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Notizen: Summary The basic scheme of nucleosynthesis (building of heavy elements from light ones) has held up very well since it was first proposed more than 30 years ago by E.M. Burbidge, G.R. Burbidge, A.G.W. Cameron, W.A. Fowler, and F. Hoyle. Significant advances in the intervening years include (a) observations of elemental and a few isotopic ratios in many more extrasolar-system sites, including metal-poor dwarf irregular galaxies, where very little has happened, and supernovae and their remnants, where a great deal has happened, (b) recognition of the early universe as good for making all the elements up to helium, (c) resolution of heavy element burning in stars into separate carbon, neon, oxygen, and silicon burning, with fine tuning of the resulting abundances by explosive nucleosynthesis in outgoing supernova shock waves, (d) clarification of the role of Type I supernovae, (e) concordance between elements produced in short-lived and long-lived stars with those that increased quickly and slowly over the history of the galaxy, and (f) calibration of calculations of the evolution and explosion of massive stars against the detailed observations of SN 1987A. The discussion presupposes a reader (a) with some prior knowledge of astronomy at the level of recognizing what is meant by an A star and an AGB star and (b) with at least a mild interest in how we got to where we currently are.

Notizen: A new crystallization kinetic equation has been derived considering the decrease in growth rate. The average linear growth rate of spherulite was assumed to be proportional to the m-th order of the uncrystallized fraction of the crystallizing material. A modified Avrami equation, 1 - Vc = exp[-Kf(t)n], was used where f(t) is the integral of the growth function, (1 - Vc)m. The validity of the equation was tested by analyzing the isothermal crystallization kinetic data of poly(ethylene terephthalate) from the melt using differential scanning calorimetry.

Notizen: Process changes aimed at improving printer engine performance must take into consideration not only the process variables (such as nip temperature and pressure and process time to), but also the melt rheological variables (such as the characteristic time scale of the toner Tc). The melt rheology relevant to the electrophotographic toner fusing process is discussed. One criterion for toner quality can be conveniently measured through the Deborah number De, which is the ratio of Tc to to. Modification of the melt rheology by matrix polymer composition and carbon black size and concentration has previously been explored. Here, the melt rheology of toners with a range of gel content was studied using a step shear test. The coupled relaxation model was employed to fit the stress relaxation data. The viscoelastic properties were calculated from the melt data with this model. These properties were then used to estimate the strain deformation of the toner as it passes through the nip with arbitrary residence time and nip pressure as a function of gel content. This method can be used to match the toner melt properties with the processing conditions.

Notizen: The unified numerical simulation of the filling/postfilling stages of the injection-molding process described in Part I is compared in the present paper with experimental results obtained with instrumented test molds. Flush-mounted pressure traces in the delivery system as well as in the cavity are favorably compared with corresponding predictions for both an amorphous and a semicrystalline polymer. It is demonstrated that the present unified formulation is well suited to handle complicated molds where compressibility effects can become important even during the filling stage, as portions of the cavity fill and undergo a packing behavior even when other regions of the cavity are still only partially filled.

Notizen: This study employs a unified theoretical model to simulate the filling and postfilling stages of the injection-molding process. Implementation of such a model is based on a hybrid finite-element/finite-difference numerical solution of the generalized Hele-Shaw flow of a compressible viscous fluid under nonisothermal conditions. The shear viscosity of the polymeric material is represented by a Cross model for the shear-rate dependence and a WLF-type functional form for the temperature and pressure dependence, whereas the specific volume is modeled in terms of a double-domain Tait equation. The analysis also handles variable specific heat and thermal conductivity of the polymer as a function of temperature. Complex thin parts of variable thickness can be modeled and discretized by flat, triangular finite elements which may have arbitrary orientation in three-dimensional space, whereas runners and possible round pins or bosses in the part are represented as one-dimensional circular-tube elements. A control-volume scheme is employed that leads to automatic melt-front advancement during the cavity-filling stage.

Notizen: The characteristic sigmoid compressive stress-strain relationships of sponges and their layered arrays are described by two kinds of mathematical models having three experimentally determined parameters. Since sponge compression is not accompanied by a significant cross-sectional area expansion, it was assumed that the stress in a multilayered array is the same in each layer. This enables prediction of the array's stress-strain relationship from the parameters of the individual layers and their known thickness. The applicability of the method is demonstrated with experimental data of two kinds of double-layered arrays of polyurethane sponges. It is shown that the arrays' compressive behavior can be satisfactorily predicted irrespective of the mathematical form of the model and whether the strain is expressed as engineering strain or Hencky's.

