bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrainment by River Chub Nocomis Micropogon and Smallmouth Bass Micropterus Dolomieu on Cylinders
Authors: Webb Paul W.
Published: April 2021

Sympatric stream-dwelling river chub (Nocomis micropogon) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were video-taped swimming in the presence of single cylinders spanning a flume. Fish were acclimated and tested at 13, 18 and 23 °C swimming in an increasing-velocity test with single vertically or horizontally oriented cylinders 6.4, 13, 19 or 25 mm in diameter. Cylinder orientation had little effect on entrainment. Both species avoided cylinders at low speeds. At intermediate speeds, some fish entrained on the cylinders, but they were displaced at higher speeds. Entrained fish made no regular swimming motions, but the median and paired fins and the body moved continuously and irregularly. The periodicity of body perturbations decreased and the amplitude increased with current speed. These also increased with cylinder diameter, but the variability was high and differences were not significant. Chub entrained in larger numbers and for longer over a wider range of current speeds and temperatures than bass. Entrainment by chub increased with cylinder diameter up to 13–19 mm, but declined for 25 mm cylinders. Bass did not entrain on 6.4 mm and 25 mm cylinders and showed very little entrainment at 13 and 18 °C, but entrainment was similar to that of chub at 23 °C.
Effects of Prey Size and Mobility on Prey-Capture Kinematics in Leopard Sharks Triakis Semifasciata
Authors: Ferry-Graham Lara A.
Published: April 2021

Recent work on teleosts suggests that attack behaviors or kinematics may be modified by a predator on the basis of the size of the prey or the ability of the prey to sense predators and escape capture (elusivity). Sharks are generally presumed to be highly visual predators; thus, it is reasonable to expect that they might also be capable of such behavioral modulation. In this study, I investigated the effect of prey item size and type on prey-capture behavior in leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) that had been acclimated to feeding in the laboratory. Using high-speed video, sharks were filmed feeding on two sizes of the same prey item (thawed shrimp pieces) and two potentially more elusive prey items (live earthworms and live mud shrimp). In leopard sharks, little effect of prey elusivity was found for kinematic variables during prey capture. However, the large proportion of successful captures of the live prey suggests that they did not prove to be truly elusive prey items for the leopard shark. There were significant size effects on prey-capture kinematics, with the larger non-elusive items inducing greater head expansion during prey capture. Ram–suction index values also indicated that strikes on large, non-elusive prey had a significantly larger suction component than strikes on similar small prey items. This finding is interesting given that the two sizes of non-elusive prey item offered no differential challenge in terms of a performance consequence (reduced capture success).
Neurogenesis in the thoracic neuromeres of two crustaceans with different types of metamorphic development
Authors: Harzsch S. , Miller J. , Benton J. , Dawirs R. R. , Beltz B.
Published: April 2021

The mode of embryonic and larval development and the ethology of metamorphosis in the spider crab and the American lobster are very different, and we took advantage of this to compare neuronal development in the two species. The goals of this study were to discover whether the differences in the maturation of the neuromuscular system in the pereopods and the metamorphic changes of motor behavior between the two species are reflected at the level of the developing nervous system (‘neurometamorphosis’). Furthermore, we wanted to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms that govern neuronal development in arthropods. Proliferation of neuronal stem cells in thoracic neuromeres 4–8 of the lobster Homarus americanus and the crab Hyas araneus was monitored over the course of embryonic and larval development using the in vivo incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Neuropil structure was visualized using an antibody against Drosophila synapsin. While proliferation of neuronal precursors has ceased when embryogenesis is 80 % complete (E80%) in the lobster thoracic neuromeres, proliferation of neuroblasts in the crab persists throughout embryonic development and into larval life. The divergent temporal patterns of neurogenesis in the two crustacean species can be correlated with differences in larval life style and in the degree of maturation of the thoracic legs during metamorphic development. Several unusual aspects of neurogenesis reported here distinguish these crustaceans from other arthropods. Lobsters apparently lack a postembryonic period of proliferation in the thoracic neuromeres despite the metamorphic remodeling that takes place in the larval stages. In contrast, an increase in mitotic activity towards the end of embryonic development is found in crabs, and neuroblast proliferation persists throughout the process of hatching into the larval stages. In both E20% lobster embryos and mid-embryonic crabs, expression of engrailed was found in a corresponding set of neurons and putative glial cells at the posterior neuromere border, suggesting that these cells have acquired similar specific identities and might, therefore, be homologous. None of the BrdU-labeled neuroblasts (typically 6–8 per hemineuromere over a long period of embryogenesis) was positive for engrailed at this and subsequent stages. Our findings are discussed in relation to the spatial and temporal patterns of neurogenesis in insects.
Hydrogen ion titrations of the anodic and cathodic haemoglobin components of the European eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Brauner Colin J. , Weber Roy E.
Published: April 2021

H+ titrations were conducted on the separated haemoglobin components of eel Anguilla anguilla in both the oxygenated and deoxygenated states. In anodic haemoglobin, the addition of GTP, and to a lesser extent Cl−, increased the magnitude of the Haldane effect and shifted its maximum value into the in vivo pH range. Of the 22 histidine residues in the anodic component, only approximately seven were titratable, presumably the β-chain residues at positions 41, 97, 109 and 146 (helical positions C7, FG4, G11 and HC3, respectively).

