Scopoletin: Kinetic Nature of Isoperoxidase A3 Catalyzed Oxidation and Its Possible Relation to the Physiological Action of This Naturally-occurring Growth Effector

Isoperoxidase A₃ from tobacco tissue culture, Nicotiana tabacam W-38, apparently does not have a subunit structure. Its molecular weight is approximately 54,000. The oxidation of scopoletin appears to occur in more than a single step since a blue intermediate is first formed. This is followed by the production of the final yellow product. A plausible explanation for this observation is the coupling of free radicals generated by the primary enzyme catalyzed reaction.     

A new arthropod resting trace and associated suite of trace fossils from the Lower Jurassic of Warwickshire, England

Abstract:  A new suite of arthropod trace fossils, attributed to a decapod crustacean, is described from the Lower Jurassic Saltford Shale Member of the Blue Lias Formation of Southam Cement Works Quarry, eastern Warwickshire, England. Solusichnium southamensis igen. et isp. nov. consists of small, isolated, bilaterally symmetrical, suboval hypichnia, comprising three regions. The concave anterior region contains imprints of chelate appendages, antennae and antennules. The elongate middle region contains abdominal appendage imprints that extend laterally, separated by a bifurcated medial imprint. The convex posterior region terminates in a globular V-shaped telson imprint. The large sample size and range of trace morphologies allows identification of five morphotypes within a taphoseries. S. southamensis is found on the base of siltstone lenses in what is otherwise a dysaerobic laminated mudstone unit, associated with epichnial Rusophycus , and the suite of trace fossils is interpreted as the resting traces (Cubichnia) and escape reactions (Fugichnia) of small decapods that were trapped below a distal storm deposit. The producer of S. southamensis was possibly an Eryon -like decapod, similar to those known from the slightly older Wilmcote Limestone Member of southwestern Warwickshire.     

Conservation management of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus on lowland arable farmland in the UK

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus is known to be declining throughout much of its UK breeding range. The ecological requirements of the species are well known and a variety of mechanisms exist which can be implemented to help recovery. Arable options within agri-environment schemes can be used to provide breeding habitat throughout the species' UK range, and targeted recovery projects have been shown to have the potential to deliver increases in breeding pairs at the local level. The farming community need to be made aware of the requirements of Lapwing if agriculture and conservation needs are to be integrated.     

The morphology of the wet, non-papillate (WN) stigma form in the tribe Caesalpinieae (Gaesalpinioideae: Leguminosae)

Stigmas in 24 species of 11 genera, classified in three groups, Caesalpinia, Peltophorum and Dimorphandra, of the tribe Caesalpinieae have been examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. All are of the WN (wet, non-papillate) form. The receptive stigmatic surface comprises a crater, generally at the apex of the style, which in fresh flowers is full of clear fluid. The crater rim may be fringed with non-receptive hairs, and its shape and depth are variable between species. Extreme forms are found in Caesalpinia sappan where crater hairs are short and the crater funnel-shaped and very deep, and C. vesicaria and Delonix regia where crater hairs are long and the crater appears very shallow.     

Review of cetaceans stranded on the Irish coast, 1901–95

Published records of cetaceans stranded on the Irish coast during the period 1901–95 are reviewed. In this review the number of stranding events has been used in the analysis and includes both live strandings and those animals washed up dead. There were 529 records involving 21 species. The Harbour Porpoise (27%) was the most frequently reported species, followed by Common Dolphins (16%) and Pilot Whales (15%). Minke Whales (8%) were the most frequently reported mysticete. The number of reported strandings has increased since the 1960s which is thought to be mainly due to increased observer effort. Cetaceans have stranded on all Irish coasts but mainly along the south coast and along the western seaboard but with no apparent overall seasonal trend. There was a peak in the strandings of Common Dolphins during 1991–92 when 27% (28 records) of all strandings were reported and of White-sided Dolphins when 60% (28 records) were reported, both of which were attributed to possible interactions with fisheries. The number of Striped Dolphins stranded on the Irish coast has increased steadily since the 1980s and may reflect increasing water temperatures.
These stranding records are considered inadequate to determine the status of most species of cetaceans in Irish waters but are sufficient to identify unusual stranding events such as high mortalities due to fisheries interactions or epizootics. More observer coverage is required before the stranding data are adequate for monitoring the status of most species but a stranding scheme is considered the most effective and efficient method of long-term monitoring of cetaceans in Irish waters.