Notizen: The gapwise density distributions of the injection molded specimens of two engineering thermoplastics, i.e., poly(phenylene ether) and poly(ether imide), were characterized employing the density gradient column technique. The samples were molded using a 40t Van Dorn injection molding machine. The effects of the thermal history on the density distribution of unconstrained quenched specimens were also investigated. In addition, various material properties, such as pressure-volume-temperature, isothermal contraction, and pressure induced densification behavior were characterized, for the two resins employed in this study. The moldings of the two resins exhibited different trends in their density distributions. These findings were explained in terms of the competing effects of cooling rate and the pressure history experienced by the engineering plastic resins during the molding cycle. The data collected were also used as input to mathematical modeling of density distributions in injection molded articles, which is reported in Part II of this article.

Notizen: The problem of steady solidification of a power law fluid flowing in a round tube was solved numerically. The fluid considered was a polymer with temperature dependent viscosity. The mathematical solution was obtained by using an implicit finite difference method. Results are presented to show the effects of the Peclet number, Nahme number, and the power law index on the profiles of the frozen layer. Melt temperature profiles at different axial locations are also presented.

Notizen: Extensional flow of a bicomponent two-layer slot cast coextrusion process has been studied. A Newtonian and an upper-convected Maxwell fluid were considered to be the two layers, respectively, and the two-layer flow was assumed to be steady and isothermal. This choice was made as a simple model for a system which consists of two distinctly different fluids in terms of their extensional behaviors. Present study considered only the draw-down region where the film thickness changes slowly with the distance from the die exit. For this region, asymptotic solutions could be obtained for two limiting cases in which the elasticity effect of the Maxwell fluid layer is small and the applied tension at the take-off is large, respectively. When the elasticity effect is small, the melt thickness and the velocity profiles are exponential as in the case of a Newtonian single-layer flow. When the applied tension is large, on the other hand, the velocity profile is shown to be near linear. Furthermore, the viscoelasticity effect of the Maxwell fluid layer becomes so dominant that it dictates the mechanics of the coextrusion flow even when its flow rate and shear viscosity may be much smaller than those of the Newtonian layer.

Notizen: Optimal open loop control strategies are developed for a semibatch free radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate using the multiobjective dynamic optimization method. A detailed kinetic model is validated through experimentation and used for the design of optimal controls. Both monomer feed rate and reactor temperature are varied to produce the copolymer of desired composition and molecular weight. The open loop control policies are implemented in a process control computer and tested on an experimental stirred tank polymerization system. Excellent agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data have been obtained.

Notizen: The dynamic behavior of two continuous stirred tank reactors in series has been investigated for free radical solution polymerization of styrene with a binary mixture of two initiators having different thermal decomposition activities. For a wide range of initiator feed composition, both reactors exhibit quite complex nonlinear steady state and transient behavior. When the reactor residence time is used as a bifurcation parameter, the second reactor can have up to five steady states. For certain range of reactor operating conditions, bifurcations to various types of periodic solutions have been observed, such as Hopf bifurcation, isolas, period doubling, period-doubling cascade, and homoclinics. The effects of other reactor variables, such as total initiator concentration, coolant temperature, and reactor volume ratio on the reactor dynamics, are illustrated to show the complex dynamic behavior of the two-reactor system catalyzed by a mixture of t-butyl perbenzoate and benzoyl peroxide.

Notizen: This paper presents the development of a novel in-line extrusion rheometer based on the flow of polymer through a wedge (vertically tapered slit). This rheometer is suitable for measuring changes in rheological properties on-line during reactive extrusion, because it can be used to estimate the viscosity for a range of shear rates without the need to change the polymer flow rate (i.e., extruder throughput). Equations have been developed to estimate the parameters of the power-law equation, used to describe the viscosity-shear rate relationship, from measurements of pressure drops along the wedge. An experimental in-line wedge rheometer has been built and used to measure the viscosity for a series of polypropylenes prepared via reactive extrusion. Viscosity measurements from the experimental in-line wedge rheometer are compared with measurements from a capillary rheometer. Good agreement is found between the capillary and wedge rheometer measurements.

Notizen: Orbital space structures are required to be lightweight, have high specific stiffness, have near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, exhibit low outgassing, and be cost-effective. Graphite-reinforced thermoplastics have the potential to satisfy the criteria noted. However, prior to committing the materials to specific projects, technology demonstration and risk reduction is necessary. In order to demonstrate the application of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites for truss structure applications, a graphite-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composite tetrahedron truss array was designed and manufactured. The resulting structure clearly demonstrated that fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are a viable alternative to epoxy composites for orbital structures.

