Application of Potentiometric and Electrophoretic Measurements to Evaluate the Reversibility of Adsorption of Divalent Ions from a Solution on Titanium Dioxide

The adsorption of divalent ions on metal oxides is controlled by the pH of a solution. It is commonly assumed that this is a reversible process for pH changes. However, there are reports that the sorption of ions on oxides may not be reversible. To verify this, we used potentiometric titration, ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), and electrokinetic measurements to examine the reversibility of the adsorption of hydrogen ions and three metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+) on TiO2. The ferrous ion was used as a reference because its adsorption is entirely irreversible. The surface charge determined by potentiometric titration and the adsorption edges measured using ISE indicate that the adsorption of copper ions is reversible with changes in pH. In the case of calcium ions, the results suggest a certain degree of irreversibility. There are apparent differences in the electrokinetic potential data obtained during titration with base and acid, which suggests that the adsorption is irreversible. We have explained this contradiction by considering the complex and dynamic nature of electrophoretic mobility. In our opinion, potentiometric titration may be the simplest and most reliable method for assessing the reversibility of multivalent ion adsorption.

Are We Ready to Get Rid of the Terms “Chalimus” and ”Preadult” in the Caligid (Crustacea: Copepoda: Caligidae) Life Cycle Nomenclature?

In view of recent studies, we suggest that the term “preadult” should not be used in scientific reports on Copepoda parasitic on fishes as having no explicit meaning or further justification. Consequently, the term “chalimus” with its use currently restricted in the Caligidae to at most two instars in the life cycles of species of Lepeophtheirus, also becomes redundant. In our new understanding, both the chalimus and preadult stages should be referred to as the respective copepodid stages (II through V, in integrative terminology). The terminology for the caligid copepod life cycle thereby becomes consistent with that for the homologous stages of other podoplean copepods. We see no justification for keeping “chalimus” and “preadult” even as purely practical terms. To justify this reinterpretation, we comprehensively summarize and reinterpret the patterns of instar succession reported in previous studies on the ontogeny of caligid copepods, with special attention to the frontal filament. Key concepts are illustrated in diagrams. We conclude that, using the new integrative terminology, copepods of the family Caligidae have the following stages in their life cycles: nauplius I, nauplius II (both free-living), copepodid I (infective), copepodid II (chalimus 1), copepodid III (chalimus 2), copepodid IV (chalimus 3/preadult 1), copepodid V (chalimus 4/preadult 2), and adult (parasitic). With this admittedly polemical paper, we hope to spark a discussion about this terminological problem.

An alien parasite affects local fauna-Confirmation of Sinergasilus major (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) switching hosts and infecting native Silurus glanis (Actinopterygii: Siluridae) in Hungary

In 2016, an intense copepod infection was recorded from a reservoir in proximity to the Danube River in Hungary from visibly emaciated wels catfish, Silurus glanis. The parasite-induced pathology was described but parasite identity was not conclusive. Additional sample collections in 2017 and 2018 allowed for identification using both light and scanning electron microscopy, alongside genetic characterisation. The copepods were confirmed to be ergasilids, Sinergasilus major, distinctly different from any previous infection on silurids in Europe. This is the first record of this parasite from Hungary and the first host record from wels catfish.

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First record of Sinergasilus major from wels catfish (Silurus glanis).

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First record of S. major from Hungary.

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Light and scanning eletron microscopy support identification of S. major.

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100% similarity of the 18S rDNA provides significant confidence to the identification of the copepods as S. major.