In cathodic haemoglobin, a small negative Haldane effect was observed at pH values between 6.8 and 8.5 which disappeared in the presence of GTP (molar ratio 3:1 GTP:haemoglobin tetramer). GTP had virtually no effect on the buffer value at fixed oxygenation status, and the lowest buffer value was observed at in vivo pH values. No titratable histidine residues were observed in the cathodic component, indicating that all 14 histidines in this component are buried.

We conclude that the anodic component, which constitutes two-thirds of the haemoglobin in the eel, plays the predominant role in CO2 transport and pH homeostasis in vivo.
Nitrogen metabolism of two portunid crabs, Carcinus maenas and Necora puber, during prolonged air exposure and subsequent recovery: a comparative study
Authors: Durand Fabrice , Regnault Michèle
Published: April 2021

Carcinus maenas and Necora puber were exposed to air for 72 h and 18 h, respectively, at 18 °C. Nitrogen excretion, blood and muscle ammonia content and blood urate and lactate content were recorded throughout the experimental emersion and following reimmersion (recovery period).

During emersion, the rate of ammonia excretion was strongly reduced in both species, while urea and amine excretion were not enhanced. Blood and muscle ammonia content increased steadily, reaching 1.3 and 10.4 mmol l−1, respectively, after an 18 h emersion in N. puber. In contrast, in C. maenas, blood ammonia levels increased slightly during the first 12 h and then remained at this level (approximately 0.12 mmol l−1) until the end of emersion. Muscle ammonia content showed a non-significant increase at 12 h, after which values returned to control values (3.3 mmol l−1) for the next 60 h.

Blood urate and lactate content increased in emersed N. puber, indicating strong internal hypoxia, but urate content did not increase in C. maenas until the third day of emersion.

Upon reimmersion, both species released large amounts of ammonia within a few minutes. Two different patterns of ammonia release then were observed: ammonia excretion was enhanced for a further 3 h in N. puber, whereas raised ammonia excretion rates were observed for a further 24 h in C. maenas. These patterns, the recovery of blood and muscle ammonia levels and the calculated nitrogen balance between emersed and control crabs indicated that specific processes were used to manage the nitrogen overload induced by air exposure.

Whereas N. puber shows little or no ability to limit ammonia accumulation in its body, C. maenas exhibits strong regulation of its nitrogen metabolism. The probability that amino acid synthesis is involved in this regulation and whether these species use metabolic depression as a survival strategy are discussed.
Distinguishing metabolic heat from condensation heat during muscle recovery
Authors: Lou F. , Curtin N. A. , Woledge R. C.
Published: April 2021

When a thermopile is used to measure the heat production of isolated muscle, the muscle is surrounded by gas saturated with water vapour, initially in equilibrium with the muscle. After contraction, the osmolarity of the muscle is raised so that it is no longer in equilibrium with the gas around it, and condensation will occur. When artificial muscles of known osmolarity were placed on a thermopile surrounded by gas in equilibrium with a solution of lower osmolarity, their temperature was found to be raised (by 102.7 mK osmol−1 l). This temperature increase was greatly reduced by covering the artificial muscle with a Teflon film. Experiments on living muscle from the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula showed that muscle temperature was higher 2 min after a series of 20 twitches at 3 Hz if the muscle was not covered by Teflon than if it was covered. The Teflon covering did not diminish the muscle’s contractile performance. We conclude that the condensation of water does contribute to the heat measured during the recovery period, but that when the muscle is covered by Teflon film condensation heat can largely be prevented so that only genuine metabolic recovery heat is produced.
Locomotion in Alligator mississippiensis: kinematic effects of speed and posture and their relevance to the sprawling-to-erect paradigm
Authors: Reilly Stephen M. , Elias Jason A.
Published: April 2021

In terms of locomotory posture, amphibians and lizards are considered to be sprawlers, mammals and dinosaurs are considered to be erect, and extant crocodilians are considered to be intermediate because they use the ‘high walk’, a semi-erect posture where the body is held half-way between the sprawling and erect grades during locomotion. In addition, crocodilians occasionally use a sprawling posture. Extant crocodilians, therefore, provide an interesting model in which to investigate the sprawling-to-erect transition in vertebrate evolution. This study quantifies the sprawl and high walk kinematics of the alligator Alligator mississippiensis moving at different speeds on a treadmill and compares them with kinematic data available for other vertebrates. These data allow us to examine the effects of speed on crocodilian postures and to examine how crocodilian locomotion relates to the sprawling-to-erect paradigm in vertebrate locomotion.

Our results show that the crocodilian sprawl is not functionally equivalent to the primitive sprawling behaviors exhibited by salamanders and lizards. In fact, although the high walks and sprawls of alligators exhibit some kinematic differences, they are actually much more similar than expected and, essentially, the crocodilian sprawl is a lower version of a high walk and could be termed a ‘low walk’.