Notizen: The 371°C (700°F) properties of Celion 6000/N-phenylnadimide modified PMR-15 polyimide composites were investigated to determine the feasibility of using these materials at a 371°C (700°F) service temperature. The processing characteristics and physical and mechanical properties of the composite systems are presented. The results of the 371°C thermooxidative stability study suggest that the composite materials can be considered for short-term (at least 100 hours) application at 371°C.

Notizen: A series of graphite fiber/PMR-15 polyimide composites, isothermally aged at 316°C in flowing air (100 cc/min) for time periods up to 2000 h, were investigated for mechanical property changes, fiber/resin interface changes, overall dimensional changes, and weight loss. The mechanism of the degradation process is suggested based on shear and flexural property measurements at room temperature and 316°C, optical micrographs of composite cross sections, and SEM analysis of fractured surfaces. The fiber materials investigated in composite form were Celion 6000 unsized and epoxy sized. G40-700 unsized and epoxy sized, and T40R and IM6 both unsized.

Notizen: A high performance semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) has been synthesized from Thermid-600 and LARC-TPI. Notable improvements in resin fracture toughness and graphite fiber reinforced composite microcracking resistance over the unmodified Thermid-600 neat resin and composite have been realized. The chemistry, processing, physical and mechanical properties, and phase morphology of the neat resin and composite reinforced with graphite fibers are presented.

Notizen: Recently, we reported on the interpenetrating polyimide network (IPN) approach to develop tough and microcracking resistant high temperature matrix resins for use in aircraft/aerospace structural components. One such polymer developed is designated LaRC-RP40. This new simultaneous semi-IPN was prepared from easy-to-process but brittle crosslinking PMR-15 and tough but difficult-to-process linear NR-150B2. Significantly improved toughness, microcracking resistance, and glass transition temperature over PMR-15 were realized from the combination. These property improvements were achieved without compromising ease of processing, high temperature mechanical performance, and cost effectiveness compared to PMR-15. These results encouraged us to further explore this approach for the development of a wider range of polymers of basic technological and economic interest. In the present work, we combine crosslinking PMR-15 and linear LaRC-TPI to provide a new sequential semi-2-IPN called LaRC-RP41. The physical and mechanical properties of the neat resin and composite reinforced with graphite fibers are presented. The phase morphology and phase stability of the neat resin and composite studied by various techniques are also discussed.

Notizen: The mechanical properties of three dimensional stitched composites were compared against those of the traditional two dimensional laminates. An attempt was made to correlate the change in properties to the change in the third directional fiber density. Tests conducted were the impact, three-point bending, damage tolerance, end notched flexure, and bending fatigue test. The results of these tests show that the third directional fibers can effectively inhibit delamination by increasing the interlaminar shear strength. Three dimensional composites also possess better damage tolerance, fracture toughness, and fatigue life. However, a high stitching density can degrade the in-plane properties of the composites.

Notizen: Research has been conducted to investigate the water absorption in carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK/CF) and poly(phenylene sulfide) composites (PPS/CF). Effect of humidity and temperature on tensile, flexural, and impact strength of these composites were also studied. Results indicated that the water absorbed in PPS/CF and PEEK/CF are 0.059 %wt, 0.130 %wt, 0.138 %wt, and 0.153 %wt at 80°C. 75 %RH and 85 %RH, respectively. The diffusion process is a classical Fickian diffusion in the temperature range investigated. The activation energies of diffusion are 667 cal/g-mole (for PPS/CF) and 8934 cal/g-mole (for PEEK/CF) at 80°C and 75 %RH. The retention of mechanical properties of these composites is very good under hot-wet conditions. These composite materials can be served as high performance materials even in the hostile environment. PEEK/CF composites shows excellent mechanical properties retention even at 80°C, 75 %RH, and 85 %RH.

Notizen: A feasibility study on the use of vibration spectrum analysis as a tool for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of polymer composites was conducted. Material integrity of polymer composite samples was determined from the vibrational measurements by analyzing the resonant frequency and damping information. A number of important “states” in the composites tested could be characterized by this analysis. The vibration tehnique was found to be sensitive to physical flawing (fiber breakage, delamination, and matrix cracking). Vibrational NDE has many potential advantages that make it very attractive for composite applications. These include the ability to make global measurements of large structures in real-time, no geometry restrictions, and high sensitivity to a wide variety of damage states.