Investigations of mechanism of Ca2+ adsorption on silica and alumina based on Ca-ISE monitoring, potentiometric titration, electrokinetic measurements and surface complexation modeling

Research on Ca2+ adsorption onto the mineral surface is of significant importance with regard to geochemical processes. Sverjensky (Geochim Cosmochim Acta 70(10), 2427–2453, 2006) assumed that alkaline earths form two types of surface species on oxides: tetranuclear (> SOH)2(> SO−)2_M(OH)+ and mononuclear > SO−_M(OH)+. To look into the above assumption we investigated calcium adsorption on SiO2 and Al2O3 because they are the most widespread minerals in the environment. We have determined the proton surface charge, electrokinetic potential and metal adsorption as a function of pH. The Ca2+ uptake and concentration in the system were monitored by the calcium ion-selective electrode (Ca-ISE). The Ca-ISE measurements indicated a similar affinity of Ca2+ for both materials despite their differently charged surface, negative for silica and mainly positive for alumina. This may suggest that simple electrostatic interactions are not the primary driving force for calcium adsorption, and that solvation of calcium ions at the surface may be crucial. We have analyzed our experimental data using the 2-pK triple-layer model (2-pK TLM). Three calcium complexes on the mineral surface were reported. Two of them were the same for both oxides, i.e. the tetranuclear ($$>$$ >  SOH)2($$>$$ >  SO−)2_Ca2+ and mononuclear complexes > SO−_CaOH+. Additionally, minor contribution from >SOH…Ca2+ for silica was assumed. In the case of Al2O3 the hydrolyzed tetranuclear complexes ($$>$$ >  SOH)2($$>$$ >  SO−)2_CaOH+ at pH > 7.5 occurred based on the modeling results. Two types of surface complexes suggested by Sverjensky allowed for the correct description of proton and calcium uptake for alumina. However, the electrokinetic data excluded hydrolyzed tetranuclear surface species for this oxide.

A new species of Brachiella (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Lernaeopodidae) from Peninsular Malaysia, with relegation of two genera Charopinopsis and Eobrachiella to junior synonyms of Brachiella

Both sexes of Brachiella malayensis n. sp. are described on the basis of specimens found in the nostrils of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède) collected off Besut, Malaysia. The female of this species closely resembles those of B. magna Kabata, 1968 and B. cybii Pillai, Prabha et Balaraman, 1982 but is distinguishable mainly by the body size and the proportions of the cephalosome, posterior processes and caudal rami. While examining the male, we noticed a systematic inconsistency in some lernaeopodid genera. The genus Brachiella Cuvier, 1830, represented by its type-species Brachiella thynni Cuvier, 1830, and two monotypic genera Charopinopsis Yamaguti, 1963 and Eobrachiella Ho et Do, 1984, represented by Charopinopsis quaternia (Wilson, 1935) and Eobrachiella elegans (Richiardi, 1880), respectively, share distinct synapomorphies in the embracing (vs. pinching) elongate male maxilliped and the female trunk with a pair of long, cylindrical ventroposterior processes (in addition to a pair of modified caudal rami), both of which are involved in their unique reproductive strategy. The latter two genera are herewith relegated to junior synonyms of Brachiella.

A study on the mechanism of Ca2+ adsorption on TiO2 and Fe2O3 with the usage of calcium ion-selective electrode

The paper presents the quantitative characterization of the solid/water interface applying both experimental and theoretical approaches for the system of TiO₂ (mixture of anatase and rutile) and Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) with calcium ions in the pH function. The aim of the study was also to find a bonding mechanism between Ca²⁺ and metal oxides surface based on the calculations from the surface complexation modeling code (GEOSURF by Sahai and Sverjensky, 1998). In order to obtain adsorption edges, a calcium ion-selective electrode (Ca-ISE) was applied for determination of Ca²⁺ concentration in the suspensions. The results of both the Ca-ISE and parallel spectrophotometric determination were similar. The adsorption data showed that TiO₂ exhibited stronger calcium binding than Fe₂O₃ at pH > 8. Using 2-pK TLM (triple-layer model) it was demonstrated that mechanism of the calcium adsorption onto the metal oxides surface involved different reactions. In the case of TiO₂ it involved formation of >SO^-_CaOH⁺ predominately on the β-plane and at pH > 9 also on the 0-plane. In the case of Fe₂O₃ one could observe the existence of (>SO^-)₂_Ca²⁺ on the β-plane in the whole studied pH range. At pH above 7 the tetranuclear complexes (>SOH)₂(>SO^-)₂_Ca(OH)⁺ were found, and at pH > 9 also >SO^-_CaOH⁺ could be observed. On the other hand, the analysis of the ζ-potential data suggested the absence of the tetra-species on the maghemite surface. The study indicated that the properly validated calcium ion-selective electrode can be an attractive instrument for monitoring Ca²⁺ adsorption on metal oxides in the environment.

