homology scheme between antennulary setae in these two species. In both B. tenellus and S. balanoides, a naupliar seta, apically on the fourth antennulary segment develops into a conspicuous aesthetasc while one (B. tenellus) or two (S. balanoides) subapical and postaxially sited setae on the same segment develops into into four short setae in the cypris. Our study reveals that the terminology used in describing cirripede nauplius and cypris larvae is often misleading or even erroneous and improvements are suggested. Notably replacing cypris carapace with the ontogenetically and phylogenetically more informative term head shield.     

The earliest fossil record of Panorpidae (Mecoptera) from the Middle Jurassic of China

The early history of Panorpidae (Mecoptera) is poorly known due to sparse fossil records. Up to date, only nine fossil species have been described, all from the Paleogene, except the Early Cretaceous Solusipanorpa gibbidorsa Lin, 1980. However, we suggest S. gibbidorsa is too incompletely preserved to permit even family classification. A new genus with two new species, Jurassipanorpa impunctata gen. et sp. n. and Jurassipanorpa sticta sp. n., are described based on four well-preserved specimens from the late Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. These two new species are the earliest fossil records of Panorpidae. The new genus is erected based on a combination of forewing characters: both R₁ and Rs₁ with two branches, 1A reaching posterior margin of wing distad of the forking of Rs from R_1, and no crossveins or only one crossvein between veins of 1A and 2A. In all four specimens, long and robust setae ranging from 0.09 to 0.38 mm in length and pointing anteriorly, are present on anal veins of forewings. The function of these setae is enigmatic.     

Allometric equations for maximum filtration rate in blue mussels Mytilus edulis and importance of condition index

The relationship between body dry weight (W) and shell length (L) of blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, can be expressed by the condition index (CI = W/L ³) which varies from population to population and during the year. Here, we examine the influence of CI on the relationships between maximum filtration rate (F, l h^?1), W (g), and L (mm) as described by the equations: F _W  = aW ^b and F _L  = cL ^d , respectively. This is done by using available and new experimental laboratory data on M. edulis obtained by members of the same research team using different methods and controlled diets of cultivated algal cells. For all data, it was found that F _W  = 6.773W ^0.678 and F _L  = 0.00135L ^2.088 which are very similar to equations for mussels with ‘medium condition’ (CI = 4–6 mg cm^?3): F _W  = 6.567W ^0.681 and F _L  = 0.00150L ^2.051, with b- and d-values within a few percent of the theoretically expected of 2/3 and 2, respectively. Further, based on the present data, we propose a correction factor expressed by the empirical relation F _W /F _L  = 0.3562CI^2/3 which implies that F _W tends to underestimate the actual filtration rate (F _L ) when CI < 4.70 and to overestimate the filtration rate when CI > 4.70.     

The hydraulic architecture of Pinaceae – a review

We reviewed the literature to examine the vulnerability to water stress-induced embolism of Pinaceae relative to other conifers and to study the inter-relationships among the main traits involved in the hydraulic function within the Pinaceae. Results showed that Pinaceae (particularly the genus Pinus) are more vulnerable to xylem embolism, and show less variability in this character, than other conifers. Detailed data from 12 populations of Pinaceae (11 species) from three different areas (Piñol and Sala 2000; Martínez-Vilalta and Piñol 2002; Oliveras et al. 2003) was used to study the relationships among hydraulic properties of stems. These included: leaf-to-wood area ratio (A_L:A _W), wood- and leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (K_W and K_L, respectively), vulnerability to xylem embolism (Ψ_50PLC), carbon isotope composition of needles (δ¹³C) and minimum needle water potential (minimum Ψ_L). Results showed that hydraulic properties tended to be more correlated among each other than with indicators of environmental (precipitation to potential evapotranspiration ratio, P/E) or physiological water stress (minimum Ψ_L). The only exception was an increase of δ¹³C with decreasing minimum Ψ_L and P/E. Overall, A_L:A _W ratio decreased with increasing vulnerability to xylem embolism, and with increasing K_W and K_L (P<0.05). We found a strong positive relationship between carbon isotope composition and the estimated maximum loss of conductivity due to xylem embolism under field conditions, suggesting stronger stomatal control in more vulnerable species with higher levels of native embolism. Overall, results are consistent with a range of drought-avoidance strategies to minimise the gradient of water potential through the xylem, and show that different relationships among traits are possible depending on the scale of study (individual vs. species or populations). The strong interdependence among hydraulic traits implies that no single trait is a sufficient predictor of drought-resistance in Pinaceae. Finally, it is hypothesised that the intrinsically vulnerable xylem of pines may limit their survival under extremely dry conditions.     