Notizen: Resin transfer molding (RTM) of advanced fiber architecture materials promises to be a cost effective process for obtaining composite parts with exceptional strength. However there are a larger number of material processing parameters that must be observed, known, and/or controlled during the resin transfer molding process. These include the viscosity both during impregnation and cure. In-situ sensors which can observe these processing properties within the RTM tool during the fabrication process are essential. This paper will discuss recent work on the use of frequency dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDMS) techniques to monitor these properties in the RTM tool. Our objective is to use these sensing techniques to address problems of RTM scaleup for large complex parts and to develop a closed loop, intelligent, sensor controlled RTM fabrication process.

Notizen: The cupula of the supraorbital neuromast in the lateral line canal of the clown knifefish contains vertical columns. In the central region of the cupula overlying the macula, these columns are densely packed, are relatively constant in size, and run from the base of the cupula to the surface of the cupula which is exposed to canal fluid. There are two types of columns, dark and light, which form elliptical compartments in planes of section that cut across the columns; the cupula therefore has the appearance of mosaic tile in such sections. The dark compartments contain tubules that extend from the base of the cupula at the junction with the macula to the top of the cupula. Each tubule is associated with the kinocilium of a single hair cell. The lateral parts of the cupula, not overlying the macula, also contain compartments, but these compartments differ in size and structure from those in the central region. In addition to the compartments, the central region of the cupula also contains spherical aggregates of droplets. These small aggregates, termed mora, are found principally in a layer within the central region of the cupula, but are also found outside this layer. Because of their light-reflecting properties, the mora can be used for noninvasive optical measurements in vivo of the motion of the cupula.

Notizen: Light and electron microscopic examination demonstrated two types of non-endocrine agranular cells, cavity boundary cells and stellate cells, in the adenohypophysis of the South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa. The cavity boundary cells line the hypophyseal cleft and diverticulum and display few microvilli, occasional cilia, prominent junctional complexes, and many cytoplasmic microfilaments. The stellate cells are scattered in the glandular parenchyma and are devoid of microvilli and cilia. When adjacent, they are connected to one another by desmosomes. Pinocytotic vesicles or caveolae are frequently seen along the plasma membrane of the agranular cells adjoining the endocrine cells or abutting on the basement membrane. Possible roles of the agranular cells, physically and metabolically supportive functions, are discussed on the basis of their ultrastractural features.

Notizen: The paired organ of Bellonci protrudes from the optic lobe of the giant Antarctic isopod, Glyptonotus antarcticus. It is linked to the cortex by a broad peduncle. No connection to the cuticle or “sensory pore organ” was found. A cluster of sensory-like cells forms two outer ciliary segments branching into numerous microvilli with microtubules. The putative sensory somata are irregular in shape and contain a very high density of glycogen granules. The two outer segments sprout from two pits of the soma in different directions, forming a right angle. Glial cells wrap around the sensory cells and also delimit lacunae into which bundles of microvilli project. These lacunae contain electron-dense granules of small size and with species-specific patterns. Lacunae and dense granules show features typical of a degeneration process in the sensory cells.This general morphology corresponds to the unilobular type of organ of Bellonci, known in other isopods; it differs from the plurilobular type with onion bodies found in other Crustacea.

Notizen: Neuromast structure in Rana cancrivora larvae was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Neuromast units, each being composed of two or three neuromasts, are arranged in several well-defined lines in the head, body, and tail regions. The structure of neuromasts in these three regions is basically identical. The neuromast is composed of sensory, sustentacular, and mantle cells. The top of each neuromast has a hillocklike appearance, and is surrounded by four to six epidermal cells with tight intercellular junctions. Long kinocilia and many stereocilia occur in the apex of the neuromasts and are surrounded by numerous microvilli. Numerous granules are present on the apical portions of the mantle and the sustentacular cells. Four or five trapeziform mantle cells are connected closely with each other to form the shell of the neuromast. Large intercellular spaces occur between the mantle cells and the cells of the inner epidermal layers, and between the cells of the inner epidermal layer. Thus, at the apical parts of the neuromast intercellular junctions are tight and the intercellular spaces are more dilated in more basal areas. Morphologically the neuromasts of R. cancrivora larvae resemble those of generalized pond anurans, based on the grouping of Lannoo (Journal of Morphology 191:115-129, 1987a), although larvae of this species inhabit brackish water.

