Ligamental increments of the mid-Holocene Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas are reliable independent proxies for seasonality in the western Bohai Sea,China

Modern living and mid-Holocene shells of Crassostrea gigas from the western Bohai Sea in China were subjected to sclerochronological analysis with the aim of determining whether their concave bottoms and growth breaks on resilifer surfaces, as well as corresponding translucent growth bands visible in cross-section, have seasonal significance. An additional aim was to obtain ontogenetic information from mid-Holocene fossil shells. We compared δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C profiles compiled with high and low sampling resolution for the same shell in order to test the consistency of the results and identify a suitable sampling strategy for future sclerochronological studies. The results show that concave bottoms on the resilifer surface and corresponding translucent growth bands in cross-section formed during the cold season. These features are appropriate indicators of annual growth increments in fossil C. gigas shells. Moreover, growth breaks located near convex tops indicate annual growth increments for that part of the shell which grew when the organism was sexually mature. Therefore, spawning-related growth breaks and alternating winter freeze shocks (concave bottoms) are excellent morphological features in determining annual growth increments. Consequently, the life span, growth rate, and timing of spawning and death can be determined from the increments of ligament growth of these fossil oyster shells. For future sclerochronological studies, an adaptive micro-sampling strategy could be used for different increments of ligament growth that represent different seasons. Such a strategy would be more efficient in providing reliable insights into growth history of shells with variable growth rates of annual increments.     

The status of the Plicatulidae and the Dimyidae in relation to the superfamily Pectinacea (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

In the families Pectinidae and Propeamussidae (scallops) the massive rounded inner ligament layer which provides the opening thrust is bounded by long stretches of anterior and posterior outer ligament layer which, in the absence of teeth, maintain alignment of the valves. In the Spondylidae these outer layers migrate centrally to unite on either side of the inner layer, the primary ligament becoming transversely instead of longitudinally disposed. A secondary ligament of fused periostracum with no tensile strength unites the still long hinge line but secondary ball and socket teeth assume responsibility for alignment of the valves. In the Plicatulidae and the Dimyidae there is the same transverse disposition of the primary ligament but the mantle margins overarch this with production of a continuous longitudinal "external" secondary ligament above the "internal" primary ligament. Although resemblances with the Spondylidae are greater than with the Pectinidae and Propeamussidae, differences from all three are great enough to justify separation of the other two families into a new superfamily Plicatulacea. The monomyarian condition in the Plicatulidae could well have arisen from conditions similar to those in the Dimyidae, that is following cementation when dimyarian and not following byssal attachment as it does in the three families of the now proposed restricted Pectinacea.     

Belichnus Traces Produced on Shells of the Bivalve Lutraria lutraria by Gulls

In February 2011, after a storm, thousands of adult, articulated, and still-living common otter shells Lutraria lutraria (L. 1758) were stranded on the North Sea beach of the Island Texel (NL). These 9 to12 cm long bivalves were rapidly found and consumed by both herring- and lesser black-backed gulls. Holes, irregular in outline, were observed in some 10% of the articulated shells of these bivalves. These holes were always smaller on the outside of the valves than on the inside and varied in size from 1 to 20 mm (outside) to 4 to 22 mm (inside). Often the other valve was crushed indicating consumption by gulls. We concluded that these holes were made by the gulls probing the shells; in a few cases, we observed that valves were broken starting from such a hole. Such traces are described in the literature as the ichnogenus Belichnus and were until now attributed to Stomatopoda only. We also suggest that a separate ichnospecies name for two Belichnus holes in one shell should not be used, as we see them simply as a double injury due to two blows. Our findings stress once more the importance of avoiding premature phylogenetic interpretation of traces and the use of a separate ichnotaxonomy.     