On the Nature of the Energetic Surface Heterogeneity in Ion Adsorption at an Electrolyte/Oxide Interface. Theoretical Studies of the Correlations between Binding-to-Surface Energies of Various Surface Complexes

When a metal oxide is brought into contact with an electrolyte, the outermost surface oxygens adsorb one or two protons, a cation or an aggregate composed of two protons and an anion. In this way, various surface complexes are formed. The actual surfaces are, as a rule, geometrically distorted. This causes a variation of the binding-to-surface energy from one surface oxygen to another for each of these complexes. This energetic heterogeneity of the actual oxide surfaces strongly affects the adsorption of ions within the electrical double layer formed at the oxide/electrolyte interface. The way in which the surface heterogeneity affects the adsorption of ions depends on the correlations between the binding-to-surface energies of the various surface complexes. To date, two extreme models have been considered by us; one assuming the existence of very high correlations, and the other one assuming a total lack of correlation between binding-to-surface energies in going from one surface oxygen to another. This paper presents a theoretical study of ion adsorption based on the assumption of a partial correlation between the binding-to-surface energies.

A case of persisting massive infection of Scomberomorus commerson, a commercially exploited scombrid fish, with Cybicola armatus (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Pseudocycnidae)

During an extensive survey of fish parasites along the Malabar coast of India we observed exceptionally high or even massive infection of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus commerson (Scombridae), with parasitic copepods Cybicola armatus. Such infection has not hitherto been reported. The copepods occurred on the gills of its host and the infection persisted for many years (the survey lasted from January 2010 to July 2014). The overall prevalence was very high (95%); out of a total of 981 fish studied, 933 were infected, and the maximum intensity reached 42. The highest rate of infection (prevalence 99.2%) was observed in medium sized fish (36.0-79.9 cm). We found this parasite only on S. commerson even though we examined 81 fish species, including five of the family Scombridae. Interestingly, the parasite exhibits strict site specificity and microhabitat preference. A significant proportion of them was seen attached to pseudobranchs rather than to main gill arches. Significantly, the body size of the parasite was positively correlated with that of the host fish. Our SEM micrographs contributed new facts to this copepod's morphology by illustrating for the first time the ventral part of its cephalothorax, illustrating the nature of attachment, and by finding a new structure - a premaxillary pad. We demonstrated the haematophagous nature of C. armatus by finding and documenting the host's blood cells in the parasite's intestine.

Parabrachiella jarai sp. nov. (Crustacea: Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on Sillago sihama (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sillaginidae)

The presently reported study provides a detailed morphological description of the female and the male of a new species of the genus Parabrachiella-Parabrachiella jarai sp. nov. The parasites were sampled from marine fish, silver sillago, Sillago sihama (Perciformes: Sillaginidae), captured in Malaysia in 1994 and Hong Kong in 1995. The new species bears some resemblance to Parabrachiella lata (Song et Chen, 1976) but differs from it in details of second antenna, mandible, and maxilliped. The genus Parabrachiella currently covers 67 species including those recently transferred from Neobrachiella Kabata, 1979. An amended generic diagnosis is proposed for Parabrachiella and Thysanote. Some members of Parabrachiella are herewith transferred to Thysanote and some Thysanote are now placed in Parabrachiella.