Developmental Patterns and Hypotheses of Homology in the Antennules of Thecostracan Nauplius Larvae (Crustacea)

Abstract Antennular development is summarized for non–brooded nauplius larvae of the Ascothoracida (families Lauridae and Petrarcidae) and for selected nauplii of the Facetotecta. In the Cirripedia Thoracica, nauplii of the Lepadomorpha and Scalpellomorpha/Sessilia are shown to differ in their patterns of antennular setal addition and division into articles, and one or two possible apomorphies for each group are identified. Several variations of the scalpellomorphan/sessilian pattern are outlined. These data on the Ascothoracida, Facetotecta, and Cirripedia provide the basis for modifying an earlier proposal of structural homologies among the naupliar antennules of thecostracan maxillopodans. ‘Virtual’ articles (ones that are never completely free) are invoked to account for setae that ‘jump’ across article boundaries at molts and for supposedly homologous setae found on adjacent articles in different taxa. The identities of the preaxial setae in the Cirripedia are ambiguous and force consideration of two models for that group and for the thecostracan antennular Bauplan; the latter may have included up to 11 or 12 articles, more than the previously supposed 8 or 9. The scoring of characters used in an earlier cladistic study of thecostracan and other maxillopodan taxa is not seriously affected. A comparison with the Cambrian maxillopodan Bredocarissuggests that division of the antennule into discrete articles in extant thecostracans is an apomorphic state and that yet one more apical article once existed in the maxillopodan antennule.     

Cross-Reactivity of Filariais ICT Cards in Areas of Contrasting Endemicity of Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in Cameroon: Implications for Shrinking of the Lymphatic Filariasis Map in the Central African Region

Background

Immunochromatographic card test (ICT) is a tool to map the distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti. In areas highly endemic for loaisis in DRC and Cameroon, a relationship has been envisaged between high L. loa microfilaria (Mf) loads and ICT positivity. However, similar associations have not been demonstrated from other areas with contrasting levels of L. loa endemicity. This study investigated the cross-reactivity of ICT when mapping lymphatic filariasis (LF) in areas with contrasting endemicity levels of loiasis and mansonellosis in Cameroon.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and intensity of W. bancrofti, L. loa and M. perstans was carried out in 42 villages across three regions (East, North-west and South-west) of the Cameroon rainforest domain. Diurnal blood was collected from participants for the detection of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) by ICT and assessment of Mf using a thick blood smear. Clinical manifestations of LF were also assessed. ICT positives and patients clinically diagnosed with lymphoedema were further subjected to night blood collection for the detection of W. bancrofti Mf. Overall, 2190 individuals took part in the study. Overall, 24 individuals residing in 14 communities were tested positive by ICT, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% in the South-west to 2.1% in the North-west. Lymphoedema were diagnosed in 20 individuals with the majority of cases found in the North-west (11/20), and none of them were tested positive by ICT. No Mf of W. bancrofti were found in the night blood of any individual with a positive ICT result or clinical lymphoedema. Positive ICT results were strongly associated with high L. loa Mf intensity with 21 subjects having more than 8,000 L. loa Mf ml/blood (Odds ratio = 15.4; 95%CI: 6.1–39.0; p < 0.001). Similarly, a strong positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.900; p = 0.037) was observed between the prevalence of L. loa and ICT positivity by area: a rate of 1% or more of positive ICT results was found only in areas with an L. loa Mf prevalence above 15%. In contrast, there was no association between ICT positivity and M. perstans prevalence (Spearman’s rho = - 0.200; p = 0.747) and Mf density (Odds ratio = 1.8; 95%CI: 0.8–4.2; p = 0.192).

Conclusions/Significance

This study has confirmed the strong association between the ICT positivity and L. loa intensity (Mf/ml of blood) at the individual level. Furthermore, the study has demonstrated that ICT positivity is strongly associated with high L. loa prevalence. These results suggest that the main confounding factor for positive ICT test card results are high levels of L. loa. The findings may indicate that W. bancrofti is much less prevalent in the Central African region where L. loa is highly endemic than previously assumed and accurate re-mapping of the region would be very useful for shrinking of the map of LF distribution.     