Predatory boreholes in Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous) spiriferid brachiopods

A brachiopod fauna from the uppermost part of the Tournaisian Tournai Formation (Belgium) contains an undetermined species of Crurithyris (Spiriferida, Ambocoeliidae), which displays numerous bored shells. About 8% of the 432 specimens with conjoined valves display single, small (≤ 1 mm) boreholes, which are smooth-sided, cylindrical or weakly conical, circular to slightly elliptical in plan view, perpendicular to the shell surface and generally complete. Of the 35 bored articulated specimens, 27 were drilled on the ventral valve. Most of the boreholes are located in the posterior half of the shell, and no case of edge-drilling has been observed. The boreholes were drilled by a predator, or possibly a parasite, which selected individuals greater than 2.5 mm long. Crurithyris sp. may have represented an attractive (in terms of energy cost) and easy target for a small-sized predator because of its thin shell and ornament of minute spines.     

Migration of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon and wild anadromous brown trout post‐smolts in a Norwegian fjord system

Hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar ( n  = 25) and wild anadromous brown trout (sea trout) Salmo trutta ( n  = 15) smolts were tagged with coded acoustic transmitters and released at the mouth of the River Eira on the west coast of Norway. Data logging receivers recorded the fish during their outward migration at 9, 32, 48 and 77 km from the release site. Seventeen Atlantic salmon (68%) and eight sea trout (53%) were recorded after release. Mean migratory speeds between different receiver sites ranged from 0·49 to 1·82 body lengths (total length) per second (bl s⁻¹) for Atlantic salmon and 0·11–2·60 bl s⁻¹ for sea trout. Atlantic salmon were recorded 9, 48 and 77 km from the river mouth on average 28, 65 and 83 h after release, respectively. Sea trout were recorded 9 km from the release site 438 h after release. Only four (23%) sea trout were detected in the outer part of the fjord system, while the rest of the fish seemed to stay in the inner fjord system. The Atlantic salmon stayed for a longer time in the inner part than in the outer parts of the fjord system, but distinct from sea trout, migrated through the whole fjord system into the ocean.     

THE MANTLE AND SHELL OF SOLEMYA PARKINSONI (PROTOBRANCHIA: BIVALVIA)

The shell of Solemya exhibits considerable flexibility which is further enhanced by the marked extension of the periostracum beyond the calcareous portions of the valves. This fcature, more than any other, has made possible the habit, unique among bivalves, of burrowing deep within the substrate without direct contact with the water above. The inner calcareous layer of tho valves is restricted to a small area near the umbones while the outer calcareous layer is thin and contains a high proportion of organic material. The shell conchiolin consists mainly of protein, varying in composition, but much of it strengthcned by quinone-tanning, and in ccrtain regions probably by the presence of appreciable quantities of chitin. The ligament, although superficially resembling an amphidetic structure, is opisthodetic, the extcnsion anterior to the umbones consisting of anterior outer layer only.
The mantle is characterized by an extension of the outer fold of the mantle margin which has effected equally both the inner and outer surfaces of this fold. The secretory epithelium and the modified pallial musculature, contraction of which results in the intucking and plaiting of the periostracum, is dcscribed. Simple tubular oil glands open at the mantlo margin and are responsible for the water-repellent nature of the periostracum.
The form of the mantlelshell and that of the enclosed body are discussed and compared with those of other bivalves in which elongation of the mantle/shell is achieved in a different way. It is concluded that the mantlelshell of Solemya is of little value in determining its relationships, and that the greatly elongatod ligament, the edentulous hinge and the flexible shell are all adaptations to a specialized mode of life.     

Eggshell formation during prolonged gravidity of the tuatara Sphenodon punctatus

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the process of shell formation in tuatara. Tuatara carry eggs in the oviducts for ∼ 7–8 mo before nesting, a period of gravidity more than three times as long as in any other oviparous reptile. Our aim was to determine whether shell formation occurred rapidly after ovulation, or whether it occurred gradually throughout gravidity. Eggs were obtained from females in early gravidity (May, ∼ 1 mo after ovulation), midgravidity (August and September, 4–5 mo after ovulation), and late gravidity, immediately prior to nesting (December, 8 mo after ovulation). The shell membrane (fibrous layer) was well formed by May, but calcification of the outer surface had only just begun. Vertical columns of calcium carbonate were embedded in the shell membrane and appeared to erupt through the outer surface between early and midgravidity. Changes in the appearance of the outer calcareous layer were evident as gravidity progressed. In all shells, calcium carbonate was present as calcite. The appearance of the inner boundary (innermost layer of eggshell) was variable; some shells had a smooth and amorphous inner boundary as previously reported for tuatara and other reptiles, whereas other shells had an inner boundary composed of small spherical granules on the inner surface of which small calcareous spicules were scattered. A previously published model of the process of shell formation in tuatara eggshells is refined in light of our observations. We interpret the ability of female tuatara to shell their eggs gradually during winter as further evidence of their unusual physiological tolerance of cold conditions. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The biology and functional morphology of Arca noae (Bivalvia: Arcidae) from the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, with a discussion on the evolution of the bivalve mantle margin

