bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in stored-wheat ecosystems infested with two combinations of insect species
Authors: White N. D. G. , Sinha R. N.
Published: December 2009

The consequences of infestation of bulk-stored wheat by multiple species of insects were determined for 60 weeks at 30 ± 2 °C. Eight 204-L drums containing wheat at 15.5% moisture content were used as three distinct systems: (I) Control system (two drums), insect free; (II) RST system (three drums), infested with the grouping of Rhyzopertha dominica F., Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); and (III) COT system (three drums), infested with the grouping of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), and T. castaneum. At triweekly intervals carbon dioxide, oxygen, temperature, grain moisture, seed damage, grain weight, dust weight, fat acidity values (FAV), seed germination, microflora, and the numbers of insects and the mite Tarsonemus granarius Lindquist were measured. Seeds died by week 15 and bacterial infection on them increased in all systems. The seed FAVs in the RST system peaked by week 30 and then declined steadily while these values were increasing continuously in the Control and levelling off in the COT systems. Insects multiplied exponentially for 6–15 weeks and then declined sharply or maintained oscillating populations; Sitophilus and Oryzaephilus were unable to survive in the presence of the other insects.
An experimental analysis of prey availability for sanderlings (Aves: Scolopacidae) feeding on sandy beach crustaceans
Authors: Myers J. P. , Williams S. L. , Pitelka F. A.
Published: December 2009

We investigated the role of prey size, prey depth, prey microdistribution, and substrate penetrability in affecting prey availability to sanderlings (Calidris alba Pallas). Five experiments were performed in the laboratory manipulating these availability factors and prey density in beach sand. The effects on prey risk and sanderling prey capture rate were measured.Prey risk increased linearly with prey size. Prey within 10 mm of the surface were vulnerable to predation but their risk decreased sharply below that depth. Substrate penetrability affected prey risk by controlling how deeply a sanderling could probe beneath the sand surface while searching for prey.Prey capture rates varied between 0.01 and 0.84 captures per second of search time over a range of prey density between 60 and 1200 prey per square metre. Prey size and substrate penetrability affected capture rate through their effect on prey risk, and substrate penetrability also influenced capture rate directly. Prey density had the strongest effect on prey capture rate. Measurements in the field around Bodega Bay, California, indicate that prey density, prey size, prey depth, and substrate penetrability can have significant impact on sanderling foraging under field conditions.
Ecologie comparée des espèces de moustiques holarctiques (Diptera : culicidae)
Authors: Maire Alain
Published: December 2009

In the middle North, the majority of culicid species have a circumboreal distribution, 26 species being holarctic. After 5 years of ecological studies done by the author, the results gathered in the boreal, subarctic, and hemiarctic zones of the Quebec–Labrador peninsula are compared with the ecological data published by various authors in North America (Nearctic), Western Europe, Fenno-Scandinavia and overall Eurosiberia (Palearctic). When necessary, these compared analyses are discussed. From this comparison it may be concluded that, quantitatively and qualitatively, holarctic mosquito species are found in homologous species associations and larval breeding sites whatever the middle-northern country concerned. The author has placed particular emphasis on papers published in the last decade by Soviet authors.
Mortality rates of adult bumble bee workers (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Rodd F. H. , Plowright R. C. , Owen Robin E.
Published: December 2009

Survivorship data were obtained for a cohort of 274 individually marked workers of the bumble bee Bombus terricola Kirby. The mortality rate was very nearly constant for the first 14 days of adult life, after which it increased sharply. Environmental hazards, including predation, are considered the most probable causes of death, supplemented by the effects of wear and tear as the insects grow old. The life expectancy for a newly emerged adult worker bee was estimated at 13.2 days. The results, together with those of other studies, are discussed with reference to differences in mortality rates between temperate and tropical bumble bee species.
Commensal turbellarians from Bermuda holothurians
Authors: Snyder Ronald D.
Published: December 2009

An investigation of some of the echinoderm fauna of the Bermuda Islands for endocommensal rhabdocoel turbellarians was conducted during June 1973 and produced new information concerning the biology of these worms. In addition to the identification of new host records for Anoplodiera voluta and Wahlia macrostylifera, a possible new species in the genus Anoplodiera is partially described, and the hitherto unreported juvenile forms of all three of these are described. During the study, nematocysts were discovered in the gut and body walls of Wahlia macrostylifera, residing in the holothurian Stichopus badionotus, representing the first account of these structures in commensal turbellarians. This finding is discussed with respect to its possible significance in an elucidation of the life cycle of these animals.
Visual signals in the spawning behaviour of rainbow trout
Authors: Newcombe C. P. , Hartman G. F.
Published: December 2009