Notizen: Orbital gland structure of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, was examined at the macroscopic, light microscopic, and electron microscopic levels. The gland completely encircles the ocular globe in a belt-like fashion near the conjunctival fornix but is considerably more developed medially. Duct openings are scattered throughout the fornix and over the surface of the palpebral conjunctiva. Microscopically, the gland has a tubuloalveolar arrangement; alveolar cells contain numerous secretory vesicles which can be interpreted as two structural types by light and electron microscopy. Histochemical staining demonstrates that both types contain glycosaminoglycans. Lipid analysis of the glandular secretion (dolphin tears) shows them to be non-oily and to contain only negligible amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and free fatty acids. The secretion is clear, slippery, and viscoelastic and well-adapted to protecting the eye and to reducing frictional forces between the eye surface and surrounding seawater.

Notizen: The muscle fibers of the feline biceps femoris have tapered ends, across which tension is transmitted to the endomysium. The angle of taper of 11 ends, measured on scanning electron micrographs, varied between 0.16° and 1.18°. The muscle fibers are highly variable in cross-sectional shape. The shape of the fibers has been quantified as the ratio (form factor [FF]) of the measured perimeter to the calculated circumference of a circle having an area equal to that contained by the fiber perimeter. The FF for 173 terminal portions of fibers varied between 1.06 and 1.85 and was found to have a highly significant negative correlation with sarcomere length. The slope of the regression line suggests that the fibers maintain both volume and surface area as they change length. These studies suggest that isovolumic muscle fibers maintain a constant surface area by changing shape as they change length.

Notizen: Salt glands of the domestic duck Anas platyrhynchos differ from those of the herring gull Larus argentatus and other birds. In ducks, each salt gland consists of distinct medial and lateral segments. Centrally located drainage ducts that extend along the entire length of these medial and lateral segments collect hypertonic fluid secreted by an array of lobules. Each lobule is formed by a single mass of branched tubules in which the direction of capillary blood flow is opposite to that of the secreted fluid. This fluid drains from the medial segment through an external duct that opens into the nasal cavity at the base of the vestibular fold. A duct from the lateral segment loops and opens onto the surface of the nasal septum. The structure and function of the secretory cells is reviewed briefly within the context of our study of the configuration of duck nasal salt glands.

Notizen: A contrast radiographic study of pelvic fin drainage in rays reveals considerable differences in patterns of drainage among the species studied. The “typical” shark pattern of drainage, to the lateral abdominal vein, is also found in rays with shark-like morphology. However, variation in the connections of pelvic fin veins to muscular and cutaneous vessels of the pectoral fin occurs in the more “derived” batoid groups, with marked differences between rays of similar external morphology and mode of locomotion. There is a positive association between the pattern of fin drainage and the number of radial cartilages in the posterior (metapterygial) lobe of the pectoral fin. Variation in shark pelvic fin drainage may also be related to differences in pectoral fin morphology.

Notizen: Dissections of Sudan black B stained specimens reveal that, of a complex of medial, intermediate, and lateral muscles of skates, presumed homologous to the cucullaris of sharks, only the lateral muscle is innervated by a branch or branches of the vagus and is inserted, in part, to the fused pharyngobranchials of the caudal visceral arches. The medial and intermediate muscles are supplied by separate branches of rostral spinal nerves and do not attach to the branchial skeleton. The lateral muscle therefore is the most likely homologue of the cucullaris (trapezius) of sharks and perhaps other fishes and tetrapods. The medial and intermediate muscles appear to be part of the axial musculature.

Notizen: An immunocytological study of four different parts of the gut of Helix aspersa clearly demonstrates the presence of many cells and fibers immunoreactive toward antibodies directed to vertebrate (α, β-endorphin, α, β-MSH, ACTH 1-24 and ACTH 17-39, met-enkephalin, somatostatin, insulin, glucagon, P.P., serotonin) or invertebrate (FMRF-amide) peptides.These results are evidence of the presence of different substances related to known peptides or amines in the epithelial and connective tissue cells and nerve fibers of the snail gut. Immunocytochemistry may help to elucidate the morpho-functional characteristics of the enteroendocrine cells of H. aspersa.

