Changes in Lipid Composition in Amur Sleeper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Percottus glenii</Emphasis> (Dybowski, 1877) Yearlings Depending on Body Length in the Floodplain Lake Krugloye (Saratov Reservoir)

Changes in the total content and composition of lipids in yearlings of the Lake Krugloye Amur sleeper depending on their body length during the active feeding period have been analyzed. It is found that fatness of the juvenile Amur sleeper does not change with an increasing body length. The seasonal dynamics of fatness is expressed to a greater degree in fish of the same size. The lipid composition of juvenile specimens of the Amur sleeper varies considerably depending on the length of the body of the fry and the time of observation. The character of the fractional composition of lipids in yearlings of the Amur sleeper with body lengths >25–29 mm in September and October indicates a decline in food supply of the largest specimens of the generation by the end of the active feeding period and their lower readiness for wintering.     

Blackflies (Diptera,Simuliidae) in eastern Trans-Baikal: Taxonomic composition and physiographic distribution

The blackfly fauna and biodiversity of some physiographic regions in eastern Trans-Baikal have been described. The structural characteristics of blackfly communities in the highlands and lowlands in the southern and northern territories of the region have been reported. A regional list of forty seven species in five genera of the Simuliidae family has been produced for the first time. The species distribution in three major river basins, Upper Amur, Lena, and Yenisei, are examined. A comparative cluster analysis of the similarities in species composition between the blackflies in the observed area and the adjacent regions is carried out. The blackfly species composition of the Upper Amur basin is more similar to the population of the Selenga River basin and significantly differs from the fauna in the middle and lower reaches of the Amur River; only three blackfly species typical for the Far East fauna have been indicated.     

Biological specific features of the Lower Amur grayling Thymallus tugarinae (Salmoniformes: Thymallidae): 1. Age composition

We consider age composition of samples of the Lower Amur grayling Thymallus tugarinae inhabiting water bodies of the lower and middle course of the Amur and several rivers of the northwestern part of Sakhalin Island and the southern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Age composition of the Lower Amur grayling from the studied samples is not similar because of several reasons. In rivers of the Amur basin, the species has a maximal age of 6+.     

Butterflies (Lepidoptera,Diurna) in temperate forests of the southern Far East of Russia

The species groups of butterflies in temperate forests and adjoining forest-steppes of the Russian Far East are analyzed. The contribution of species with different distribution types into the total species composition is considered. A classification analysis of the species lists of sixteen local faunas from Amur and Sakhalin Provinces, Khabarovsk and Primorskii Territories, and the Jewish Autonomous Region was performed. A uniform faunal core is shown to be present in the forests (including deciduous ones) of the Russian Far East temperate zone.     

Seasonal variation in diet of juvenile Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii in the lower reaches of the Songhua River,Northeast China

We investigated seasonal variation in the diet of hatchery-reared juvenile Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii in the Tongjiang reach of the Songhua River, Northeast China. The results indicated that Amur sturgeon fed mainly on Chironomidae and Ephemeroptera and secondarily on unspecified bony fish, Odonata, and Trichoptera. Diet changed throughout the year, with autumn 2017 and spring 2018 dominated by Ephemeroptera larvae, while summer 2018 prey comprised primarily Chironomidae larvae. Unspecified bony fish were observed at greater frequency in autumn 2017. Amur sturgeon captured in summer contained a greater quantity of Trichoptera larvae compared to those from autumn and spring sampling. Results were consistent with previous reports of Amur sturgeon diet in other areas of its native distribution and suggested that they may be opportunistic feeders throughout the year, although larval Chironomidae and Ephemeroptera appear to be important prey. These results represent the first reported diet composition data for juvenile Amur sturgeon in the lower Songhua River. Results of the study form part of a comprehensive investigation of feeding habits of juvenile Amur sturgeon that provides basic data for study of the biological characteristics of the species.     

Diatom flora of surface sediments of the Amur River Estuary and adjacent areas of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk

Results of the study of the diatom flora from surface sediments of the Amur River Estuary and adjacent areas of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk are presented for the first time. This study revealed high species diversity of diatoms: 287 diatom taxa belonging to 80 genera were identified in 35 surface sediment samples. The ecological composition of diatom assemblages allowed us to evaluate the influence of the Amur River runoff on adjacent areas of the seas.     

Ligand binding and the gelation of sickle cell hemoglobin.