In terms of the sprawling-to-erect transition, the high walk has knee kinematics intermediate between those of birds and non-archosaurian tetrapods, but alligators increase speed in a way completely different from other terrestrial vertebrates (distal rather than proximal limb elements are used to increase speed). These kinematic data viewed in the light of the fossil and phylogenetic evidence that modern crocodilians evolved from erect ancestors suggest that modern crocodilians have secondarily evolved a variable semi-erect posture and that they are problematic as an intermediate model for the evolutionary transition from sprawling to erect postures in archosaurs.
Transepithelial transport of nicotine and vinblastine in isolated malpighian tubules of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) suggests a P-glycoprotein-like mechanism
Authors: Gaertner Lorin S. , Murray Christine L. , Morris Catherine E.
Published: April 2021

We have examined the accumulative transport properties of the Malpighian (excretory) tubules of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta to test the hypothesis that a P-glycoprotein-like multidrug transporter is active and is responsible for the excretion of dietary nicotine in this tissue. Isolated tubules were cannulated and exposed to radiolabelled forms of either nicotine (5 min exposure) or the P-glycoprotein substrate vinblastine (60 min exposure) in the bathing (basal surface) fluid. The luminal (apical) contents were then flushed, and lumen-to-bath ratios were measured. Although these ratios provide conservative estimates of the physiological ability of Malpighian tubules to move compounds from blood to lumen, tubules concentrated nicotine 10-fold from an initial bath concentration of 0.5 mmol l−1 and vinblastine threefold (from an initial concentration of 1 μmol l−1).

Vectorial transport of vinblastine and nicotine was eliminated by 25 μmol l−1 verapamil (a P-glycoprotein inhibitor) and was not dependent on the presence of a transepithelial electrical potential. Nicotine transport was inhibited by atropine (3 mmol l−1), while nicotine (⩾50 μmol l−1) significantly reduced vinblastine transport. Verapamil was effective at reducing vinblastine transport when applied to the basal side alone, but not when applied to the apical side alone. Taken together, these results are consistent with the idea that the active excretion of nicotine and other alkaloids by the tobacco hornworm is mediated by a P-glycoprotein-like mechanism.
Interaction Between Haemoglobin and Synthetic Peptides of the N-Terminal Cytoplasmic Fragment of Trout Band 3 (AE1) Protein
Authors: Jensen Frank B. , Jakobsen Mogens H. , Weber Roy E.
Published: April 2021

Two acidic peptides corresponding to the first 10 and 20 amino acid residues of the N-terminal, cytoplasmic fragment of rainbow trout band 3 (AE1) protein were synthesised in order to study their interaction with trout and human haemoglobin (Hb). The peptides did not influence the oxygen affinity of the main anodic trout Hb component (Hb IV) when tested at surplus peptide concentration ([peptide]/[Hb4]=16), at high and low ionic strength and at pH values ranging from 6.5 to 7.6. With human Hb, however, the 20-mer peptide markedly decreased the oxygen affinity and increased the Bohr effect. These data suggest that the trout band 3 peptide binds preferentially to the deoxy (T) conformation of human Hb, probably at the organic phosphate binding site in the central cavity between the β-chains, which is known to be the binding site for the acidic N terminus of human band 3. In trout Hb IV, the presence of negatively charged Asp at position NA2 of the β-chains (in contrast to positive or neutral residues in mammalian Hb) may weaken any interaction with the highly negatively charged peptides.
Effects of Temperature, Adrenaline and Ryanodine on Power Production in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss Ventricular Trabeculae
Authors: Shiels H. A. , Stevens E. D. , Farrell A. P.
Published: April 2021

This study is the first to examine the contractility of teleost ventricular muscle in an oscillating muscle preparation. The experiments were designed to test the relative importance of Ca2+ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and Ca2+ influx across the sarcolemma (SL) to cardiac performance in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Adrenaline and ryanodine were used to modulate Ca2+ flux through the SL and SR, respectively. Experiments were conducted at two temperatures (12 °C and 22 °C) (1) to investigate the effect of an acute temperature change (from 12 °C to 22 °C) on power production, and (2) to test the effects of acute temperature change on the relative contributions of the SR and SL Ca2+ flux to power production. Concordant with isometric studies, the results showed that trans-sarcolemmal influx was the major source of Ca2+ (approximately 90 %) for cardiac power production at all temperatures. This SL Ca2+ influx was increased with adrenergic stimulation. The power curves generated in this study suggest an optimum frequency for power production of approximately 1.0 Hz at 12 °C, which corresponds well to typical in vivo heart rates for rainbow trout at that temperature. Further, this study indicated that temperature-induced changes in power output cannot be predicted from temperature-induced changes in isometric tension because the temperature-sensitivity of work and power proved to be greater than that of isometric tension. This finding is important because many previous studies have assessed cardiac contractility using only isometric tension.
Energetics Of Bipedal Running II. Limb Design and Running Mechanics
Authors: Roberts Thomas J. , Chen Michael S. , Taylor C. Richard
Published: April 2021

