BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF A HEATED EFFLUENT IN DOCKS AT SWANSEA, S. WALES

Observations on the fauna of a heated, fully saline dock have been made by diving and by using suspended test panels. The seasonal abundance and breeding of native and immigrant species are described. The effects of subsequent cooling of the dock and the appearance of additional native species in the fauna are described and discussed.     

Computational modeling for osteogenic potential assessment of physical exercises based on loading-induced mechanobiological environments in cortical bone remodeling

Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology - Osteoporosis and disuse can cause bone loss which reduces the weight-bearing strength of long bones. Physical exercise or mechanical loading prevents...     

THE HISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF PHOSPHATASES AND ESTERASES IN AUST RALORBIS GLABRATUS

The presence and distribution of two groups of enzymes has been determined histochemically on sections of the schistosome-bearing snail Australorbis glabratus. By the use of specific inhibitors, attempts have been made to characterize further the enzymes occurring in the various organs and tissues.
As a result of this study it has been found that alkaline and acid phosphatase are widely distributed but have identical localizations only in the kidney and albumen gland. Both enzymes react typically to the action of the usual inhibitors.
Among the non-specific esterases. an enzyme corresponding to the mammalian A-type esterase (aromesterase) is present in the brain; while a B-type esterase (aliesterase) is located in the digestive gland, intestine, and on the glandular region of the foot surface.
A "true" lipase (an esterase acting on an undissolved substrate) is found principally in the albumen gland, with an indication of its presence in the digestive gland and in portions of the digestive tract.
An enzyme with the properties of an acetylcholinesterase occurs in the radula sac, oesophagus, preputium, junction of carrefour and oviduct, and amoebocytes. A positive reaction for cholinesterase is also obtained with frozen sections of brain but, although this enzyme has been shown biochemically to hydrolyse acetylcholine and is inhibited by low concentrations of eserine. it is remarkably resistant to the action of organophosphorous compounds, and its true nature cannot he stated with certainty.     

SUCCINEA PUTRIS: A TERRESTRIAL OPISTHOBRANCH MOLLUSC

An account of the histology and functional morphology of the alimentary system (excluding the musculature of the buccal mass) and of the reproductive system is pressented. The path of the sperm prior to, and after, copulation is traced. Comparison is made with other gasteropods and it is concluded that the Succineidae should be placed among the tectibranch opisthobranchs.     

Thermal and hygric physiology of Australian burrowing mygalomorph spiders (Aganippe spp.)

This study investigated the standard metabolic rate (SMR) and evaporative water loss (EWL) responses of three Australian trapdoor-constructing mygalomorph spider species, two undescribed arid-zone species (Aganippe ‘Tropicana A’ and A. ‘Tropicana B’) and a mesic-dwelling species (A. rhaphiduca) to acute environmental regimes of temperature and relative humidity. There were significant effects of species, temperature, and relative humidity on SMR. SMR was lower for A. raphiduca than both A. ‘Tropicana’ spp. with no difference between the two A. ‘Tropicana’ spp. Metabolic rate increased at higher temperature and relative humidity for all three species. There were significant effects of species, temperature, and relative humidity on EWL. The mesic Aganippe species had a significantly higher EWL than either arid Tropicana species. EWL was significantly higher at lower relative humidity. Our results suggest an environmental effect on EWL but not SMR, and that mygalomorphs are so vulnerable to desiccation that the burrow provides a crucial refuge to ameliorate the effects of low environmental humidity. We conclude that mygalomorphs are highly susceptible to disturbance, and are of high conservation value as many are short-range endemics.