In the Croatian Adriatic, Arca noae occurs from the low intertidal to a depth of 60 m; it can live for > 15 years and is either solitary or forms byssally attached clumps with Modiolus barbatus. The shell is anteriorly foreshortened and posteriorly elongate. The major inhalant flow is from the posterior although a remnant anterior stream is retained. There are no anterior but huge posterior byssal retractor muscles and both anterior and posterior pedal retractors. The ctenidia are of Type B(1a) and the ctenidial–labial palp junction is Category 3. The ctenidia collect, filter and undertake the primary sorting of potential food in the inhalant water. The labial palps are small with simple re‐sorting tracks on the ridges of their inner surfaces. The ciliary currents of the mantle cavity appear largely concerned with the rejection of particulate material. The mantle margin comprises an outer and an (either) inner or middle fold. The outer fold is divided into outer and inner components that secrete the shell and are photo‐sensory, respectively. The latter bears a large number of pallial eyes, especially posteriorly. The inner/middle mantle fold of A. noae, possibly representative of simpler, more primitive conditions, may have differentiated into distinct folds in other recent representatives of the Bivalvia.     

Toxoplasma gondii: ultrastructure and antigenicity of purified tachyzoite pellicle.

When purified Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were treated with hemolysin, DNase, and RNase, the organisms yielded a three-component system containing the outer membrane (pellicle), microtubules, and conoid in relatively normal morphological configuration. Further treatment of this preparation with protease digested all but the pellicle which was more collapsed in appearance. These two preparations were used in rabbit anti-toxoplasma and goat anti-rabbit ferritin labeling experiments. The three-component system showed ferritin label on the conoid and equal ferritin label on the outer and inner surfaces of the pellicle. The microtubules were unlabeled. The pellicle after protease treatment was labeled equally on its outer and inner surfaces, which indicated that the rabbit anti-toxoplasma serum contained antibodies against antigens on the outer and inner surfaces of the pellicle.     

MICROMORPHOGENESIS DURING DIATOM WALL FORMATION PRODUCES SILICEOUS NANOSTRUCTURES WITH DIFFERENT PROPERTIES1

Micromorphogenesis within the silica deposition vesicle (SDV) of the diatom Pinnularia viridis (Nitzsh) Ehrenb. resulted in distinct silica nanostructures and layers within forming valves and girdle bands. These siliceous components were similarly disclosed following alkaline etching of mature valves/girdle bands, where their different susceptibilities to dissolution over time resulted from apparent differences in silica density and/or chemistry. The bulk of silica appeared to be deposited at the interface of the forming valve or girdle band with the silicalemma and occurred by the outward expansion of microfibrils of silica that aligned perpendicularly to the silicalemma. Microfibrils originated from both sides of the “silica lamella,” the first nanostructure formed within the SDV, and several silica species of distinct nanostructure and density resulted, including distinctive inner and outermost silica “coverings” of mature valves/girdle bands and the central and terminal nodules. Not all silica deposition and micromorphogenesis occurred in contact with the expanding silicalemma, but was somehow directed within the SDV cavity, and resulted in the distinct silica layers that lined the raphe fissures and poroids. Following alkaline etching, the inner surfaces of valves/girdle bands, as well as the silica layers lining the raphes, poroids, and slits, were determined to be significantly more resistant to alkaline etching than the exterior surfaces, while the outer silica coating and the nodules were quickly dissolved. The processes of micromorphogenesis must have exerted precise control over the chemical nature of the silica formed at different positions within the SDV and affected the overall structure and function of the diatom wall.     