Notizen: A histochemical investigation of kidney and lower intestine of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) shows no carbonic anhydrase activity in proximal convoluted tubules, although activity is seen in similarly prepared sections of rat proximal tubules. Early distal tubule cells in the starling are stained throughout the cytoplasm and at the apical and highly infolded basolateral membranes. Late distal tubules lose apical activity and have reduced basolateral infolding, resulting in less intense staining. Darkly stained intercalated cells appear in the connecting tubules and cortical collecting ducts. Both of these segments also show intense basolateral staining. Medullary cones of the starling are highly organized, with central zones containing unstained thin descending limbs of loops of Henle, surrounded by both medullary collecting ducts with only scattered cells staining for enzyme, and by thick ascending limb segments. The latter contain many uniformly stained cells intermingled with occasional unstained cells. Scattered cells of the starling colonic villi demonstrate intense apical brush border membrane staining as well as cytoplasmic staining. Cells lining the cloaca stain less intensely. A biochemical assay for carbonic anhydrase was used to quantify enzyme activity in these tissues. Starling kidney contained 1.96 ± 0.33 (mean ± SEM) enzyme units/mg protein, less than half the activity seen in rat kidney. Stripped colonic epithelium contained 0.66 ± 0.15 enzyme units/mg protein. These quantitative results correlate well with the interpretations derived from the histochemical observations. The lack of proximal tubule carbonic anhydrase activity suggests that the avian kidney relies more on distal nephron segments to achieve net acidification of the urine.

Notizen: The orientation of the fibers in the dermis of the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, undergoes a dramatic repatterning at metamorphosis. The pre-metamorphic, larval dermis is a tight layer composed of crossed fibers that wind helically around the trunk. This condition is retained by neotenic adults which do not undergo metamorphosis. In contrast, the metamorphosed adult dermis consists of a superficial, loose network of fibers invested with large multicellular glands - -the stratum spongiosum - and a deeper tight layer of fibers - the stratum densum. However, unlike the crossed fibers of the pre-metamorphic dermis, there is no preferred orientation to the fibers in either layer of the post-metamorphic dermis.In order to evaluate whether these two distinctly different fiber patterns are constructed from biochemically similar fibers, the collagen types present in the pre- and post-metamorphic dermis were determined using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Type I collagen is the predominant collagen of the dermis and the same major collagen types are present for all individuals, whether preor post-metamorphic. Thus, the major types of collagen that compose the dermal fibers do not change during metamorphic repatterning of the dermis.

Notizen: In the first half of this century, several workers observed small, seemingly glandular structures attached to the ampullate glands of spiders. Hence, they were termed accessory ampullate glands. In juvenile Araneus cavaticus, two pairs of these structures are present (starting at least with third instars), one pair attached to the major ampullate (MaA) glands and the other pair attached to the minor ampullate (MiA) glands. In adults, two pairs of accessory MaA glands and two pairs of accessory MiA glands are present. The two latter-formed pairs of accessory ampullate glands are clearly the remnants of those ampullate glands which atrophy shortly after adulthood is reached. Morphological similarities between these accessory ampullate glands and those present in juveniles provide an indication that the latter also have their origin in functional ampullate glands.A reduction in the number of ampullate glands following the last molt occurs in many spiders. The reason(s) for these reductions is unknown. In penultimate spiders close to ecdysis, we have observed that while the larger pairs of MaA and MiA glands (those that are retained in the adult) are undergoing molt-related changes which apparently render them nonfunctional, their smaller counterparts are seemingly unaffected and functional. This raises the possibility that the principal role of the smaller ampullate glands may be to assume functions during the pre-ecdysial period which are normally in the domain of the larger ampullate glands. If true, then their degeneration after the last molt would make economic sense.The presence of cylindrical spigots in juvenile females starting with fourth instars is documented.

Notizen: Three basic types of cells are distinguished in the rat vomeronasal epithelium at birth: bipolar neurons, supporting cells, and basal cells. Neurons at this time include both immature and differentiated cells. By the end of the first postnatal week, all neurons show morphological signs of maturity in their cytoplasm, including abundant granular and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, neurotubules, dense lamellar bodies, apical centrioles, and tufts of microvilli. During the third week microvilli are more frequently encountered and appear to be longer and more branched. Supporting cells appear well-developed by the second day after birth. During the first ten days of life, supporting cells lose their centrioles and all of the complex associated with ciliary generation in the apical zone. Basal cells appear to be more numerous in newborns than in older animals. Protrusions projecting into the lumen are frequently observed in the epithelium of newborn animals, both on the dendrites of neurons and on supporting cells. After the third week, such protrusions are only observed in the transitional zone between the sensory and the non-sensory epithelia of the vomeronasal tubes. In this transitional zone, a fourth cell type showing apical protrusions with microvilli differentiates. Cytoplasm in this type resembles that of neighboring ciliated cells but has no cilia or centrioles. These transitional cells are considered to be cells in an intermediate state of differentiation, between that of the differentiated neurons and supporting cells of the sensory epithelium and that of the predominate ciliated cells of the non-sensory epithelium. The results suggest that by the end of the third week the vomeronasal epithelium is morphologically mature.