Compared with quadrupeds, bipedal runners of the same weight have longer legs, take longer steps and can presumably use slower, more economical muscle fibers. One might predict that bipedal running is less expensive, but it is not. We hypothesized that bipeds recruit a larger volume of muscle to support their weight, eliminating the potential economy of longer legs and slower steps. To test our hypothesis, we calculated the relative volume of muscle needed to support body weight over a stride in small dogs (Canis familiaris) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) of the same weight. First, we confirmed that turkeys and dogs use approximately the same amount of energy to run at the same speed, and found that turkeys take 1.8-fold longer steps. Higher muscle forces and/or longer muscle fibers would require a greater volume of active muscle, since muscle volume is proportional to the product of force and fascicle length. We measured both mean fascicle length and mean mechanical advantage for limb extensor muscles. Turkeys generated approximately the same total muscle force to support their weight during running and used muscle fascicles that are on average 2.1 times as long as in dogs, thus requiring a 2.5-fold greater active muscle volume. The greater volume appears to offset the economy of slower rates of force generation, supporting our hypothesis and providing a simple explanation for why it costs the same to run on two and four legs.
A Peritracheal Neuropeptide System In Insects: Release Of Myomodulin-Like Peptides At Ecdysis
Authors: O’brien Martha A. , Taghert PAul H.
Published: April 2021

We identified of a set of neuropeptide-expressing cells sited along the respiratory system of Drosophila melanogaster using an antibody to the molluscan neuropeptide myomodulin. The number and positions of these ‘peritracheal’ myomodulin (PM) cells were reminiscent of the epitracheal Inka cells in the moth Manduca sexta. These Inka cells release the peptide ecdysis-triggering hormone, which helps elicit ecdysial behavior at the molt, and we show that they are also recognized by the myomodulin (MM) antibody. In both D. melanogaster and M. sexta, the PM and Inka cells are the only MM-positive cells outside the central nervous system. In both insects, MM immunoreactivity disappears at the end of the molt. In D. melanogaster, we have monitored the PM cells throughout development using two enhancer trap lines; the PM cells persist throughout development, but at larval, pupal and adult ecdyses, they display a loss of MM immunoreactivity. This transient loss occurs at a predictable time, just prior to ecdysis. In contrast, MM-positive neurons in the central nervous system do not show these changes. The PM cells also reveal a concomitant loss of immunostaining for an enzyme contained in secretory granules. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the PM cells release MM-like peptides just prior to each ecdysis.

In addition, we demonstrate that peritracheal cells of five widely divergent insect orders show a myomodulin phenotype. The peritracheal cell size, morphology, numbers and distribution vary in these different orders. These data suggest that peritracheal cells release MM-like peptides as part of a conserved feature of the endocrine regulation of insect ecdysis.
Different Functions of Different Eye Types in the Spider Cupiennius Salei
Authors: Schmid Axel
Published: April 2021

The Central American hunting spider Cupiennius salei Keys relies mainly on its mechanosensory systems during prey-catching and mating behaviour. The behavioural relevance of its eight eyes has not been studied before, although their optics and sensitivity suggest highly developed visual capabilities. The visual system was examined in a twofold simultaneous-choice experiment. Two targets were presented at a distance of 2 m from the animals, and their walking paths towards the targets were monitored. Spiders showed no preference when choosing between two identical targets, but when choosing between two different targets they strongly preferred a vertical bar to a sloping bar or a V-shaped target. By covering all eyes except the anterior median or posterior median eyes, it could be shown that the spiders were able to detect the targets using any of the eyes. Discrimination between different targets was only possible with the anterior median eyes uncovered, although the visual fields of the anterior median and posterior median eyes overlap completely. It seems most likely that the animals separate visual information in the periphery and therefore that the eyes have different functions. The posterior median eyes support a target-detecting mechanism and the anterior median eyes a target-discrimination mechanism.
Modelling Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships Between Animal Behaviour And Environmental Signal Molecules
Authors: Browne Kenneth A. , Tamburri Mario N. , Zimmer-Faust Richard K.
Published: April 2021

Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) between the physicochemical properties of environmental signal molecules and animal behaviour have been determined. Past work has shown that oyster and barnacle larval settlement and mud crab abdominal pumping (for larval dispersal) are stimulated by small peptide cues. In all the peptides examined that were active at ecologically relevant concentrations, arginine or lysine was found at the carboxy terminus, but the amino acids found at preceding positions were highly variable. We used the multivariate partial least squares algorithm to relate composite properties for the hydrophilicity, size and charge of each amino acid and the sequence position to oyster, barnacle and crab behaviour patterns. From the information in these QSAR models, the apparent variability in amino acid sequences eliciting behavioural responses was explained in each case, and more potent peptide analogues are hypothesized on the basis of untested amino acid sequences. Remarkably, these peptide signals are all structurally related to the carboxy-terminal sequence of mammalian C5a anaphylatoxin, a potent white blood cell chemoattractant. Even more striking is the fact that these different animal species should rely on apparently similar environmental signal molecules when residing within a common habitat (southeastern US estuaries). Through the physicochemical properties of amino acids, the current QSAR models clearly differentiate between the optimal sequences for eliciting oyster, barnacle and mud crab behaviour. Thus, QSARs provide a novel and powerful method not only for relating the physicochemical properties of molecules to animal behaviour but also for differentiating responses to chemicals by individuals of different species.
Morphological, Physiological and Metabolic Comparisons Between Runner-Like and Sheet-Like Inbred Lines of a Colonial Hydroid
Authors: Blackstone Neil W.
Published: April 2021