Effect of removing the nucleus pulposus on the deformation of the annulus fibrosus during compression of the intervertebral disc

Eighteen frozen ovine discs were bisected, in the mid-sagittal plane, to produce 36 specimens. The cut surfaces were marked at the inner and outer annulus boundaries of the annulus fibrosus, both anteriorly and posteriorly, with Alcian blue stain. The sections were sealed by a transparent plate, and thawed. A compression of 1mm at a rate of 0.2mms(-1) was applied. The displacements of the Alcian blue marks were measured from the video images, recorded during the tests, using interactive image analysis software. Before removal of the nucleus, the inner boundaries of the annulus moved outwards during compression (P<0.001, anterior; P=0.01, posterior). However, after removal of the nucleus, both inner boundaries moved inwards (P<0.001, anterior and posterior). The outer boundaries moved outwards both before and after removal of the nucleus (P<0.001). The results showed that total removal of the nucleus changes the response of the annulus to compression.     

Larval shells of Late Palaeozoic naticopsid gastropods (Neritopsoidea: Neritimorpha) with a discussion of the early neritimorph evolution

Extant neritimorphs with planktotrophic larval development have a convolute smooth larval shell which is internally resorbed. The oldest known larval shells of this type are of Triassic age. Well-preserved Late Palaeozoic neritimorph specimens have larval shells of two or more rapidly increasing well separated whorls. These larval shells resemble planktotrophic caenogastropod larval shells. This type of larval shell is possibly plesiomorphic in neritimorphs and caenogastropods. Permian/Pennsylvanian neritimorphs (Naticopsis, Trachyspird) have smooth larval shells (Naticopsidae) or larval shells with strong axial ribs (Trachyspiridae new family). The convolute low-spired round shell shape of modern neritimorphs is causally linked with the resorption of the inner teleoconch and protoconch whorls. Modern neritimorph shells with a uniform, undifferentiated inner lumen have probably evolved from naticopsid ancestors which lack resorption. It is possible that an elevated spire, deep sutures and protruding spiral larval shells would have made such internally undifferentiated shells more vulnerable for mechanical destruction and prédation. Suggestions that coiling evolved independently in neritimorphs and other Gastropoda are unlikely and contrast with the fossil record. The modern neritid larval shell has probably evolved from relatively low-spired smooth naticopsid larval shells like those reported here.     

A new mode of ammonite preservation – implications for dating of condensed phosphorite deposits

Unusual phosphatic casts of the ammonites Mortoniceras (Subschloenbachia) sp. and Stoliczkaia sp. from the upper Albian condensed phosphorite bed at Annopol, Poland, are discussed in terms of their taphonomic history. These specimens are interpreted as ‘secondary’ external casts of ammonite replicas preserved originally as attachment scars on oyster shells. The following genetic history is suggested for this previously undocumented mode of ammonite preservation: (1) settling of shells of dead ammonites on the seafloor; (2) colonization of these shells by oysters and formation of ammonite replicas on left valves of oysters; (3) dissolution of ammonite shells; (4) reworking and fragmentation of oyster shells; (5) casting of ammonite replicas by phosphatic material; and (6) separation of ammonite casts from oyster shells, either through mechanical disintegration or dissolution of the latter. The specimens studied were formed after dissolution of the ammonite conchs, not prior to this event as in the case of typical ammonite steinkerns (internal moulds). Therefore, they are here referred to as ‘pseudo‐steinkerns’. The time interval between loss of the original ammonite shells and the formation of oyster‐mediated pseudo‐steinkerns may be very extensive. Therefore, the pseudo‐steinkerns may potentially mislead in biostratigraphic dating of condensed phosphorite deposits.     