Aspects of the behaviour of sexually mature rainbow trout, when mimicked by fishlike wooden models on spawning beds, induced displays of reproductive behaviour in males of the species. The total amount of male reproductive behaviour, and the amounts of posturing, gaping, and spawning elicited in tests were significantly correlated with the rank of tests arranged in descending order of priority, from those that most accurately depict the reproductive behaviour of a female rainbow trout to those that least accurately depict it (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for total amount of male behaviour is ρ = −0.867, P < 0.01, N = 12. For posturing, gaping, and spawning, ρ = −0.7143, −0.9524, and −0.8690, respectively, P < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.01, N = 8). Sex recognition is governed largely by the distance of the model above the gravel. Males courted static models stationed 0 and 5 cm above the gravel, attacked a fusiform model stationed 10 cm above a flat gravel bottom, and attacked and courted the same model stationed 10 cm above a nest. Signals that induced posturing included the model's proximity to the gravel, and the action of a puppet, which was capable of movement, settling down into the nest, or onto the gravel. The puppet's action of rising up off the gravel terminated posturing.
The wing muscles of the American coot (Fulica americana Gmelin)
Authors: Rosser Benjamin W. C.
Published: December 2009

The gross anatomy of all wing muscles of the American coot (Fulica americana Gmelin) is described. A number of myological features distinguish the rallids from the other gruiforms studied to date: the presence of M. subcoracoideus caput dorsale, the insertion of M. flexor digitorum superficialis on Phalanx proximalis digiti majoris, the presence of a deep belly of M. expansor secundariorum, and the origin of M. expansor secundariorum tendo proximalis from a small craniomedial tubercle on the scapula. Unique to F. americana, within the gruiforms studied, M. biceps brachii pars propatagialis attaches to both Tendo longa and Tendo brevis of M. tensor propatagialis.
Multimodal communication by the black-horned tree cricket, Oecanthus nigricornis (Walker) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Bell Paul D.
Published: December 2009

Adult male tree crickets, Oecanthus nigricornis (Walker), employ acoustic, olfactory, and vibratory signals during mating. Females were attracted significantly (p < 0.001) to the conspecific courtship song and to conspecific male scent. Males had 63, 39, and 0% copulation success in normal, waxed-over metanotal gland, and nonsinger groups respectively. Males provide the females with metanotal glandular products and a subsequently ingested spermatophore. Females appear to select mates on the males' ability to communicate these nutritional investment capabilities.
Diplotriaena muscisaxicolae Schuurmans-Stekhoven, 1952 (Nematoda: Diplotriaenoidea) from Nesotriccus ridgwayi Townsend (Tyrannidae) of Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Authors: Anderson R. C. , Wong P. L. , Sherry T. W.
Published: December 2009

Diplotriaena muscisaxicolae is redescribed on the basis of specimens from the Cocos Island flycatcher, Nesotriccus ridgwayi, endemic to Cocos Island, Costa Rica. This species was originally found in Muscisaxicola m. maculirostris (Tyrannidae) of Argentina. It has been reported incorrectly as Diplotriaena attenuato-verrucosa (Molin, 1858) in the flycatchers Tyrannus caudifasciatus flavescens and Myiarchus stolidus sagrae, of Venezuela and Cuba. Diplotriaena muscisaxicolae could have been introduced to Cocos Island by migrating flycatchers which visit the island occasionally. It is apparently a species restricted to the Tyrannidae and is distinguished by the form of the tridents and the shape of the right spicule.
Migration and development of swim-bladder nematodes, Cystidicola spp. (Habronematoidea), in their definitive hosts
Authors: Black Geoff A. , Lankester Murray W.
Published: December 2009

Third-stage larvae of Cystidicola cristivomeri White, 1941, and C. farionis Fischer, 1798, migrated directly via the pneumatic duct to the swim bladder of lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, respectively. Larvae reached the swim bladder as early as 16 h after fish were infected using a stomach tube. At 4–10 °C, mature male and female C. cristivomeri and C. farionis were first recovered 67 and 210 days, and 112 and 235 days, respectively, after infection. Cystidicola cristivomeri is probably long-lived; there was no evidence that any died in lake trout infected for up to 600 days.Large numbers of third-stage cystidicolid larvae accumulated without maturing in the swim bladder of naturally infected lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, from Lake Nipigon, northwestern Ontario. When given to rainbow trout, these larvae matured and the adult nematodes were identical to C. farionis. These results suggest that the swim-bladder nematode that matures in lake whitefish is a distinct species.
Field and laboratory studies of net-spinning activity by Hydropsyche larvae (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)
Authors: Fuller Randall L. , Mackay Rosemary J.
Published: December 2009

Net-spinning activity of third, fourth, and fifth instars of Hydropsyche betteni, H. slossonae, and H. sparna was observed at three different experimental temperatures and current speeds. The upstream species, H. slossonae, was intolerant of high temperatures (20 °C) while the other species were more tolerant. Colder temperatures (5 and 14 °C) decreased net spinning of all species and instars. The slowest current velocity (10 cm/s) had little effect on third-instar net spinning but reduced that of fifth instars. Faster currents (20 and 40 cm/s) raised the percentages of fourth and fifth instars producing nets but did not change third-instar net spinning.Experiments investigating the absence of nets in the field during winter showed that net spinning was reduced when substrates developed thick accumulations of diatoms and detritus (ADD) and that larvae emigrated from low ADD areas, apparently in favor of high ADD areas. Winter photoperiods also decreased net spinning. Resumption of net spinning in spring may be triggered by scouring of ADD from substrates during snowmelt and by longer day lengths.
Reproduction in Aplysia californica: correlations between egg laying in vivo and egg release in vitro
Authors: Dudek F. Edward , Soutar Amd Bonnie , Tobe Stephen S.
Published: December 2009