Hydractiniid hydroids display a range of morphological variation from sheet-like forms (i.e. closely spaced polyps with high rates of stolon branching) to runner-like forms (i.e. widely spaced polyps with low rates of stolon branching), thus exemplifying the patterns of heterochrony found in many colonial animals. A sheet-like and a runner-like inbred line of Podocoryne carnea were produced to investigate this heterochronic variation further. Selection on colony morphology at the time of the initiation of medusa production resulted in dramatic differences by the F5 and F6 generations. Compared with colonies of the sheet-like inbred line, runner-like colonies exhibited smaller sizes at the initiation of medusa production, more irregular colony shapes and diminished stolon development relative to polyp development. In addition to these differences in colony morphology, runner-like colonies also exhibited larger medusae and a greater amount of gastrovascular flow to the peripheral stolons. To assess differences in the metabolic capacity underlying this variaton in flow, the redox state of the polyp epitheliomuscular cells was measured using the fluorescence of NAD(P)H. In response to feeding-induced changes in gastrovascular flow, runner-like colonies show greater redox variation than sheet-like ones, plausibly corresponding to the greater amounts of flow generated by the former colonies relative to the latter. Perturbing the system with dilute solutions of 2,4-dinitrophenol similarly indicates that runner-like colonies contain more functionally oxidizable NAD(P)H. The correlation between gastrovascular flow and morphological differences supports the hypothesis that the former mediates the timing of colony development, perhaps in concert with the observed variation in the redox state of polyp epitheliomuscular cells.
Mechanics of Lung Ventilation in a Larval Salamander Ambystoma Tigrinum
Authors: Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2021

The larval stage of the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum is entirely aquatic, but the larvae rely on their lungs for a large proportion of their oxygen uptake. X-ray video and pressure measurements from the buccal and body cavities demonstrate that the larvae inspire using a two-stroke buccal pump and exhale actively by contracting the hypaxial musculature to increase body pressure. Larvae begin a breath by expanding the buccal cavity to draw in air through the mouth, while simultaneously exhaling air from the lungs to mix with the fresh air in the buccal cavity. The mouth then closes, and the buccal cavity compresses to pump a portion of the mixture into the lungs. The remaining air in the buccal cavity is then released as bubbles from the mouth and gill slits. Ventilatory volumes estimated from X-ray video records indicate that approximately 80 % of the air pumped into the lungs is fresh air and 20 % is previously expired air. Exhalation in larval tiger salamanders is active, powered by contraction of all four layers of lateral hypaxial musculature. Electromyography indicates that the transverse abdominis (TA) muscle is active for the longest duration and shows the highest-amplitude activity, but the external oblique superficialis, the external oblique profundus and the internal oblique also show consistent, low-level activity. The finding that the TA muscle is active during exhalation in larval tiger salamanders contributes to a growing body of evidence that the use of the TA for exhalation is a primitive character for tetrapods.
Determinants of the center of mass trajectory in human walking and running
Authors: Lee Cynthia R. , Farley Claire T.
Published: April 2021

Walking is often modeled as an inverted pendulum system in which the center of mass vaults over the rigid stance limb. Running is modeled as a simple spring-mass system in which the center of mass bounces along on the compliant stance limb. In these models, differences in stance-limb behavior lead to nearly opposite patterns of vertical movements of the center of mass in the two gaits. Our goal was to quantify the importance of stance-limb behavior and other factors in determining the trajectory of the center of mass during walking and running. We collected kinematic and force platform data during human walking and running. Virtual stance-limb compression (i.e. reduction in the distance between the point of foot–ground contact and the center of mass during the first half of the stance phase) was only 26 % lower for walking (0.091 m) than for running (0.123 m) at speeds near the gait transition speed. In spite of this relatively small difference, the center of mass moved upwards by 0.031 m during the first half of the stance phase during walking and moved downwards by 0.073 m during the first half of the stance phase during running. The most important reason for this difference was that the stance limb swept through a larger angle during walking (30.4 °) than during running (19.2 °). We conclude that stance-limb touchdown angle and virtual stance-limb compression both play important roles in determining the trajectory of the center of mass and whether a gait is a walk or a run.
Relative contribution of quantitative and qualitative changes in mitochondria to metabolic compensation during seasonal acclimatisation of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: St-Pierre Julie , Charest Pierre-Mathieu , Guderley Helga
Published: April 2021

This study examined whether changes in the properties of mitochondria from red muscle of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss are accompanied by ultrastructural changes during cold acclimatisation. We compared measurements at five levels of organisation in red muscle of winter-(1 °C) and summer-(16 °C) acclimatised trout. We examined (1) maximal rates of pyruvate and palmitoyl carnitine oxidation by isolated mitochondria, (2) enzymatic activities [cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), citrate synthase (CS), carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) and phosphofructokinase (PFK)] of the muscle and isolated mitochondria, (3) mitochondrial protein content in the muscle, (4) the ultrastructure of muscle fibres, and (5) the cristae surface density of the mitochondria. All variables were measured on each trout sampled. The mitochondria from winter-acclimatised trout possessed higher maximal capacities for the oxidation of pyruvate and palmitoyl carnitine than those from summer-acclimatised trout.