Some New Information on Micro-structures of Melosira varians M. jurgensi and M undulata

Some micro-structures of Melosira varians, M. jurgensi, M. undulata and M. undulata var. normanni recovered from Miocene to Quaternary deposits in China are observed under SEM. They show that: 1). The frustule wall of M. varians is composed of two thin layers, the inner wall and the outer wall. The outer wall has two kinds of pores: micropores with a diameter of 15–60 μm, widely distributed, and mega-pores of irregular shape with a diameter of 300–800 μm, sparsely distributed on valve and girdle surfaces. The inner wall has only micro-pores with a diameter of 100 mμ. Linking spines are not observed on the valve edges of these specimens. 2). Obliquely directed lines occur on girdle surfaces of M. jurgensi. They are arranged more regularly near sulcus, and discontinuously distributed near valve surface. There are very sparsely distributed micro-pores on valve surface, and linking spines present and “T” shaped. Auxospc,res are long cylindrically shaped. 3). Two distinctly different structures are observed on girdle surface of M. undulata under SEM. One of them is lines arranged parallel to pervalval axis under light microscope. The other is smooth in appearance under low magnification, and lines composed of minute micro- pores may be observed. When magnified over × 5,000, there are about 90 lines within 10 μ. Besides, old valve jacket may be still preserved outside valves of these specimens. The upper parts of old valve jackets are composed of comparatively wider long- tudinal lines, while the lower parts composed of crossed lines (lateral and longitudinal) of same width. Linking spines are shaped like dogs teeth. There are also two layers (inner and outer) in valve walls of M. undulata var. normanni. The outer layer is composed of thinner wall of same thickened, while the inner layer of thicker well of irregular thickenes. A hillshaped protrusion may be observed at joints of various thickening wavy line as shown by the valve's dorsal view.     

New data on the enigmatic Ocruranus–Eohalobia group of Early Cambrian small skeletal fossils

Abstract: The Ocruranus–Eohalobia group, whose members were variously considered to be brachiopods, bivalves, chitons, tommotiids and coeloscleritophorans, are difficult to classify because of lack of morphological detail and evidence for skeletal reconstruction. New specimens from South China reveal more information about Ocruranus–Eohalobia and allow progress towards deciphering the skeletal reconstruction and phylogenetic affinity of this enigmatic group. Many specimens have a phosphatic inner and outer coat (mould) with empty space in between that resulted from dissolution of the original shell. Moreover, many of the internal moulds show a previously unknown type of shell microstructure that consisted of stacked layers of highly organized, acicular crystallites that radiated from the apex of the shell towards the aperture. The dissolved shell and needle‐like crystals suggest an original calcareous, probably aragonitic, shell mineralogy. A few specimens also show a polygonal texture in regions that suggests the shell had a thin, prismatic inner shell microstructure. Ocruranus and Eohalobia belong to the same skeleton, and we herein synonymize Eohalobia with the older Ocruranus. Moreover, new specimens from Meishucun reveal a third type of shell plate, similar in form and inferred placement to intermediate valves of chitons. Ocruranus is likely a mollusc, and possibly a member of the chiton stem lineage. If so, then the beginning of the known record of chitons would be extended back from late Cambrian (Saukia Zone; Furongian) to early Cambrian (Meishucunian; Series 1).     

Fibronectin and laminin in the extracellular matrix and basement membrane of sea urchin embryos

Fibronectin and laminin have been found in the extracellular matrix and in the basement membrane of sea urchin embryos during early development. These glycoproteins are also found on the cell surfaces of the outer epithelial layer and on the secondary mesenchyme cells within the blastocoel. The similarity of functions of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane is discussed, as is the similarity of their molecular components. These observations suggest the possibility that fibronectin and laminin form a continuous matrix surrounding the cells which links the outer ECM (hyaline layer) to the inner ECM (basement membrane). Such a network could coordinate the various activities of the embryo during early morphogenesis.     

Structural Organization of Murine Intracisternal A Particles

Isolated murine intracisternal A particles have a distinctive set of structural properties as compared to the recognized oncogenic ribonucleic acid tumor viruses. A particles consist of two closely approximated concentric shells. The outer shell is largely, but not entirely, susceptible to treatment with detergents such as deoxycholate and Triton X-100. The inner shell is resistant to these agents and is stabilized against solubilization by sodium dodecyl sulfate as a result of disulfide bonding between its constituent proteins. The major A particle structural protein (molecular weight approximately 70,000) is contained in the inner shell. A protein component with a molecular weight of about 80,000 may be preferentially concentrated in sites of firm attachment between the inner and outer shells.     