Aspects of egg laying by isolated Aplysia californica and egg release from ovotestis fragments were compared under laboratory conditions. The volume of eggs laid per episode increased as a function of time since the previous episode of egg laying. Egg output in vivo and egg release in vitro were maximal in autumn and minimal in spring, but a factor in the parietovisceral ganglion evoked egg release from ovotestis fragments throughout the year. These data are consistent with previous studies which have suggested that the effects of season and egg-laying history on egg laying involve substantial changes in the ovotestis.
The hind limb step cycle of Caiman sclerops and the mechanics of the crocodile tarsus and metatarsus
Authors: Brinkman Donald
Published: December 2009

Crocodiles use two distinct hind limb step cycles: an erect pattern seen in the high walk and a more sprawling lizard-like pattern. These differ in the amount of abduction of the femur and rotation of the limb elements that occurs. The sprawling step cycle of crocodiles differs from the primitive reptilian pattern in that abduction of the femur is not accompanied by a lateral rotation of the crus. The erect step cycle of crocodiles differs from that of mammals in the position of the arc described by femoral retraction and in that greater amount of rotation of the limb elements occurs. The joint between the astragalus and calcaneum in the crocodile tarsus functions as the ankle joint during locomotion. A functional mesotarsal joint is also present. This joint permits the assumption of postures seen in resting animals. Rotation of the metatarsus is a result of plan-tarflexion of each metatarsal relative to the more medial metatarsal. The lateral position of the calcaneal tuber is associated with the lateral orientation of the metatarsus during pedal plan-tarflexion. The assumption of an anteriorly oriented metatarsus by dinosaurs may have led to the loss of the calcaneal tuber.
Polar bear predation of ringed and bearded seals in the land-fast sea ice habitat
Authors: Smith Thomas G.
Published: December 2009

Predation of seals by the polar bear, Ursus maritimus, was not significant in the Western Arctic. In the High Central and Eastern Arctic, and along southeastern Baffin Island, bear predation of the subnivean lairs of ringed seals, Phoca hispida, was common. The ice types hunted by bears differed between the High Arctic and southeastern Baffin Island. However, no difference was seen in the proportion of successful kills. There is strong evidence that the bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus, is an important prey species of the polar bear in southeastern Baffin Island. Polar bears mainly kill newborn pups in their birth lairs. The prime breeding habitat of ringed seals located in ice hummock areas is less successfully preyed upon by bears than other ice types. Several factors such as the complexity of birth lairs and possible olfactory confusion might account for this. Seals under 2 years of age are those most frequently killed by bears. Data are presented to show that harvesting these age-classes provides the maximum return of energy to the bear and results in the least harm to the prey population.
Feeding ecology of three species of Hydropsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in southern Ontario
Authors: Fuller Randall L. , Mackay Rosemary J.
Published: December 2009

Food habits and net-spinning activity of Hydropsyche betteni, Hydropsyche slossonae, and Hydropsyche sparna were examined over 1 year at three stations in the Humber River, Ontario. Hydropsyche slossonae and H. sparna nets were similar in mesh size; H. betteni net meshes were much smaller; however, the H. betteni net had the greatest total surface area. Differences in retreat design may relate to prey specialization and (or) flow pattern.Gut content analysis indicated seasonality in food types ingested. Animal material in guts increased in spring and continued to be important in summer; but it decreased in fall and, except in H. betteni, remained low during winter. In winter, no nets were constructed yet larvae continued to feed on epilithic material from the substrate.Food habits were more similar between species in third instars than in later instars, and later instars usually contained more animal material and less detritus than third instars. The most significant difference between species was the degree of carnivory, H. betteni being more carnivorous than the other species at two of the three stations. Avoidance of the filamentous diatom Melosira sp. and inorganic material, which at times were abundant in the environment, suggested some degree of food selectivity.
Comparative demography of Peromyscus maniculatus and Microtus oregoni populations after logging and burning of coastal forest habitats
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P.
Published: December 2009

This study was designed to investigate the abundance and related demographic attributes of Peromyscus maniculatus and Microtus oregoni populations in successional burned and unburned cutover areas. These populations were livetrapped in three habitats at Maple Ridge, British Columbia, from March to October 1978. The average densities of deer mice and Oregon voles per hectare on the burned area were 27.6 and 11.6, and on two unburned areas were 19.1 and 16.0, and 21.9 and 10.4, respectively. There was little variation in the proportion of breeding animals among habitats for either species. Male deer mice survived better on the burned area than in either of the other two habitats; there was little variation in survival among females. Males and females of M. oregoni survived equally well. Deer mice generally had greater proportions of reproductive animals and survived better than Oregon voles on all study areas. However, juvenile voles had 1.7 times higher survival than young deer mice. Demographic parameters within populations of P. maniculatus and M. oregoni tend to be similar in successional burned and unburned habitats 4–5 years after logging.
Heterogeneity of antifreeze polypeptides from the Newfoundland winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus
Authors: Fourney Ron M. , Joshi Shashikant B. , Kao Ming H. , Hew Choy L.
Published: December 2009