Comparative description of males of two species of Achtheres von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae) infecting zander and European perch

Achtheres percarum von Nordmann, 1832 and Achtheres sandrae Gadd, 1901 (Lernaeopodidae) are common parasitic copepods infecting fishes in Eurasia. The former is specific to perch, Perca fluviatilis L., while the latter, to zander, Sander lucioperca (L.). Until recently these copepods have been regarded a single species. The present study was intended to analyse details of male morphology and provide their complete descriptions with differential diagnosis. Males of A. percarum and A. sandrae were collected from perch and zander at Lake Dabie (north-western Poland). The males of A. sandrae are larger than those of A. percarum. They also differ in proportions of the first antenna, mandibular denticulation, structure of the first maxilla, and the armament of caudal ramus. The reported differences in male morphology constitute a conclusive confirmation of the separate identity of the two species.

Determination of the parameters for the 1-pK triple-layer model of ion adsorption onto oxides from known parameter values for the 2-pK TLM

Prior knowledge of the model parameters describing the metal oxide/simple electrolyte interface is frequently crucial to successful application of surface complexation modeling. On the basis of the parameter values for the 2-pK triple-layer model recently published by Sverjensky, the parameters for the 1-pK TLM were determined. This was done by fitting (using the 1-pK model) the proton surface charge and ion adsorption isotherms generated by the 2-pK TLM. It was assumed that inner-layer capacitance was the same for both models. A strong correlation was found between ion adsorption constants of different electrolytes on the same oxide predicted by both models. Additionally, the 1-pK and 2-pK models predict different electrokinetic potentials in spite of very similar values of calculated surface charge and ion adsorption isotherms when the same value of outer-layer capacitance is assumed. Because the value of outer-layer capacitance practically does not influence surface charge and electrolyte adsorption isotherms, it can be treated as a freely adjusted parameter, the value of which can be estimated if we have measured the electrokinetic potential.

How to distinguish energetic surface heterogeneity from electrostatic interactions in the case of hydrogen ion adsorption from solution onto oxides

It was shown that the adsorption of uncharged particles onto energetically heterogeneous surfaces with Gaussian-like distribution of adsorption energy can be described by the same adsorption isotherm as the adsorption of hydrogen ions from solution onto homogeneous oxide surfaces with surface potentials given by a quasi-Nernst formula. It exemplifies that the separation of electrostatic from energetic factors in the case of ion adsorption onto heterogeneous oxide surfaces is very difficult. Nevertheless, application of calorimetric data for proton adsorption makes it possible to estimate both factors.

Application of the Statistical Rate Theory of Interfacial Transport to Interpret the Relaxation Time of Proton Adsorption from Solution onto Oxides

A new way to analyze the rate of hydrogen ion adsorption from solution onto oxides was described. The statistical rate theory of interfacial transport (SRT) was applied to interpret relaxation time of ion adsorption. The new procedure for determination of rate constants of surface reaction was compared with the classical theory of activated adsorption and desorption (TAAD). It was found that for adsorption of uncharged species, both models give the same result, but for ion adsorption, their predictions differ considerably. Influence of surface potential and total concentration of adsorption sites on calculated rate constants was also discussed.

Systematic position of copepods of the genus Achtheres (Crustacea: Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) parasitizing perch, Perca fluviatilis L., and zander, Sander lucioperca (L.)

Parasitic copepods of the genus Achtheres commonly infect perch, Perca fluviatilis, and zander, Sander lucioperca, in Europe. The aim of this study was to verify the specific identity of these copepods. The parasites were examined morphologically, biometrically and genetically. Statistical processing of the biometrical data was based on both empirical measurements and transformed data related to total length and genital trunk width. Principal component analysis was applied to both sets of data. DNA of both parasite 'forms' was amplified using two sets of primers (EU5.8S+EU18S and 18SF1+28SR) and the products were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Morphological differences were found in the overall shape of the copepod bodies as well as in the details of the armament of some appendages. The morphometric study emphasized the importance of second maxillae and genital process as the variables most distinctly distinguishing the two 'forms'. The two 'forms' of Achtheres differed in the DNA sequence amplified by one set of primers. RFLP revealed even more extensive differences between these two copepods. We concluded that the copepods parasitizing perch should be referred to as Achtheres percarum von Nordmann, 1832, whereas a long-forgotten name, A. sandrae Gadd, 1901, should be applied to the copepods from zander.