Muscle activities of CCO, CS and CPT were greater in winter than in summer trout, whereas the levels of PFK did not differ seasonally. Similarly, the mitochondria from winter trout had elevated levels of CCO, CS and CPT compared with those isolated from summer trout. The cristae surface density of the mitochondria from winter trout (40.2±0.6 μm2μm−3; mean ± S.E.M.) was significantly higher than that from summer trout (36.4±1.2 μm2 μm−3), whereas there was no difference in the mitochondrial volume densities of muscle fibres from winter and summer trout. Thus, the considerable compensation of muscle aerobic capacity at low temperatures in trout is not accompanied by changes in mitochondrial volume density, but rather by shifts in enzyme levels and cristae surface density.
INHIBITION OF MIDGUT ION TRANSPORT BY ALLATOTROPIN (Mas-AT) AND MANDUCA FLRFamides IN THE TOBACCO Hornworm MANDUCA SEXTA
Authors: Lee Kyeong-Yeoll , Horodyski Frank M. , Chamberlin M. E.
Published: April 2021

Short-circuit current (Isc) across the posterior midgut of day 2 fifth-instar tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) is inhibited by Manduca allatotropin (Mas-AT) and two Manduca FLRFamides (F7G and F7D). Another FLRFamide, F10, and the related molluscan tetrapeptide FMRFamide elicited only a modest inhibition of Isc. Mas-AT, F7G and F7D inhibited the Isc in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition of Isc by Mas-AT was achieved at a concentration of 50 nmol l−1. At 100 nmol l−1, Mas-AT produced a significantly greater inhibition of Isc than did F7G and F7D. The inhibition caused by Mas-AT was reversed by removing the peptide. Furthermore, the action of Mas-AT could be blocked by preabsorption with its antiserum. When F7G or F7D was added after the Isc had been inhibited by Mas-AT, a further reduction in the Isc was observed. No additive effects were seen when F7G and F7D were added together. In comparison with the anterior and middle regions, the posterior section of the midgut was the most sensitive to these three peptides. The Isc of midguts dissected from feeding fourth instars was inhibited by Mas-AT, F7D and F7G, whereas the Isc of midguts dissected from pharate fifth instars or wandering fifth instars was virtually unaffected by these peptides. Active ion transport across the posterior midgut of the silk moths Hyalophora cecropia and Bombyx mori was unaffected by these peptides.
Self-propelled anguilliform swimming: simultaneous solution of the two-dimensional navier–stokes equations and Newton’s laws of motion
Authors: Carling John , Williams Thelma L. , Bowtell Graham
Published: April 2021

Anguilliform swimming has been investigated by using a computational model combining the dynamics of both the creature’s movement and the two-dimensional fluid flow of the surrounding water. The model creature is self-propelled; it follows a path determined by the forces acting upon it, as generated by its prescribed changing shape. The numerical solution has been obtained by applying coordinate transformations and then using finite difference methods. Results are presented showing the flow around the creature as it accelerates from rest in an enclosed tank. The kinematics and dynamics associated with the creature’s centre of mass are also shown. For a particular set of body shape parameters, the final mean swimming speed is found to be 0.77 times the speed of the backward-travelling wave. The corresponding movement amplitude envelope is shown. The magnitude of oscillation in the net forward force has been shown to be approximately twice that in the lateral force. The importance of allowing for acceleration and deceleration of the creature’s body (rather than imposing a constant swimming speed) has been demonstrated. The calculations of rotational movement of the body and the associated moment of forces about the centre of mass have also been included in the model. The important role of viscous forces along and around the creature’s body and in the growth and dissolution of the vortex structures has been illustrated.
In Vivo Pectoralis Muscle Force–Length Behavior During Level Flight In Pigeons (Columba Livia)
Authors: Biewener Andrew A. , Corning William R. , Tobalske Bret W.
Published: April 2021