The heterogeneity of Newfoundland winter flounder antifreeze polypeptides was analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Seven antifreeze polypeptide components could be readily demonstrated. Five of the components were similar in molecular weight (3300) and amino acid composition. Two of the antifreeze polypeptide components were larger (4500) and contained valine. The two major components (components 6 and 8) were identical to those reported earlier from our laboratories.
Gray whale feeding on dense ampeliscid amphipod communities near Bamfield, British Columbia
Authors: Oliver John S. , Slattery Peter N. , Silberstein Mark A. , O'Connor Edmund F.
Published: December 2009

Gray whales fed on dense populations of ampeliscid amphipods while summering along the west coast of Vancouver Island. These amphipod crustacean communities are ecological analogs of the primary feeding grounds of gray whales in the northern Bering Sea. The same major genera of amphipods dominated the Alaskan and Canadian feeding grounds, including Ampelisca, Photis, Protomedeia, Anonyx, and Orchomene, and comprised 67 to 90% of the number of infaunal crustaceans at the two locations. This is the first documented report of gray whale feeding on benthic infauna south of the Bering Sea. Feeding gray whales observed in Pachena Bay produced an extensive record of feeding excavations in bottom sediments. Excavation patterns suggest that: (i) whales used suction to extract infaunal prey and sediments; (ii) a maximum of six excavations was made in one feeding dive; (iii) excavation size was related to whale size; (iv) small and large whales fed in different parts of the bay; and (v) whales effectively located and worked the densest patches of benthic prey. We estimate that a 6-m whale consumed 116 kg of infaunal prey per 12-h day, and that a 12-m whale consumed 552 kg per 12-h day. Scavenging lysianassid amphipods were attracted to feeding disturbances within seconds and preyed on injured and dislodged infauna. Individual feeding excavations were large, deep valleys in a tube-mat plateau. In addition to the lysianassids, many other infauna undoubtedly colonize these highly modified habitats, resulting in important effects on the structure of benthic communities.
Temporal variations in daily patterns of swimming activity and vertical distribution in juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Godin Jean-Guy J.
Published: December 2009

At times corresponding to their juvenile coastal and pelagic ocean phases, groups of juvenile pink salmon exhibited diel rhythms of generally diurnal swimming activity and nocturnal vertical movement in response to simulated seasonal variations in photoperiod and water temperature in the laboratory. Diurnal swimming activity was synchronized with the daily light cycle throughout most of the year, but not with ambient daily temperature cycles. On average, fish were increasingly more active during the day than at night with increasing duration of the photophase. Relative swimming speed also increased with increasing photophase duration, and was not affected by seasonal changes in temperature. The fish always showed a greater tendency to swim in the upper half of the water column during the night than during the day. This rhythm of vertical distribution was more strongly synchronized with the daily light cycle in winter than during any other season. Daily temperature cycles did not synchronize these distribution patterns. No significant seasonal trend was noted in mean levels or mean indices of vertical distribution. Results are related to the migratory behaviour of pink salmon, and it is concluded that photoperiod may be an important proximate factor in the timing of their seasonal migratory behaviour.
Aquatic feeding by moose: selection of plant species and feeding areas in relation to plant chemical composition and characteristics of lakes
Authors: Fraser D. , Chavez E. R. , Palohelmo J. E.
Published: December 2009

Aquatic feeding by moose was studied with emphasis on (i) the chemical composition of aquatic plants compared with terrestrial browse, (ii) the chemical composition of preferred and unpreferred aquatic plant species, and (iii) characteristics of preferred feeding areas. Compared with woody browse, aquatic plants had much higher levels of sodium and iron, and similar levels of other nutrients tested. In a "cafeteria" selection experiment, moose consistently ate seven species of aquatic plants (preferred plants), consistently rejected five species (unpreferred plants), and gave an intermediate response to seven species. Preferred species had significantly higher sodium content. Those in the intermediate class contained more crude protein and phosphorus than unpreferred species. Of 24 lakes and ponds, 6 were heavily used by moose, 16 were used relatively little, and 2 were difficult to classify. The six heavily used sites had shallower water, a higher mineral content in the lake sediment, and a greater abundance of preferred plant species. Plants growing in heavily used sites had higher levels of sodium, phosphorus, and manganese than the same species growing in lightly used sites. Results suggest that levels of sodium in aquatic plants have a major influence on the animals' selection of aquatic plant species and feeding areas, while phosphorus and protein levels may also influence selection.
Anatomie, histologie et affinités de l'appareil séricigène des Hersilia Sav. et Aud. (Araneae: Hersiliidae)
Authors: Kovoor Jacqueline
Published: December 2009

Although hersiliid spiders do not spin any webs, their silk glands, which belong to six types, are large and complex. Two groups of ampullate glands, one opening on the anterior spinnerets and the other on the median spinnerets, secrete two proteins each. About 180 pyriform glands are clearly bipartite. Over 200 type A aciniform glands opening on the median and posterior spinnerets are made up of three categories of secretory cells. Silk from these glands consists of two proteins (core and outer coat) joined together by an intermediary layer of acidic glycoprotein. All the 160 type B aciniform glands opening on the posterior spinnerets secrete a single protein. Fifty tubuliform glands opening on the median and posterior spinnerets produce two proteins, one of which is coloured. As in Urocteinae, long posterior spinnerets and large, numerous aciniform and tubuliform glands are correlated with swathing of prey and egg-cocoon construction. In Lycosidae and Agelenidae, the ampullate glands show the same number and distribution according to the spinnerets. However, anatomical and histochemical features of hersiliid aciniform and ampullate glands are close to those of some Araneoidea. Apart from peculiar characteristics, silk glands of Hersilia might represent an intermediate evolutionary stage towards Araneoidea.
Effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on pupariation and adult differentiation in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata
Authors: Sivasubramanian P.
Published: December 2009