The solubility equilibrium between monomer and polymer which has been shown to exist in deoxyhemoglobin S solutions is examined in solutions partially saturated with carbon monoxide. The total solubility is found to increase monotonically with increasing fractional saturation. At low fractional saturations the increase is nearly linear, amounting roughly to an increase of 0.01 g cm^?3 in solubility for each 10% increase in fractional saturation. Linear dichroism measurements on the spontaneously aligned polymer phase are used to examine the composition of the polymer as a function of the fractional saturation of the corresponding solution phase. The dichroism experiments show that the polymer phase contains less than 5% of CO-liganded hemes even at supernatant fractional saturations in excess of 70%. The polymer selects against totally liganded hemoglobin molecules by a minimum factor of 65 and against singly liganded molecules by a factor of at least 2.5. Consequently, polymerized hemoglobin S has a ligand affinity which is significantly lower than that of monomeric hemoglobin S in the deoxy quaternary structure.The kinetics of the polymerization reaction in the presence of CO are similar to those observed in pure deoxyhemoglobin S solutions. The polymerization is preceded by a pronounced delay, the duration of which, t_d, is proportional roughly to the 30th power of the solubility. At low fractional saturations, this amounts to a tenfold increase in t_d for each 10% increase in the fractional saturation.These results show that the polymerization reaction is nearly specific for deoxyhemoglobin. Models for the dependence of the solubility and the polymer saturation on ligand partial pressure demonstrate the importance of solution phase non-ideality in determining the solubility of mixtures. The results require selection against partially liganded species which is significantly greater than is predicted by the two-state allosteric model. The data are compatible with either sequential or allosteric models in which the major polymerized component is the unliganded hemoglobin molecule.     

Comparison of biology of the Sakhalin sturgeon, Amur sturgeon, and kaluga from the Amur River, Sea of Okhotsk, and Sea of Japan biogeographic Province

Three Acipenseridae species live in the rivers and marine waters of the Khabarovsk Territory, Russia: Sakhalin sturgeon, Acipenser mikadoi, Amur sturgeon, A. schrenckii, and kaluga, Huso dauricus. We review the general biology and life history of each species, including their historic and current distributions, and examine current paleogeographic theories to outline the possible origin and evolution of these three species in the Amur River, Sea of Okhotsk, and Sea of Japan biogeographic province. Apparently, these species have evolved during distinct geologic time periods, which has reinforced the reproductive isolation of these species although hybridization does occur. They have convergently adapted to the unique environmental conditions of the Amur River and Russian Maritime regions, and yet developed behavioral adaptations to reduce competition between species. Sakhalin sturgeon is the least studied species among anadromous sturgeon in the world. This species is highly migratory and spends the majority of its life in the ocean only returning to natal rivers to spawn. Amur sturgeon and kaluga are distributed throughout the Amur River basin and the estuary and share many life history traits. They are both represented by distinct morphs. Additionally, we present size and weight relationships to estimate the growth of Amur sturgeon and kaluga. All three species have suffered declines in abundance due to over fishing and their contemporary distributions have contracted compared to their historic ranges. We identify gaps in knowledge and suggest further research useful for guiding management of each species.     

Phytoplankton of the Amur River Estuary (Sea of Okhotsk) during the summer periods of 2005–2007

The qualitative composition of planktonic microalgae in the Amur River Estuary (in the Sea of Okhotsk) was studied in July 2005, June 2006, and June 2007. The biomass and abundance of phytoplankton were studied for the first time. The average cell density of the microalgae ranged from 194700 to 855100 cells/liter, being higher in 2006 than in 2005 and 2007. The average biomass of the community varied from 1.06 g/m³ in 2007 to 3.17 g/m³ in 2006. Analysis of the similarity of the species composition and cell density of the phytoplankton revealed two groups of stations: the first includes stations in the northern and central parts of the Amur Estuary; and the second includes stations in the southern and central parts. The first group was characterized by the predominance of freshwater diatoms and a high abundances of green and blue-green algae and the second group was characterized by the predominance of marine microalgae. The high cell density and biomass of phytoplankton were due to the increased nutrient input via the river runoff of the Amur.     

Distribution,abundance, and size structure of Amur kaluga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser dauricus</Emphasis> and Amur sturgeon <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. schrenckii</Emphasis> in the Lower Amur and Amur Estuary

Distribution, population structure, and abundance of Amur kaluga Acipenser dauricus and Amur sturgeon A. schrenckii in the Lower Amur and Amur Estuary have been considered based on the materials of two surveys performed in 2011. Both species occur along almost the entire length of the Lower Amur and in major part of the Amur Estuary. The density of their aggregations has significantly decreased in most regions of the river if compared to the 1960s. In the Amur Estuary, A. dauricus and A. schrenckii are most abundant in freshwater and light salted water bodies of its western part. In 2011, the abundance and biomass of A. dauricus and A. schrenckii in the Lower Amur and Amur Estuary was 345000 specimens and 7110 tons and 289000 specimens and 1946 tons, respectively.     