For the first time, we report in vivo measurements of pectoralis muscle length change obtained using sonomicrometry combined with measurements of its force development via deltopectoral crest strain recordings of a bird in free flight. These measurements allow us to characterize the contractile behavior and mechanical power output of the pectoralis under dynamic conditions of slow level flight in pigeons Columba livia. Our recordings confirm that the pigeon pectoralis generates in vivo work loops that begin with the rapid development of force as the muscle is being stretched or remains nearly isometric near the end of the upstroke. The pectoralis then shortens by a total of 32 % of its resting length during the downstroke, generating an average of 10.3±3.6J kg−1 muscle (mean ± S.D.) of work per cycle for the anterior and posterior sites recorded among the five animals. In contrast to previous kinematic estimates of muscle length change relative to force development, the sonomicrometry measurements of fascicle length change show that force declines during muscle shortening. Simultaneous measurements of fascicle length change at anterior and posterior sites within the same muscle show significant (P<0.001, three of four animals) differences in fractional length (strain) change that averaged 19±12 %, despite exhibiting similar work loop shape. Length changes at both anterior and posterior sites were nearly synchronous and had an asymmetrical pattern, with shortening occupying 63 % of the cycle. This nearly 2:1 phase ratio of shortening to lengthening probably favors the ability of the muscle to do work. Mean muscle shortening velocity was 5.38±1.33 and 4.88±1.27 lengths s−1 at the anterior and posterior sites respectively. Length excursions of the muscle were more variable at the end of the downstroke (maximum shortening), particularly when the birds landed, compared with highly uniform length excursions at the end of the upstroke (maximum lengthening). When averaged for the muscle as a whole, our in vivo work measurements yield a mass-specific net mechanical power output of 70.2 W kg−1 for the muscle when the birds flew at 5–6 m s−1, with a wingbeat frequency of 8.7 Hz. This is 38 % greater than the value that we obtained previously for wild-type pigeons, but still 24–50 % less than that predicted by theory.
Do Neotropical Migrant Butterflies Navigate using a Solar Compass?
Authors: Oliveira Evandro G. , Srygley Robert B. , Dudley Robert
Published: April 2021

Many tropical butterfly species are well-known for their migratory behaviour. Although these insects can maintain a constant direction throughout the day, the physiological mechanisms of orientation are unknown. It has been argued that tropical migrant butterflies must use a time-compensated sun compass to accomplish their journey, but the crucial experimental manipulations to test this hypothesis have not been conducted. This study reports the results of clock-shift experiments performed with two species of migrating butterflies (Pieridae: Aphrissa statira and Phoebis argante) captured during flight across Lake Gatún, Panamá. The observed constant flight bearing of natural controls suggests that these species are capable of performing time-compensated celestial navigation. Our clock-shift experiments suggest that a sun compass is involved. Individuals submitted to a 4 h advance shift took significantly different mean orientations on release compared with control butterflies. The direction of this difference was consistent with the use of a sun compass. The magnitude was approximately half the predicted value if the vanishing bearing of released butterflies was used as the variable to evaluate the effect of time-shifting and approximately three-quarters of that predicted if the estimated heading was the variable used. Mean vanishing bearings of control and experimental butterflies did not correspond to predicted values. This difference can be attributed largely to the combined effects of wind and handling.
How Body Size Affects Middle-Ear Structure and Function and Auditory Sensitivity in Gekkonoid Lizards
Authors: Werner Yehudah L. , Montgomery Lynda G. , Safford Shawn D. , Igic Petar G. , Saunders James C.
Published: April 2021

Gekkonoid lizards increase in body size throughout life, and the present study investigates whether changes in auditory function accompany these increases. Middle-ear structures in four groups of animals, adults and juveniles of two gekkonoid species (Eublepharis macularius and Oedura marmorata), were examined. Tympanic membrane velocity and phase were also measured in all four groups. An indication of peripheral auditory function was obtained for each group by measuring compound action potentials (CAPs) from the round window membrane. The middle-ear contribution to CAP thresholds was obtained by comparing threshold levels of the CAP response with and without an intact middle-ear system. The results from these studies indicated that significant changes occurred in middle-ear structure, tympanic membrane velocity and CAP threshold between the younger and older animals. In addition, the adults of both species exhibited better auditory function when the acoustic stimulus was delivered to the tympanic membrane than when it was delivered to the columella footplate. The findings show clearly that increased body size (or age) is accompanied by functional changes in the auditory periphery.
L-Type Ca2+ Current in Fish Cardiac Myocytes: Effects of Thermal Acclimation and β-Adrenergic Stimulation
Authors: Vornanen Matti
Published: April 2021

A patch-clamp analysis of L-type Ca2+ current in ventricular myocytes of cold- and warm-acclimated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and crucian carp (Carassius carassius) hearts was performed. Trout were acclimated at 4 and 17°C and carp at 4 and 24°C for a minimum of 4 weeks. Ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic dissociation using collagenase and trypsin. Marked species-specific differences were noted in Ca2+ current density and its β -adrenergic regulation. The density of basal Ca2+ current in crucian carp (6.9–7.4 pA pF−1) was almost double that of trout (4.2–4.5 pA pF−1) ventricular myocytes. Maximal β-adrenergic stimulation increased Ca2+ current by approximately 2.3-fold in trout but by only 1.4-fold in crucian carp, so that Ca2+ current densities in the presence of 10 μmol l−1 isoprenaline were almost equal in trout (8.6–10.5 pA pF−1) and carp (9.6–10.4 pA pF−1) cardiac cells. Direct activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin (10 μmol l−1) was also associated with similar interspecies differences in the stimulation of Ca2+ current.