Wing and leg amputation induced oviposition pattern of tropical tasar silk moth,Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in oviposition devices – Earthen cups and paper sheets

Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is a tropical semi-domesticated wild tasar silkworm reared by marginal tribal farmers of India. Due to improper egg laying frequency, oviposition is generally kept for three continuous days after amputating the gravid moth wings (W^–) in earthen cups (C). In order to systematize the oviposition frequency, wing cut with leg cut (W^–L^–) was performed in ecorace Daba trivoltine (DTV) completing three life-cycles in a year. Oviposition of (C)W^–L^– was observed in all three grainages during the year 2020 and compared with (C)W^– moths. Oviposition was also accomplished on plain paper sheets (S). It is observed that (C)W^– obtained 63–67% and (C)W^–L^– obtained 72–80% egg laying on first day. Similarly, (S)W^– and (S)W^–L^– obtained 68–71% and 74–83% on first day. Further, significant high oviposition was observed within first four hours in both earthen cups and on paper sheets by W^–L^– moths laying 49–69% and 55–65% eggs compared to W^– laying 25–45% and 39–44% eggs, respectively. A total of 44–51, 47–54, 44–48 and 46–52 eggs/g moth weight was obtained in (C)W^–, (C)W^–L^–, (S)W^– and (S)W^–L^–, respectively in three consecutive grainage. Oviposition of W^– moths in earthen cups and on paper sheets are not significantly different indicating earthen cups in contemporary tasar grainage could be replaced with paper sheets. Thus, the paper demonstrates for the first time a fast, efficient and scalable cellular oviposition of A. mylitta on paper sheets comparable to Bombyx mori.     

First mammal evidence from the Late Cretaceous of India for biotic dispersal between India and Africa at the KT transition

The Late Cretaceous record of mammals from India assumes great significance in view of the fact that it is the only Gondwanan landmass that has yielded definitive eutherian mammals. These mammals have variously been assigned to palaeoryctids, archontans or Eutheria incertae sedis. Well preserved lower molars recovered from a new mammal-yielding Deccan intertrappean site near Kisalpuri village, Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh (state), India, are described here under a new species Deccanolestes narmadensis sp. nov. The new fossil material indicates close phylogenetic relationship between Deccanolestes from India and Afrodon (Adapisoriculidae) from the Late Palaeocene of Africa and Europe. In view of older age and more primitive state of Deccanolestes teeth, it is inferred that Deccanolestes represents an ancestral morphotype from which the African/European adapisoriculid Afrodon may have been derived. This is the first compelling terrestrial fossil evidence for an early dispersal between India and Africa. Such a dispersal possibly involved an East African contact with India at the KT transition.     

Cell specificity,anti-inflammatory activity,and plausible bactericidal mechanism of designed Trp-rich model antimicrobial peptides

To develop novel short Trp-rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with potent cell specificity (targeting bacteria but not eukaryotic cells) and anti-inflammatory activity, a series of 11-meric Trp-rich model peptides with different ratios of Leu and Lys/Arg residues, XXWXXWXXWXX-NH₂ (X indicates Leu or Lys/Arg), was synthesized. K₆L₂W₃ displayed an approximately 40-fold increase in cell specificity, compared with the natural Trp-rich AMP indolicidin (IN). Lys-containing peptides (K₈W₃, K₇LW₃ and K₆L₂W₃) showed approximately 2- to 4-fold higher cell specificities than did their counterparts, the Arg-containing peptides (R₈W₃, R₇LW₃ and R₆L₂W₃), indicating that multiple Lys residues are more important than multiple Arg residues in the design of AMPs with good cell specificity. The excellent resistance of d-enantiomers (K₆L₂W₃-D and R₆L₂W₃-D) and Orn/Nle-containing peptides (O₆L₂W₃ and O₆L₂W₃) to trypsin digestion compared with the rapid breakdown of the l-enantiomers (K₆L₂W₃ and R₆L₂W₃), highlights the clinical potential of such peptides. K₆L₂W₃, R₆L₂W₃, K₆L₂W₃-D and R₆L₂W₃-D caused weak dye leakage from bacterial membrane-mimicking negatively charged EYPG/EYPE (7:3, v/v) liposomes. Confocal microscopy showed that these peptides penetrated the cell membrane of Escherichia coli and accumulated in the cytoplasm, as observed for buforin-2. Gel retardation studies revealed that the peptides bound more strongly to DNA than did IN. These results suggested that one possible peptide bactericidal mechanism may relate to the inhibition of intracellular functions via interference with DNA/RNA synthesis. Furthermore, some model peptides, containing K₆L₂W₃, K₅L₃W₃, R₆L₂W₃, O₆L₂W₃, O₆L₂W₃, and K₆L₂W₃-D inhibited LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, the release of nitric oxide (NO) following LPS stimulation in RAW264.7 cells and had powerful LPS binding activities at bactericidal concentrations. Collectively, our results indicated that these peptides have potential for future development as novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents.