Investigation of the ultrastructures and retinal arrangements of larval stomatopod eyes

Though the transparent apposition eyes of larval stomatopod crustaceans lack most of the unique retinal specializations known from their adult counterparts, increasing evidence suggests that these tiny pelagic organisms possess their own version of retinal complexity. In this paper, we examined the structural organization of larval eyes in six species of stomatopod crustaceans across three stomatopod superfamilies using transmission electron microscopy. The primary focus was to examine retinular cell arrangement of the larval eyes and characterize the presence of an eighth retinular cell (R8), which is typically responsible for UV vision in crustaceans. For all species investigated, we identified R8 photoreceptor cells positioned distal to the main rhabdom of R1-7 cells. This is the first evidence that R8 photoreceptor cells exist in larval stomatopod retinas, and among the first identified in any larval crustacean. Considering recent studies that identified UV sensitivity in larval stomatopods, we propose that this sensitivity is driven by this putative R8 photoreceptor cell. Additionally, we identified a potentially unique crystalline cone structure in each of the species examined, the function of which is still not understood.

Ultraviolet vision in larval Neogonodactylus oerstedii

Stomatopod crustaceans have among the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, with up to twelve different color detection channels. The capabilities of these unique eyes include photoreception of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (<400 nm). UV vision has been well characterized in adult stomatopods but has not been previously demonstrated in the comparatively simpler larval eye. Larval stomatopod eyes are developmentally distinct from their adult counterpart and have been described as lacking the visual pigment diversity and morphological specializations found in adult eyes. However, recent studies have provided evidence that larval stomatopod eyes are more complex than previously thought and warrant closer investigation. Using electroretinogram recordings in live animals we found physiological evidence of blue and UV sensitive photoreceptors in larvae of the Caribbean stomatopod species Neogonodactylus oerstedii. Transcriptomes of individual larvae were used to identify the expression of three distinct UV opsins transcripts, which may indicate the presence of multiple UV spectral channels. This is the first paper to document UV vision in any larval stomatopod, expanding our understanding of the importance of UV sensitivity in plankton. Similar to adults, larval stomatopod eyes are more complex than expected and contain previously uncharacterized molecular diversity and physiological functions.

Note: Improved heater design for high-temperature hollow cathodes

We present an improved heater design for thermionic cathodes using a rhenium filament encased in a boron nitride ceramic sleeve. This heater is relatively simple to fabricate, yet has been successfully used to reliably and repeatably light a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) hollow cathode based on a previously published design without noticeable filament degradation over hundreds of hours of operation. The high decomposition temperature of boron nitride (2800 C for inert environments) and melting point for rhenium (3180 C) make this heater especially attractive for use with LaB6, which may require operating temperatures upwards of 1700 C. While boron nitride decomposes in air above 1000 C, the heater was used only at vacuum with an inert gas discharge, and no degradation was observed. Limitations of current state of the art cathode heaters are also discussed and compared with the rhenium-boron nitride combination.

Levels of lipid peroxidation products in a chronic inflammatory disorder

We have examined the plasma levels of the lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxy-nonenal and malondialdehyde in a carefully controlled study of age and sex-matched subjects with rheumatoid arthritis in whom potentially confounding influences such as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), self-medication and vitamin supplements were eliminated. The plasma concentrations of the antioxidants uric acid and vitamin E were also measured. The results reveal a strong and consistent inverse correlation between the levels of lipid peroxidation products in the plasma and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). There is no indication that vitamin E or urate function as the major antioxidant agent in arthritis, as has been suggested in more seriously affected patients. It is concluded that there is no evidence that vitamin E is more important, and urate less important as an antioxidant in mild arthritis. The correlation between lipid peroxidation and ESR suggests a more complex relationship than has been assumed.

Survey of the Free and Conjugated Myricetin and Quercetin Content of Red Wines of Different Geographical Origins

Gradient reversed-phase HPLC was used to obtain quantitative estimates of the levels of free and conjugated myricetin and quercetin in 65 red wines from Italy, Chile, France, California, Australia, Bulgaria, Spain, Romania, New Zealand, Brazil, Morocco, and Hungary. The concentrations of total flavonols ranged from 4.6 to 41.6 mg L(-1). High total flavonol levels appear to be associated with the use of thick-skinned grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, with a high skin:volume ratio, which were left to ripen fully in sunny conditions before harvest and which were extracted efficiently by modern methods of vinification. Some Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines contained up to 40 mg of total flavonols L(-1), which was higher than the levels detected in Cabernet Sauvignon from France, California, and Australia. The flavonol content of 1989 and 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon from Bulgaria was <6 mg L(-1). Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir all contained consistently higher concentrations of flavonols than their counterparts from different geographical regions.

Binding of nascent glucuronoxylan to the cell walls of pea seedlings

Glucuronoxylan synthesised in vitro by membrane-bound enzymes from etiolated pea epicotyls was found to bind to isolated cell walls from the same tissue in a pH-dependant manner. The binding was maximum at pH 3.5-4.0, and decreased to zero at pH 6. The bound glucuronoxylan could be dissociated from the cell walls by washing at pH 6, and the binding appeared to be non-covalent. Extraction experiments indicated that the glucuronoxylan was binding to hemicellulose in the cell-wall. The observed binding may be significant in the process of cell-wall assembly in vivo.

Aerobiological studies based in Galway. A comparison of pollen and spore counts over two seasons of widely differing weather conditions

A comparison was made of the pollen and spore counts at Galway in relation to the varying weather conditions of the summers of 1977 and 1978 in an attempt to explain the low incidence of allergies in that area during the summer of 1978. The phenomenon was attributed to the change in the dominant wind direction, which, from May to September 1978 was mainly over sea. Correlations were made between changes in pollen and spore catches and variations in particular meteorological factors for both seasons investigated.