Notizen: The wall of the stomach of the tigerfish is described and compared with that of other vertebrates. Light microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of the stomach wall correspond to a large extent to those of other vertebrates, although some differences are found. The mucosa contains (1) surface epithelium characterized by narrow columnar cells with abundant mucous granules; (2) gastric glands consisting of pepsinogenic cells of variable height, containing tubulovesicles and bearing microvilli; (3) five granulated cell types located basally in the epithelium (types 1-5); and (4) lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. Connective tissue separating smooth muscle fibers of the muscularis mucosae constitutes a stratum compactum. The submucosa contains a loose connective tissue, a tunica muscularis of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers, and a serosa of mesothelium and subjacent connective tissue. Immunocytochemical tests with antisera to five polypeptides show gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivities in some cells of the gastric glands, and somatostatin in cells lying among epithelial cells lining the gastric luminal surface or gastric pits.

Notizen: Previous studies by Stephens and McNulty and Strecker and Stephens have demonstrated that foil barriers placed between the mesonephros and lateral plate at stages 12 to 15 inhibited limb development, but foil barriers placed between the neural tube and somites at stages 11 to 12 resulted in limbs with normal skeletal patterns. It was concluded that some influence present in the paraxial region of the embryo at stages 11 to 15 is necessary for normal limb development. The present study was undertaken to localize that influence more precisely. Foil barriers were placed in the lateral edge of the somites or segmental plate of stage 10 to 15 chick embryos. Barriers placed into stage 13 to 15 embryos resulted in chicks with normal limbs, but barriers placed into stage 10 to 11 embryos resulted in chicks with defective limbs. Barriers inserted just lateral to Hensen's node at stages 6 to 8 resulted in embryos with defective or absent wings. We also grafted stage 4 to 9 presumptive limb territories with and without Hensen's node. Explants without Hensen's node formed limb-like structures in 1% of the cases. Explants with Hensen's node formed limb-like structures in 27% of the cases. When barriers were implanted and a node was placed on the lateral side of the barrier, limbs formed in 40% of the cases. These data suggest a medial to lateral progression of some as yet unknown morphogenetic influence necessary for normal limb development and we hypothesized that the influence may initially emanate from Hensen's node.

Notizen: The limb bone skeleton of the moa, a family of extinct ratite birds endemic to New Zealand, is described with particular reference to the anatomical and functional significance of osteological landmark form variation. The results generally support the existing classification of moa. Four genera, Megalapteryx, Anomalopteryx, Dinornis, and Pachyornis, were found to be evolved within moa, with Emeus and Euryapteryx possibly being more primitive. Megalapteryx was found to be less mobile than other moa genera. The Dinornis species were found to be more cursorial and more mobile relative to other moa. They may also have had a different center of gravity. A marked development of the lower leg in Anomalopteryx suggested a digging habit associated with food procurement.

Notizen: A detailed description of muscular and skeletal features of the pelvi-cloacal region of the amphisbaenian Blanus cinereus reveals that the species has real hind limbs articulating with a real pelvic girdle. Arguments support this homology: 1) a link with the vertebral column; 2) a movable articulation, showing all the features of a diarthrosis, between the femur and the acetabulum; 3) all the long bone characteristics for the femur which distally bears a horny element. The morphological peculiarities of the amphisbaenian pelvic girdle are generally close to those of lizards, but the pubis seems to be more reduced. For the same number of precloacal vertebrae, the amphisbaenians have more appendicular elements than lizards have, and this composition recalls that of the Leptotyphlopidae, Aniliidae, and Boidae. The account provides more information concerning the aponeuro-tendinous system associated to the skeleton of the girdle and the hindlimb, the musculature, and the interrelations between the different structures of the pelvi-cloacal region.