Two stages of postfeeding, third-instar larvae of Sarcophaga bullata were injected with 5-bromodeoxyuridine to examine the effect of the analogue on pupariation and adult differentiation. While pupariation was inhibited in prered spiracle-stage larvae, adult differentiation was unaffected in both stages as revealed by in vivo culture of imaginal discs. It is suggested BudR may be more effective in disturbing certain biochemical processes than in inhibiting morphogenesis.
Intraspecific variation in diet within and between trophic morphs in larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum)
Authors: Collins James P. , Holomuzki Joseph R.
Published: December 2009

Larvae of Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum are dimorphic. The "broad-headed" morph is cannibalistic and has a wider head and enlarged vomerine teeth compared with typical larvae. We collected larvae from tour habitats in Arizona, U.S.A., to quantify how diet varies within and betweeen morphs relative to habitat, and how diet varies relative to age in typical morphs from one habitat. Broad-headed or cannibalistic morphs occurred in both sexes and most of their diet [Formula: see text] was other salamanders. A variety of invertebrates comprised the remainder of their diet. Typical morphs ate primarily macroinvertebrates and plankton, and rarely (1 of 170 larvae analyzed) conspecifics. Young typical larvae consumed a narrow range of prey, mostly plankton, compared with older larvae, which consumed a diversity of macroinvertebrates in addition to plankton. Our results indicate that description of broad-headed larvae as cannibals is justified because most of their diet is other salamanders, while typical morphs rarely eat salamanders. Both morphs also eat invertebrates. With regard to diet in larval A. tigrinum, therefore, "cannibalistic" versus "typical" refers to a predilection and is not an absolute categorization.
The effect of leaf conditioning on the timing of litter processing on a Michigan woodland floodplain
Authors: Merritt Richard W. , Wuerthele Wm. , Lawson Daniel L.
Published: December 2009

This study investigated the role of conditioning in controlling the rate of microbial colonization of leaf litter (pignut hickory, Carya glabra) on a woodland floodplain and the timing of invertebrate participation in the processing of that litter. Experiments compared the rates at which the floodplain invertebrate community processed leaf litter that had been "conditioned" under circumstances expected to result in significantly different microbial densities (i.e., stream conditioned vs. floodplain conditioned). The data showed that soil invertebrates clearly processed the stream-conditioned leaves at a faster rate. Even with the relatively low soil temperatures in early spring, there was significant processing of the stream-conditioned leaves while the floodplain-conditioned leaves remained virtually untouched. This showed that the timing of invertebrate participation in the processing of floodplain litter cannot be ascribed entirely to temperature-related invertebrate inactivity. Rather, it is dependent on those internal and external factors controlling the colonization of leaves by microorganisms.
Aspects of the structure and composition of baleen, and some effects of exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons
Authors: Aubin D. J. St. , Stinson R. H. , Geraci J. R.
Published: December 2009

The structure and composition of baleen from seven species of whales was studied using tensiometry. X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Baleen was found to be composed principally of amorphous and α-keratin. Hydroxyapatite (bone mineral, Ca10 (PO4)6 OH2) was present in all species. Certain elements, notably manganese, copper, boron, iron, and calcium were more highly concentrated in the fibers than in the matrix of the plate. The breaking strength of baleen plates from fin (Balaenoptera physalus), sei (B. borealis), and grey (Eschrichtius robustus) whales was comparable to that of buffalo horn, in the range of 2−9 × 106 N∙m−2. The stiffness of baleen was somewhat less than that of other keratinized tissues. Treatment with 10% (v/v) trichloroacetic acid for 8 days removed most of the calcium salts, denatured α-keratin, and made fin whale plates stronger and stiffer. Exposure to gasoline for 1.5 h or 14 days, crude oil for 8 days, or tar for 21 days resulted in loss of trace elements from baleen, and inconsistent changes in keratin organization. After tar exposure, fin whale baleen plates were stiffer and stronger. We presume that at sea, baleen would be relatively resistant to damage by spilled oil.
Digestion of chitin by the labial glands of Acromyrmex octospinosus Reich (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Febvay G. , Decharme M. , Kermarrec A.
Published: December 2009

The capability of the attine ant, Acromyrmex octospinosus, to digest chitin was studied. β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase, chitobiase, and chitinase activities of labial gland extracts were demonstrated. The biochemical characteristics (pH optimum, Michaelis constant, temperature influence) were investigated and the results are discussed in comparison with published data. The absence of microflora in the labial glands suggests the direct production of the chitinolytic system by labial glands. Its function in the digestion of the chitinous symbiotic fungus walls was examined. Effective degradation of this fungal material has been demonstrated in the infrabuccal pocket. Acromyrmex octospinosus appears to have adapted to a fungus diet by synthesis of specific enzymes. This result is discussed in relation to a previous hypothesis concerning mycophagous insects. Some hypotheses regarding the role of the chitinolytic activities are formulated.
Intracellular distribution of succinate dehydrogenase activity in skeletal muscle fibers of geese
Authors: Swatland H. J.
Published: December 2009