A comparative study on the parasite fauna of perch, Perca fluviatilis L., collected from a freshwater coastal lake, brackish-water Baltic Sea, and the interconnecting canal

BACKGROUND

Parasitological surveys of freshwater fishes rarely include comparisons between two ecologically different bodies of water. Such studies might help to understand processes of establishment of parasite faunas in estuary areas. The results obtained could also provide useful tools for discriminating various fish populations based on the composition of their parasite faunas. The present authors attempted to study such data from Resko Lake-a freshwater coastal lagoon (6 km2 surface area), and the adjacent areas of the Baltic Sea. Resko Lake, located 12 km west of the city of Kołobrzeg, is shallow (1.5 m) and is connected to the sea through a small canal (1.3 km long, 30 m wide).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material was collected from April 1969 and July 1970. A total of 159 perch were collected, in this number 104 fish from the lake, 43 from the sea, and 12 from the canal.

RESULTS

A total of 32 parasite species were recovered from the fish necropsied. The parasites represented 7 higher taxa: Protozoa (3 species), Cestoda (4), Digenea (13), Nematoda (5), Acanthocephala (3), Mollusca (1), and Crustacea (3). The parasite fauna of perch from the sea was definitely more abundant (31 species) compared to that of the lake (21), and the canal (12 species). Infection parameters of 13 parasite species demonstrated significant differences between the locations studied. The infection level of 6 parasite species was significantly higher in perch from the sea: Bothriocephalus scorpii, Ligula sp., Brachyphallus crenatus, Camallanus truncatus, Hysterothylacium aduncum, and Echinorhynchus gadi. On the other hand, infection levels of 7 other species were higher at the lake: Triaenophorus nodulosus, Bucephalus polymorphus, Azygia lucii, Tylodelphys clavata, Camallanus lacustris, Acanthocephalus lucii, and Achtheres percarum. The infection parameters of the fish from canal were similar to those from the lake. Interesting observations were made on the seasonality of certain parasites of both lake- and Baltic perch. The presently observed differences between parasite faunas of the fish from ecologically different adjacent estuarine locations are certainly caused by diversified environmental conditions that affected the processes of formation of the parasite communities there. Among important factors that could affect compositions of the parasite faunas could have been: availability of the intermediate hosts, exchange of waters (Baltic water influxes to the lake), fish migrations (spawning), and finally the separate identity of the two fish stocks studied.

Factors affecting the susceptibility of sea lice infection in Atlantic salmon

Parasitic copepods of the family Caligidae, otherwise known as sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus), are responsible for serious disease problems in salmon aquaculture. This mini-review examines the host factors that are affecting the susceptibility of sea lice infection in salmon; in particular, host species, environment, host stress levels, and host immunocompetency. In order to develop more effective methods to control sea lice infection, these factors should be taken into account, along with other factors such as sea lice life cycle and fecundity as well as salmon husbandry methods.

The identity of Limnoncaea diuncata Kokubo, 1914 (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida) from Hokkaido, Japan, with the relegation of Diergasilus Do, 1981 to a junior synonym of Thersitina Norman, 1905

Both sexes of an ergasilid copepod, Limnoncaea diuncata Kokubo, 1914, are redescribed based on planktonic specimens collected from the type-locality in Hokkaido, Japan. Comparison of this species with Thersitina gasterostei (Pagenstecher, 1861) revealed that they are conspecific. Another ergasilid genus with two claws on the antenna, Diergasilus Do, 1981, is relegated to synonymy with Thersitina Norman, 1905. The diagnosis of Thersitina is amended.