PROTOPLASMIC ASYMMETRY IN NITELLA AS SHOWN BY BIOELECTRIC MEASUREMENTS

Using multinucleate cells of Nitella 2 or 3 inches in length it is possible to kill one end with chloroform without producing at the other any immediate alteration which can be detected by our present methods. When a spot in external contact with sap is killed its potential difference falls approximately to zero and it is therefore possible to measure the potential difference across the protoplasm at any desired point merely by leading off from that point to the one where the protoplasm has been killed. The results indicate that the inner and outer protoplasmic surfaces differ, for when both surfaces are in contact with the same solution (cell sap) there is an electromotive force of about 15.9 millivolts, the inner surface being positive to the outer (i.e. the positive current tends to flow from the inner surface through the electrometer to the outer surface). The situation resembles that in Valonia where the corresponding value (with Valonia sap applied to the outside) has been reported as about 14.5 millivolt (the inner surface being positive to the outer). It would seem appropriate to designate this as radial polarity.     

Plywood‐like shell microstructures in hyoliths from the middle Cambrian (Drumian) Gowers Formation,Georgina Basin,Australia

Hyoliths are a group of Palaeozoic fossils with calcareous shells whose affinities remain controversial. As their shells were originally aragonitic, their fossils are usually coarsely recrystallized, and few data on their microstructure are available. We report hyoliths from the middle Cambrian (Drumian, Floran) Gowers Formation of the eastern Georgina Basin, Queensland. These are preserved as phosphatic internal moulds, often with the inner layers of the shell also partly replaced by phosphate. Microstructural details preserved by this early diagenetic phosphatization show that these hyolith conchs were originally composed of fibrous crystallites, c. 0.5 μm wide, parallel to one another and to the inner surface of the shell. In several species, the fibres are arranged in a plywood‐like structure composed of multiple lamellae with a different fibre orientation in each lamella: often they are transversely oriented (relative to the long axis of the conch) in the inner part of the wall and longitudinally oriented in the outer part. Opercula also show a microstructure of parallel fibres. The lamello‐fibrillar microstructure we report from hyoliths is reminiscent of microstructures of many Cambrian molluscs; that this microstructure is found in both conchs and opercula suggests that these structures are serial homologues of one another, and in this respect they resemble brachiopod valves. As with many other biological plywoods, the hyolith shell probably records self‐organization in a liquid‐crystal‐like organic matrix. This provided a straightforward way to construct a material that could resist stresses from different directions, offering an effective defence against predators.     

Epizoans on late Ordovician brachiopods from Southeastern Indiana

The frequency of epizoans (cornulitids, inarticulate brachiopods, bryozoans, solitary and colonial rugosan corals) on over 8000 specimens of articulate brachiopods (four strophomenids, five orthids, one rhynchonellid) was calculated for four stratigraphic horizons in the Dillsboro Formation of southeastern Indiana. Frequency of shells encrusted correlates significantly with the surface area of the valves. Punctae in brachiopod shells (Onniella meeki) may have deterred larval settlement of epizoans. Coarse ribbing on articulates deterred encrustation by the inarticulate brachiopod. The horn coral shows a preference for attachment to the anterior of Hiscobeccus capax. Bryozoans show a preference for the incurrent lateral margins of inferred living hosts, suggesting rheotropic behavior by settling larvae. Inarticulate brachiopods are concentrated around the sloping commissure of the brachial valve of strophomenids, suggesting geotropic behavior and/or selective survival of settling larvae. Inarticulates deterred overgrowth by bryozoans. High frequencies of encrustations of the medial region of pedicle valves of orthids and strophomenids probably reflect post‐mortem encrustations. Alternating intervals of slow sediment accumulation punctuated by tropical storms and rapid shell burial may account for the high frequency of shells with either their entire surface veneered or only a very small area encrusted by bryozoans.