Samples of iliotibialis anterior and pectoralis muscles were taken from five ganders (Anser domesticus). Serial transverse sections were reacted for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and alkali-stable adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). The distribution of SDH activity within individual muscle fibers was measured with a scanning photometer. In many individual fibers, SDH activity was stronger in the periphery than in the axis. This gradient was steepest (−0.034 ± 0.019 absorbance units per concentric zone of 2 μm diameter measurements) in pectoralis fibers with strong SDH activity. In the pectoralis, radial gradients were correlated with fiber area so that the smallest fibers tended to have the steepest gradients of SDH activity. However, this relationship was reversed in fibers with strong ATPase and weak SDH activity in the iliotibialis anterior, and the largest fibers tended to have the steepest gradients. In all fiber types of both muscles, fibers with greater mean SDH activity tended to have steeper gradients.
Distribution, morphological variation, and systematic relationship of Pholis laeta and P. ornata (Pisces: Pholididae) with a description of the related form P. nea n. sp.
Authors: Peden Alex E. , Hughes Grant W.
Published: December 2009

Although Pholis laeta and P. ornata are generally recorded in the literature as being distributed between California and Asiatic waters, we could not find verifiable specimens or records of P. ornata from Alaskan or western Pacific waters. A population in northern Japan is distinguishable and described here as the new species Pholis nea. Differences between P. laeta and P. ornata are too small for recognition of separate genera. Pholis laeta, which ranges from California to at least the Commander Islands, U.S.S.R.; exhibits clinal pigmentary differences between British Columbia and southern Oregon. Morphologically, P. ornata is relatively uniform between populations except for the north–south cline of median counts (= dorsal and anal rays plus vertebrae) typical of many North Pacific fishes.
L'utilisation de ressources alimentaires avec ou sans composés secondaires connus par une population cyclique de Campagnols des champs (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Authors: Bergeron Jean-Marie
Published: December 2009

Results from 3 years of plant sampling and diet analyses in a cyclic population of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) have shown that animals use a lot of plants with known toxic by-products while the population is in its growth and peak phases, whereas voles from the low density phase of the population almost exclusively eat plants without such by-products. Considering the fact that plants which contain toxic by-products are "bad resources" for herbivores, while plants which do not are "good resources," one can infer from the results that the quantity of good resources available becomes very limited; this explains the appearance of bad resources in the diet at times when the population density becomes very high. There is no evidence in the literature of acute or chronic toxic effects in meadow voles resulting from the ingestion of plants with toxic by-products; thus at present one can only note the importance of such resources in their diet and speculate on the cost–benefits of such a feeding habit.[Journal translation]
Taxonomy of Raphidascaris spp. (Nematoda, Anisakidae) of fishes, with a redescription of R. acus (Bloch, 1772)
Authors: Smith John D.
Published: December 2009

Raphidascaris acus (Bloch, 1772) is redescribed from specimens from northern pike (Esox lucius) in Ontario. A reduced right excretory canal and a cuticular elevation in the ventral interlabial region are present. Hysterothylacium cayugensis Wigdor, 1918, Ascaris lucii Pearse, 1924, R. laurentianus Richardson, 1937, and R. alius Lyster, 1940 become junior synonyms of R. acus. The latter species, reported from a variety of fishes in Ontario and Quebec, is considered the only valid member of the genus in freshwater in North America and thus is distributed throughout the Holarctic. Four other species are considered valid: R. biwakoensis Fujita, 1928 (= R. gigi Fujita, 1928; = R. plecoglossi Fujita, 1928) from freshwater in Japan, and R. lutiani Olsen, 1952, R. chirocentri Yamaguti, 1935. and R. vicentei Santos, 1970 (= R. atlanticus Rodrigues, 1974; = R. yamagutii Vicente &Santos, 1974; = R. camura Deardorff &Overstreet, 1981) from marine fishes. The latter two species are similar if not identical and are broadly distributed in inshore subtropical oceans. The following are species inquirendae: R. adelinae (Condorelli-Francaviglia, 1898), R. anchoviellae Chandler, 1935, R. lophii (Wu, 1949), R. panijii Khan &Yassen, 1969, and R. synodi Paruchin, 1973. The broad host and geographic distributions of Raphidascaris spp. may indicate the genus is relatively old. The systematics of the Ascaridoidea is currently being revised. Reviews of other anisakid genera are necessary before relationships among Raphidascaris spp. and other genera can be determined.
Association of the pedunculate barnacle, Conchoderma virgatum (Spengler, 1790), with pandarid copepods (Siphonostomatoida: Pandaridae)
Authors: Benz George W.
Published: December 2009