The influence of the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii, on leaf decomposition and microbial community dynamics

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an exotic invasive shrub that is rapidly expanding into forests of eastern North America. This species forms a dense forest understory, alters tree regeneration, negatively affects herb-layer biodiversity, and alters ecosystem function. In a second-growth forest in central Kentucky, we examined the timing and production of leaf litter and compared litter chemistry, decay rates, and microbial community colonization of Amur honeysuckle to that of two native trees, white ash (Fraxinus americana) and hickory (Carya spp.). The distribution of Amur honeysuckle was clumped, allowing us to compare differences in decomposition under and away from Amur honeysuckle shrubs. Amur honeysuckle leaf litter had significantly higher nitrogen, lower C:N, and lower lignin than the other species, and decomposition rates were greater than 5×?faster. Despite the much higher rate of Amur honeysuckle decomposition compared with the native species (p?<?0.0001), decomposition of all species was significantly slower (p?=?0.0489) in sites located under Amur honeysuckle shrubs. Nitrogen concentration increased through time in decomposing Amur honeysuckle litter; however, total mass of N rapidly declined. We found the initial microbial community on leaf litter of Amur honeysuckle was distinct from two native species and although all microbial communities changed through time, the microbial community of Amur honeysuckle remained distinct from native communities. In summary, a distinct microbial community that may originate on Amur honeysuckle leaves prior to senescence could explain the rapid decay rates.     

三种鲟科鱼类和两种鲑科鱼类卵黄免疫球蛋白性质的比较

从施氏鲟(Acipenser schrencki)、小体鲟(Acipenser ruthenus)、西伯利亚鲟(Acipenser baeri)、哲罗鲑(Hucho taimen)和金鳟(Oncorhynchus mykiss)五种鱼类卵黄中分离、纯化Ig,并对其分子结构进行了初步研究。结果表明:五种鱼类卵中Ig的分子量分别为施氏鲟524kD、小体鲟468kD、西伯利亚鲟475kD、哲罗鲑为490kD,金鳟498kD,其Ig重链的相对分子量相同,约为97kD。轻链的相对分子量各不相同,施氏鲟为27kD,小体鲟28.5kD,西伯利亚鲟30kD,哲罗鲑28.5kD和金鳟16kD。其中西伯利亚鲟、施氏鲟和小体鲟Ig等电点约为5.85,哲罗鲑和金鳟的Ig等电点约为6.55,其蛋白质结构上具有一定的相似性,且均为糖蛋白     

Dependence of the quantum efficiency for photolysis of carboxyhemoglobin on the degree of ligation.

A combined stopped flow-laser photolysis apparatus was used to measure the quantum efficiency for removal of carbon monoxide bound to human hemoglobin as a function of fractional CO saturation. This flow-flash technique allows the properties of partially liganded hemoglobin molecules, which are sparsely populated under equilibrium conditions, to be conveniently studied. Experiments performed at pH 7 and 20 degrees C both in the presence and absence of phosphates gave a similar dependence of quantum efficiency on fractional saturation. The observed quantum efficiency was 0.90 +/- 0.06 at 10% saturation and decreased to 0.47 +/- 0.02 as full saturation was approached. An allosteric model in which Hb(CO)1 has a quantum efficiency of 0.99 while other liganded species have quantum efficiencies of 0.47 was used to produce a good simulation of the results.     

Species makeup and ecological characteristics of the black flies (Simuliidae) in the region of the Baikal-Amur mainline construction

18 species of black flies were registered from the north of the Amur district. It was found that the eternal frost affects considerably the species composition, abundance and phenology of black flies in this region. Prosimulium isio, Gnus cholodkovskii, G. rostratum and Sch?nbaueria subpusilla are bloodsucking species; of them G. cholodkovskii is most abundant. Data are given on the breeding places of bloodsuckers and seasonal dynamics of their flight.     

Fossil wood of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sequoioxylon burejense</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Taxodiaceae) from the Upper Cretaceous of the Zeya-Bureya Basin (Russian Far East)

A new species Sequoioxylon burejense Blokhina et M. Afonin (Taxodiaceae), identified on the basis of anatomical features of fossil wood from the Middle Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Zeya-Bureya Basin, Amur Region, Russian Far East, is described. The new species is characterized by mixed anatomical features of the modern representatives of the tribe Sequoieae. Cretaceous wood of Taxodiaceae was found in the Amur Region for the first time.     