1pK and 2pK protonation models in the theoretical description of simple ion adsorption at the oxide/electrolyte interface: the analysis of temperature dependence of potentiometric titration curves

Two models of oxide surface charging (1pK and 2pK) were used to describe the potentiometric titration curves measured by Blesa et al. (J. Colloid Interface Sci.101, 410 (1984)) at three temperatures and at three concentrations of electrolyte. Rudzinski et al. (Langmuir13, 483 (1997)) have applied the 2pK Triple Layer Model to analyze the above system earlier. Two calculation procedures based on the 1pK Basic Stern Model were developed to described Blesa's data. Since the experimental curves have the CIP (common intersection point) it was assumed that heat of electrolyte ion adsorption was equal to zero. We assumed two different values of the double layer innermost capacitance on both sides of PZC (point of zero charge), which was followed from asymmetry of surface charge curves relative to PZC. Moreover, it was necessary to take into consideration the dependence of capacitance on ionic strength and temperature. The quality of fit given by two models was comparable. Since the 1pK BSM is simpler than the 2pK TLM and includes not so many best-fit parameters it seems to be a better choice in this case. Discussion of the results obtained by other authors concerning the subject under consideration is also presented.

Redescription of the fish parasite Lernanthropus polynemi Richiardi, 1881 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) and relegation of two congeners to synonymy

Lernanthropus polynemi Richiardi, 1881 is described, for the first time since its original discovery, based on the type-material found in the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, Germany. Morphological features of this parasite, which infects the commercially-caught fish Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw), are described and illustrated, including those of the male, which is described for the first time. The types of another species from the same host, L. lappaceus Wilson, 1912, and deposited in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, are also examined based on the type-specimens. The types of a third congener, L. trifoliatus Basset-Smith, 1898, also from the same host, are not available, but the original illustrations are studied. It is considered that the three nominal species described from E. tetradactylum represent a single taxon, and that L. lappaceus and L. trifoliatus be relegated to synonymy with L. polynemi.

Calorimetric effects accompanying ion adsorption at the charged metal oxide/electrolyte interfaces: effects of the correlations between the binding-to-surface energies of various surface complexes

As has been shown in our earlier publications, a theoretical description of ion adsorption at the real, energetically heterogeneous oxide/electrolyte interfaces, involves necessary assumption about the correlations between the adsorption energies of the various surface complexes formed at this interface. So far, only two extreme models have been considered in such theoretical descriptions: one model assuming that high correlations exist, and the other assuming that practically no correlations exist. The purpose of this paper is to develop yet another description based on a model assuming that some partial correlations exist between the adsorption energies of the various surface complexes. The other purpose of this publication is to test these three models by analysing some experimental data reported so far in literature. Such data sets must include necessary information about the enthalpic effects accompanying ion adsorption. This is because enthalpic effects are known to be more sensitive to the mechanistic models underlying a theoretical description of adsorption systems. With such requirements in mind, we have selected three adsorption systems: Al2O3/NaCl, TiO2/NaCl and silica/NaCl, for our analysis. Our theoretical-numerical analysis of the behaviour of these adsorption systems suggests that either none or partial correlations exist between the adsorption energies of the various surface complexes. However, that analysis also shows, that the present accuracy of the experimental data does not allow us to draw more elaborate conclusions.