Four separate instances of association between the pedunculate barnacle, Conchoderma virgatum (Spengler, 1790), and ectoparasitic copepods are described. The copepods were all adult females of the family Pandaridae: Dinemoura latifolia (Steenstrup &Lütken, 1861) (two instances), Pandarus satyrus Dana, 1852, and Perissopus dentatus Steenstrup &Lütken, 1861. It is speculated that the sessile nature and formidable grasping power of adult female pandarids probably facilitated the barnacle–cope pod associations, as highly motile and (or) less powerfully attaching copepod species would likely be torn from their hosts by the increased hydrodynamic drag placed upon them in carrying C. virgatum. Because the copepods appeared neither to derive benefit from nor to be harmed by their barnacle associates, it is felt that these symbiotic associations are best regarded as instances of phoresy.
Early development of Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Nova Scotia
Authors: Specht H. B. , McEnroe W. D.
Published: December 2009

Compared with Massachusetts populations, early development of Dermacentor varibilis is accelerated during the cool spring and summer in Nova Scotia. At 15 °C the preoviposition periods of D. variabilis from Nova Scotia and Massachusetts were 27.2 and 34.0 days, respectively; at 18°C eggs hatched at 61.5 ± 2.08 and 72.4 ± 1.95 days, respectively. This decreased development time in Nova Scotia allows for the production of diapause larvae during late August.
Ephelota sp., a Suctorian found on the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica
Authors: Nicol Stephen
Published: December 2009

Examination of specimens of the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica from surface swarms in the Bay of Fundy revealed the presence of a suctorian epibiont, subsequently identified as Ephelota sp. Between 8 and 82% of the euphausiids in samples from surface swarms in the Bay of Fundy and off Cape Breton Island were found to be infested by this epibiont. In contrast, in samples taken at depth offshore, less than 2% of the euphausiids were infested. Since the animals constituting the surface swarms were old, mature euphausiids, it is hypothesized that the high level of infestation may be due to either senility or to a delayed ecdysis in reproductive animals. This record is of interest since it is only the fifth type of epibiont reported on euphausiids.
Efficiency of pitfalls versus live traps in enumeration of populations of Microtus pennsylvanicus
Authors: Boonstra Rudy , Rodd F. Helen
Published: December 2009

Two populations of Microtus pennsylvanicus were trapped simultaneously with Longworth live traps and pitfall traps over a 3- and a 4-year period. The number of voles enumerated by live traps was usually between 2 and 4 times that enumerated by pitfalls. Of the 3671 new voles caught, 53.7% were first caught in live traps. Pitfalls captured more of the juveniles first (56%) and live traps captured more of the adults first (76%). Animals entering live traps for the first time were about 4 g heavier than those entering pitfalls for the first time. The time lag between entry first into pitfalls and then to live traps was 4–6 weeks; the time lag between entry first in live traps and then to pitfalls was 2–7 weeks. Approximately 18% of all voles never entered live traps. Live traps captured about 83% (N = 747) of all dispersers whereas pitfalls captured about 46%. We conclude that live traps were much more effective than pitfalls in capturing this species. These results are very different from those reported from studies on Microtus townsendii.
Metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and faecal and urinary losses of juvenile harp seals (Phoca groenlandica)
Authors: Keiver K. M. , Ronald K. , Beamish F. W. H.
Published: December 2009

Assimilation efficiency of energy in juvenile harp seals was 92.5–95.0% of gross energy intake when fed Atlantic herring and 72.2% when fed shrimp. Faecal energy losses increased directly with intake. Metabolizable energy (ME) ranged from 85.5 to 88.7% of gross energy intake for a diet of herring. Urinary energy losses increased directly with apparent digestible nitrogen intake. Faecal and urinary losses were not affected significantly by feeding frequency. Urine excretion indicated that feeding causes a diuresis, associated with increased energy, nitrogen, and ash excretion. A significant interaction was found for rate of weight change between feeding frequency and energy intake. Seals lost more weight at energy intakes below their maintenance level when fed four meals rather than two meals per day. Differences in rate of weight change with feeding frequency were not observed at other levels of energy intake. Maintenance energy requirements were estimated at 2658 kcal ME daily for seals fed two meals per day and 3514 kcal ME daily when fed four meals per day. Seals required approximately 3 times as much shrimp as herring of high lipid content to meet their energy requirements.
Spectral transmittance of the ocular media of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus)
Authors: Chou B. R. , Cullen A. P.
Published: December 2009

Direct spectral transmittance data over the wave band 200–2500 nm were obtained for the ocular media of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) using a Zeiss (Oberkochen) DMR-21 dual-beam recording spectrophotometer. These data were used to calculate cumulative transmittance curves for each of the interfaces between optical media in the ground squirrel eye. Although radiation in the wave band 300–2500 nm can penetrate the cornea, our data show that the yellow pigment of the crystalline lens absorbs all wavelengths below 410 nm, while the vitreous humour absorbs most radiation longer than 1400 nm. The ground squirrel retina is, therefore, effectively protected from both near ultraviolet and infrared radiation, both of which are known to have deleterious effects on retinal photoreceptors.
Trophic stimulation of conversion of cultured newt iris cells into lens cells by a bovine thyrotropin preparation
Authors: Cuny Robert , Zalik Sara E. , Dimitrov Eva
Published: December 2009