Features of reproductive biology in females of bitterlings (Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae) from the Amur River basin

Data on morphological and functional characteristics of the ovipositor, conical organ, and ovaries in four species of bitterlings (Russian bitterling Acanthorodeus asmussii, Khanka spiny bitterling A. chankaensis, bitterling Rhodeus sericeus, and Amur bitterling R. amurensis) from the Amur River basin are obtained and reviewed for the first time. In all studied fish species, several generations of sex cells develop at the same time, which leads to releasing of oocytes in batches. The specificity of Amur bitterling, bitterling, and Russian bitterling to selection of mollusks for egg deposition is determined.     

19 F-NMR studies of oxygen binding to hemoglobin

The binding of oxygen to hemoglobin has been investigated by ¹⁹F-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The ¹⁹F-nmr spectrum of hemoglobin trifluoroacetonylated at cysteine β 93 exhibits chemical shift changes on binding of ligands, which differ depending on which chains are undergoing complexation. Comparison of these changes to the fractional ligation of all chains, determined concurrently from the fractional change in the visible spectrum, shows that initial oxygen molecules bind preferentially to α-chains. The ¹⁹F-nmr spectrum of partially oxygenated hemoglobin contains resonances at the normal chemical shift positions of the oxygenated and deoxy species, in addition to two small resonances at intermediate positions. Analysis of the relativ magnitudes of these four peaks as functions of oxygen pressure permits identification of the intermediate species     

New species of grayling <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymallus tugarinae</Emphasis> sp. nova (Thymallidae) from the Amur River Basin

Data on a new species, low Amur grayling Thymallus tugarinae sp. nova, inhabiting tributaries of the lower and middle current of the Amur River, are presented. This species has been earlier equated with the Amur grayling T. grubii, described by Dybowski (1869) from the rivers Onon and Ingoda (the Upper Amur Basin). The new species differs from other representatives of the genus in the body coloration, the pattern on the upper fin, and certain morphological characters. On most of the Amur Basin, the grayling from the Lower Amur is sympatric with T. grubii and in its tributary Bureya River, also with the Bureya grayling T. burejensis. Individuals with intermediate traits are unknown, pointing to reproductive isolation. These data are supported by the results of molecular-genetic analysis (Froufe et al., 2003, 2005; Knizhin et al., 2004).     

Fossil wood of Piceoxylon burejense sp. nov. (Pinaceae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Zeya-Bureya Basin, Amur Region (Russian Far East)

A new species, Piceoxylon burejense sp. nov. (Pinaceae), is described from the Middle Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Zeya-Bureya Basin, Amur Region (Russian Far East) based on the fossil wood anatomy. The new species is characterized by a combination of anatomical wood features of the modern genera Picea and Larix. The fossil wood of Pinaceae was found in the Cretaceous deposits of the Amur Region for the first time.     

New data about distribution of lower Amur grayling <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymallus tugarinae</Emphasis> and Baikal-Lena grayling <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymallus</Emphasis> sp. (Thymallidae) in the basins of the upper Amur River and Zeya River

New findings of lower Amur grayling (Lower Amur grayling) Thymallus tugarinae and Baikal-Lena grayling Th. sp. (Th. baicalolenensis) in the basins of the upper Amur River and Zeya River are reported for 2010?2014. Lower Amur grayling has been registered in the tributaries of Argun River and in the middle stream of Ingoda River. Baikal-Lena grayling has been found for the first time in the headstream of Ingoda River. New data about the distribution of this species in the basin of upper stream of Zeya River are reported; particularly, Baikal-Lena grayling has been found in Okonon Lake; this is the first finding of a representative of Thymallidae family in the alpine lakes of the watershed area of Amur River. In the basins of upper Amur River and Zeya River, the summer ranges of upper Amur grayling Th. grubii grubii and lower Amur grayling overlap to some extent; on the other hand, the ranges of Baikal-Lena grayling and lower Amur grayling are disjoint. During the summer period, upper Amur grayling and Baikal-Lena grayling together inhabit the basin of upper stream of Zeya River, but only Baikal-Lena grayling has been found in the headstream of Zeya River. In the basin of upper Amur River (the headstream of Ingoda River), the joint range of these species is still unknown; the sympatric zone is located in Dzhermoltai River (the basin of Onon River).