Parasite fauna of selected fish species of Lake Miedwie

A total of 136 fishes, representing 9 species (perch, Perca fluviatilis L.; pike, Esox lucius L.; European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.); common bream, Abramis brama (L.); roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.); tench Tinca tinca (L.); European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus (L.); vendace, Coregonus albula (L.); and zander, Sander lucioperca (L.)), from Lake Miedwie were studied within 1997-1999. The necropsies yielded 41 parasite species (taxa). The most diversified were parasite faunas of pike (19 parasite species) and perch (16 species). The parasites found represented 13 higher taxa: Monera, Fungi, Protista, Myxozoa, Monogenea, Cestoda, Digenea, Nematoda, Acanthocephala, Branchiura, Copepoda, Mollusca, and Acarina. The parasites affecting fishes of Lake Miedwie exhibited diversified host-specificity. The most fish species were infected by metacercariae of Diplostomum spp. (8 fish species) and Tylodelphys clavata (7). Three fish species harboured: Ichthyocotylurus platycephalus, Ergasilus sieboldi, and glochidia Unionidae gen. sp. while Dermocystidium sp., Trichodinella epizootica, Henneguya psorospermica, Triaenophorus nodulosus, Posthodiplostomum cuticula, and Camallanus lacustris parasitised two host species. The remaining parasites were found in single fish species.

A rectangular loop-gap resonator for EPR studies of aqueous samples

A new rectangular geometry of the loop-gap resonator for the use with a flat cell has been developed. Maxwell's equations for the resonators with two, four, six, and eight gaps have been solved assuming the existence of only the magnetic z-component. The formulas obtained were numerically solved for the electric and magnetic field distributions over the cross-sections of the resonators. The presence of a nodal plane for the electric field in the center of the resonator allows the use of a flat cell instead of a capillary for EPR measurements. Using the field distributions obtained, the quality factor and EPR signal amplitude for various shapes and gap numbers for the resonators containing a flat cell filled with water were examined numerically. This allowed finding the geometry that yields the maximum EPR signal intensity. Several X-band resonators were built in order to verify the results obtained theoretically. The experiments confirmed the ability of a novel resonant structure to accommodate a flat cell filled with an aqueous sample. It has been found that the optimum aqueous sample volume for the X-band rectangular loop-gap resonator equals 16 mm3. For a saturable aqueous sample this gives a fourfold improvement in the S/N ratio over the circular 1 mm i.d. loop-gap resonator equipped with 0.6 mm i.d. capillary.

New model of charged molecule redistribution induced in spherical vesicles by direct current electric field

A new electrophoresis model of charged components in a spherical phospholipid vesicle is proposed. In the new model the effective local tangential electric field is a result of the uniform external electric field modified by the electric field of redistributed charges. The modification is calculated on the basis of the Gouy-Chapman surface potential theory. Numerical calculations of steady-state distribution of charged molecules and the transmembrane potential are performed. The results show significant difference from the old, simplified model that neglects modification of the external electric field caused by redistributed charges.

The developmental stages of Caligus elongatus von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda: Caligidae)

The morphology of all developmental stages of the fish parasite Caligus elongatus (Copepoda; Caligidae) is described. The entire life cycle consists of 8 stages: 2 nauplii, 1 copepodid, 4 chalimi, and adults. A preadult stage does not occur as it does in some other caligids. In this respect C. elongatus differs substantially from the other major sea louse species, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, which has two preadult stages.

Life cycle of a sea louse, Caligus elongatus von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Caligidae)

Caligus elongatus, known as a sea louse, is a very important pathogen of sea-farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The life cycle of C. elongatus was examined under laboratory conditions. The observations were made at 10 °C, with ambient photoperiod. Small Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) kept in full-salinity seawater were used as experimental host fish. They were infected individually by offspring of several C. elongatus females. The hosts were killed at consecutive time periods after infection and developmental stages of the parasite were recovered. The life cycle consists of 8 stages: 2 nauplii, 1 copepodid, 4 chalimi, and adult. A separate preadult stage does not occur. The copepodid is infective and all subsequent stages live on fish. The time at which a particular stage is attained by 50% of individuals in a cohort (T50) was as follows: chalimus I, 7.1 days post infection (dpi); chalimus II, 11.4 dpi; chalimus III, 14.0 dpi; chalimus IV, 17.6 dpi; adult, 24.7 dpi. The generation time was 43.3 days. The females can lay eggs at least twice. The males die after copulation (38–54 days after hatching). Overwintering females show signs of diapause.