Thermal acclimation did not change either the density or the kinetics of L-type Ca2+ current in crucian carp ventricular myocytes. In trout cardiac cells, thermal acclimation had no effects on the density of Ca2+ current, but the rate of current inactivation was accelerated after acclimation to cold temperature. As a consequence of faster current decay, the contribution of sarcolemmal Ca2+ current to total cellular [Ca2+] was smaller in cold-acclimated than in warm-acclimated trout. The responses of Ca2+ current to maximal β-adrenergic stimulation by isoprenaline or to direct activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin were not changed by thermal acclimation in either species. It is concluded (1) that the density of sarcolemmal Ca2+ current is not increased after acclimation to cold, (2) that sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels can make a significant contribution to contractile [Ca2+] in both teleost species studied and (3) that β-adrenergic stimulation of Ca2+ current is more important in modulating cardiac contractility in trout than in carp.
Non-Myotendinous Force Transmission in Rat Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
Authors: Huijing Peter A. , Baan Guus C. , Rebel Guido T.
Published: April 2021

The extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) of the rat hindleg consists of four heads. The heads are named after their insertions on the digits of toes II, III, IV and V. The EDL heads share a proximal tendon and aponeurosis, but have separate distal aponeuroses and tendons. By cutting the distal tendons of selected heads, direct myotendinous force transmission within these heads is prevented. Therefore, force exerted by the muscle would be expected to decrease according to the physiological cross-sectional area disconnected if myotendinous force transmission were the only mechanism of force transmission.

The results indicate that EDL force production remained at high levels after acute tenotomy: muscle length–force curves did not alter significantly following cutting of the tendons of heads II and III. Cutting the tendon of head IV as well leaves only head V in its original condition. After tenotomy of head IV, length–force characteristics were altered significantly, but optimum force was maintained at 84 % of that of the intact muscle. After separation of head IV from head V intramuscularly for some distance along their interface, the force dropped to much lower levels, with optimum force approaching 50 % of that of the intact muscle.

The length of active proximal fibres (located within head II) did not remain constant but increased with increasing muscle lengths after tenotomy as well as after partial separation of heads IV and V. The amount of length change decreased after intramuscular separation of the heads, indicating declining reactive forces.

It is concluded that force transmission occurred from tenotomized heads to their intact neighbours and vice versa. The magnitude of the force transmitted from head to head was dependent on the degree of integrity of the connective tissue at the interface between heads.
The Importance of Atmospheric Odours for the Homing Performance of Pigeons in the Sonoran Desert of the Southwestern United States
Authors: Bingman V. P. , Alyan S. , Benvenuti S.
Published: April 2021

The importance of atmospheric odours for homing pigeon navigation in a desert environment was tested using birds from two lofts located in the Sonoran desert near Tucson, Arizona, USA. When released from a familiar training site, experienced control pigeons and pigeons given intranasal injections of zinc sulphate to produce anosmia both displayed good homeward orientation and homed rapidly. When released from two unfamiliar locations, in contrast, the controls continued to display good homing performance while the zinc-sulphate-treated pigeons homed poorly. Significant differences in vanishing bearings, homing time and homing success were recorded. When a group of control and a group of zinc-sulphate-treated inexperienced pigeons were released from two unfamiliar locations, both groups homed poorly. Nonetheless, the controls still outperformed the zinc-sulphate-treated birds, the most notable result being a significant difference in homing success. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of atmospheric odours for the operation of the navigational map of the homing pigeon in a desert environment and, together with previous experiments, demonstrate that the role of atmospheric odours in homing does not seem to vary in any salient way with ambient climatic conditions.
Chemotactic responses of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae to a cyclic AMP concentration gradient: evidence to support a spatial mechanism for sensing cyclic AMP
Authors: Tani Tomomi , Naitoh Yutaka
Published: April 2021

The motile responses of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae to a cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration gradient were examined using a novel assay system. In this system, a cAMP concentration gradient was generated, while the overall cAMP concentration could be either increased or decreased in a chamber containing amoebae. The chemotactic responses of amoebae were examined immediately after they had been subjected to the cAMP concentration gradient. Amoebae moving in random directions in a reference solution ascended a cAMP concentration gradient after they had been exposed to the gradient irrespective of whether there was an increase or a decrease in the overall cAMP concentration. This strongly supports the idea that D. discoideum amoebae can sense a spatial cAMP gradient around them and that this causes their chemoaccumulation behavior. Ascending locomotion became less conspicuous when the amoebae were treated with a homogeneous cAMP solution for approximately 8 min before exposure to a cAMP gradient. This cAMP pretreatment reduced the sensitivity of the amoeba to a cAMP concentration gradient. The cAMP concentration gradient could be reversed in less than 30 s in this assay system, allowing the generation of a cAMP wave by accumulating amoebae to be mimicked. The ascending amoebae continued to move in the same direction for 1–2 min after the gradient had been reversed. This is consistent with the well-known observation that reversal of a cAMP concentration gradient experienced by the amoebae passing through a cAMP wave does not negate their chemotactic movement towards the accumulation center.