The bovine thyrotropin preparation NIH-TSH-B8 can stimulate lens formation from cultured dorsal irises of the newt Notophthalmus viridescens. We studied the effect of thyrotropin NIH-TSH-B8 on dissociated iris cells in culture. Cell suspensions prepared from dorsal irises were maintained for up to 110 days in diluted Leibovitz L-15 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. Under these conditions, thyrotropin NIH-TSH-B8 increased the numbers of spherical and mitotic cells, clusters of γ-crystallin containing depigmented cells (lentoid bodies), and clusters of pigmented cells. The log phase of this process was remarkably shortened. However, the lag phase in treated cultures was similar to to that of untreated cultures. When the treatment was started after 4 days of culture, iris cell cultures responded similarly to continuously treated cultures. However, a delay of 15 days gave variable results. When thyrotropin NIH-TSH-B8 was removed on day 4 or 15 of cultivation, the response of the cell population resembled that of controls. These results suggest that this hormone preparation increases the number of pigmented iris cells that shift into the pathway of cell type conversion.
Nymph–soldier intercastes in Nasutitermes lujae and N. columbicus (Isoptera; Termitidae)
Authors: Lefeuve Patrick , Thorne Barbara L.
Published: December 2009

Observations of nymph–soldier intercastes are rare among the higher termites (Termitidae), and are here described from Nasutitermes lujae and N. columbicus. Morphological and histological observations indicate that N. lujae intercastes are derived from small workers, as are normal soldiers. Nasutitermes columbicus intercastes, however, develop from alate nymphs. The presence of exceptional intercastes in higher termites is evidence of postembryonic influences on caste determination and differentiation.
A new species of Sabacon Simon from Oregon (Arachnida: Opiliones: Sabaconidae)
Authors: Cokendolpher James C.
Published: December 2009

A new species of harvestman, Sabacon sheari n. sp., is described from Oregon. The new taxon is similar to Sabacon mitchelli Crosby and Bishop from North Carolina and Sabacon satoikioi Miyosi from Japan.
The comparative ultrastructure of spermatozoa from Bothrimonus sturionis Duv. 1842 (Pseudophyllidea), Pseudanthobothrium hanseni Baer, 1956 (Tetraphyllidea), and Monoecocestus americanus Stiles, 1895 (Cyclophyllidea)
Authors: MacKinnon Barbara M. , Burt Michael D. B.
Published: December 2009

The mature spermatozoa from Bothrimonus sturionis (Pseudophyllidea), Pseudanthobothrium hanseni (Tetraphyllidea), and Monoecocestus americanus (Cyclophyllidea) were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Transverse sections of the sperm of B. sturionis indicate that the number of sperm axonemes varies from one to eight, with approximately one-third of the sperm containing two axonemes. Likewise, the number of peripheral microtubules lying just within the external plasma membrane varies from 12 to 20. The nucleus is electron lucent and fibrous in appearance. The spermatozoa of B. sturionis show great variation in the material examined and the majority of them are believed to be aberrant. The spermatozoon of P. hanseni contains a single axoneme with the nucleus wrapped in a crescent around it in the anterior region of the sperm. The posterior portion of the spermatozoon is characterized by a helical flange which projects from the main body of the sperm. The spermatozoon of M. americanus is elongate and slender, containing a single axoneme with an electron-dense nucleus coiled around it in the anterior one-third of the sperm. Electron-opaque bodies, which may be glycogen, fill the cytoplasm. The spermatozoa of all three species contain neither an acrosome nor mitochondria. The flagella of all the spermatozoa have a 9 + "1" arrangement of microtubules. The importance of the ultrastructure of spermatozoa in the phylogeny and taxonomy of cestodes is discussed.
Pathology of five species of Gyrodactylus Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea)
Authors: Cone D. K. , Odense P. H.
Published: December 2009

Attachment-site pathology of the ectoparasites Gyrodactylus adspersi Cone and Wiles, 1983 on Tautogolabrus adspersus, Gyrodactylus avalonia Hanek and Threlfall, 1969 on Gasterosteus aculeatus, Gyrodactylus bullatarudis Turnbull, 1956 on Poecilia reticulata, Gyrodactylus sp. on Carassius auratus, and Gyrodactylus salmonis (Yin and Sproston, 1948) on Salmo gairdneri was examined using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In the first four species, the disc-shaped haptor attached itself to the host skin surface by means of blade tips of 16 peripherally located marginal hooks, with the two ventrally located hamulus blades compressing the underlying epithelium into a small depression. Tissue damage from attachment and feeding was minimal. However, G. salmonis lodged its marginal hook sickles deep into the host epidermis and appeared to cause extensive fin damage and skin discoloration. There was little evidence of bacterial involvement in the wounds, but bacterial microcolonies were observed on the body surface and haptor of G. salmonis. The latter results are discussed in relation to our understanding of gyrodactyliasis.
Energy requirements for maintenance and faecal and urinary losses of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Ronald K. , Keiver K. M. , Beamish F. W. H. , Frank R.
Published: December 2009

Assimilation efficiency of gross energy (±SD) in juvenile and adult grey seals fed Atlantic herring was 92.6 ± 2.1%. Metabolizable energy (ME) was 82.7 ± 4.8% of gross energy intake. Faecal energy losses increased directly with energy intake and urinary energy losses increased directly with apparent digestible nitrogen intake. Maintenance energy requirements were estimated at 4215 kcal (1 cal = 4.1868 J) ME daily for both juvenile and adult seals, equivalent to daily food intakes of 3.0–3.2 and 1.5% of body weight for juvenile and adults, respectively.