Infection seasonality of Tracheliastes maculatus Kollar, 1835 (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Lernaeopodidae) in the warm-water canal of "Dolna Odra" power plant

Freshwater bream Abramis brama inhabiting warm-water discharge canal of the "Dolna Odra" Power Plant (Poland) were surveyed within 1983-1986 for their copepod parasites Tracheliastes maculatus. A total of 812 bream was studied and 561 females and 7 males of the parasite were recovered. The overall prevalence (for the whole survey) was 23.3% and the overall abundance was 0.69. T. maculatus were prevalent and abundant in winter while in summer they were encountered sporadically. The seasonality of the parasite exhibited consistent pattern within the studied period and it showed no signs of rise beyond the natural balance limits.

Changes in structure of the frontal filament in sequential developmental stages of Caligus elongatus von Nordmann, 1832 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida)

The frontal filament of larval and adult Caligus elongatus was examined using light and electron microscopy. No trace of a frontal filament was evident in eggs, nauplii, or young copepodids. The structure develops in older copepodids in a cuticular pocket in the cephalothorax. Upon infecting a fish, the filament extrudes and attaches permanently to the host. The subsequent chalimus stages inherit the filament. Before moulting, the "frontal organ" produces an extension lobe, which is attached to the old filament by each subsequent chalimus stage during the moult. The structure of the frontal filament is described and illustrated, as well as some details of the frontal organ. Some new terms are proposed for the elements of the filament and the organ. The suggestion is made that the life cycle of C. elongatus includes five, not four, chalimus stages.

Cystic fibrosis--V. Does cystic fibrosis alter the values of dynamic parameters of erythrocyte membrane ghosts?

1. The dynamic properties of erythrocyte membranes in CF children have been investigated by means of fluorescence and ESR techniques. 2. It has been revealed that the apparent distance separating the membrane protein tryptophan and bound 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulphonate (ANS) molecules is decreased in CF children which results in a significant increase of the maximum energy transfer efficiency. 3. The slight increase in the ratio hw/hs of maleimide bound to membrane protein-SH groups of erythrocytes in cystic fibrosis may ensue the lowered membrane protein immobilization in the plane of lipid bilayer, especially at the intrinsic, more slowly reacting thiol groups.

The association between erythrocyte internal viscosity, protein non-enzymatic glycosylation and erythrocyte membrane dynamic properties in juvenile diabetes mellitus

The association of intracellular viscosity of red blood cells and the dynamic properties of erythrocyte membranes in children suffering from diabetes has been investigated by means of ESR spectroscopy. It has been revealed that the slight decrease in the ratio hw/hs of maleimide bound to membrane protein-SH groups of erythrocytes in diabetes may ensue from the enhanced membrane protein immobilization in the plane of lipid bilayer. These alterations were accompanied by a corresponding increase in the relative rotational correlation time (tau c) of iodoacetamide spin label, thus suggesting that the conformational changes in membrane proteins may occur at both the intrinsic and more exposed thiol groups. The membranes of diabetic red blood cells were more glycosylated than those of relevant controls, and the extent of glycosylation was found to correlate significantly with h + 1/h0 and tau c (r = -0.652, P < 0.01 and r = 0.609, P < 0.01). Further, the conformational alterations in erythrocyte membranes from diabetic subjects were accompanied by a significant increase in the mobility parameter (h + 1/h0) of haemoglobin molecules in diabetic erythrocytes. The latter changes correlated well with the enhanced intracellular viscosity of diabetic red blood cells and the level of glycosylated haemoglobin. We conclude that the alterations in membrane lipid-protein interactions together with the increased glycosylation-derived internal viscosity may consequently imply altered viscoelastic properties of erythrocyte membranes and, underlying the impaired deformability of red blood cells in the diabetic state, contribute to the development of late diabetic sequelae.