Notizen: Programmed cell death is an integral and ubiquitous phenomenon of development that is responsible for the reduction of wing size in female moths of Orgyia leucostigma (Lymantriidae). Throughout larval and pupal life, cells of the wing epithelium proliferate and interact to form normal imaginal discs and pupal wings in both sexes. But at the onset of adult development, most cells in female O. leucostigma wings degenerate over a brief, 2-day period. Lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles appear in cells of the wing epithelium shortly after it retracts from the pupal cuticle. Hemocytes actively participate in removing the resulting cellular debris. By contrast, epithelial cells in wings of developing adult males of O. leucostigma do not undergo massive cell death. Wing epithelium of female pupae transferred to male pupal hosts behaves autonomously in this foreign environment. By pupation, cells of the female wing apparently are committed to self-destruct even in a male pupal environment. Normal interactions among epithelial cells within the plane of a wing monolayer as well as between the upper and lower monolayers of the wing are disrupted in female O. leucostigma by massive cell degeneration. Despite this disruption, the remaining cells of the wing contribute to the formation of a diminutive, but reasonably proportioned, adult wing with scales and veins.

Notizen: We describe the localization of lipids in the wall and superficial ooplasm of the largest avian ovarian follicles by the use of different fixatives and light and electron microscopy. We demonstrate that each yolk globule is always accompanied by one or more highly osmiophilic and sudanophilic alcohol insoluble yolk masses, which we have called satellite yolk. Together with the protein containing yolk globule it forms an integral morphological part of a compartmentalized, bipartite yolk system. Cytochemical, histoautoradiographic, biochemical, and light and electron microscopical aspects of satellite yolk were studied. At the start of satellite yolk formation in the 3-4 mm diameter follicle (when the oocyte begins to yellow) the distribution of the microcirculation of the follicle wall becomes printed on the underlying superficial ooplasm of the oocyte. The oocyte then presents so-called yolk mountains (containing satellite yolk), only localized below the thecal capillary sinus and not below the efferent and radially perforating thecal veins (black hole regions). We also describe the structural continuity between the thecal intercellular spaces and the microvilli-associated extracellular spaces of the granulosa cells via the basement membrane. The thecal cells present centripetal extensions into the basement membrane and the basement membrane material extends centripetally into the granulosa microvillar channels. Therefore, at least two cellular barriers are crossed when fat or fat precursors are transported from the thecal capillary sinus to the ooplasm.

Notizen: Embryos of the poeciliid Heterandria formosa develop to term in the ovarian follicle in which they establish a placental association with the follicle wall (follicular placenta) and undergo a 3,900% increase in embryonic dry weight. This study does not confirm the belief that the embryonic component of the follicular placenta is formed only by the surfaces of the pericardial and yolk sacs; early in development the entire embryonic surface functions in absorption. The pericardial sac expands to form a hood-like structure that covers the head of the embryo and together with the yolk sac is extensively vascularized by a portal plexus derived from the vitelline circulation. The hood-like pericardial sac is considered to be a pericardial amnion-serosa. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal that during the early and middle phases of development (Tavolga's stages 10-18 for Xiphophorus maculatus) the entire embryo is covered by a bilaminar epithelium whose apical surface is characterized by numerous, elongate microvilli and coated pits and vesicles. Electron-lucent vesicles in the apical cytoplasm appear to be endosomes while a heterogeneous group of dense-staining vesicles display many features characteristic of lysosomes. As in the larvae of other teleosts, cells resembling chloride cells are also present in the surface epithelium. Endothelial cells of the portal plexus lie directly beneath the surface epithelium of the pericardial and yolk sacs and possess numerous transcytotic vesicles. The microvillous surface epithelium becomes restricted to the pericardial and yolk sacs late in development when elsewhere on the embryo the non-absorptive epidermis differentiates. We postulate that before the definitive epidermis differentiates, the entire embryonic surface constitutes the embryonic component of the follicular placenta. The absorptive surface epithelium appears to be the principle embryonic adaptation for maternal-embryonic nutrient uptake in H. formosa, suggesting that a change in the normal differentiation of the surface epithelium was of primary importance to the acquisition of matrotrophy in this species. In other species of viviparous poeciliid fishes in which there is little or no transfer of maternal nutrients, the embryonic surface epithelium is of the non-absorptive type.

Notizen: The flagellum of the thysanopteran spermatozoon has been examined by electron microscopy and computer-aided image analysis. The flagellum consists of 27 microtubular elements that probably are formed as outgrowths from three separate basal bodies. Nine of the elements are normal microtubular doublets that carry dynein arms and nine are doublets without dynein arms. The remaining nine elements are microtubular singlets that apparently bear dynein arms and have the same appearance as A-subtubules of microtubular doublets. The 27 elements are arranged in a fixed pattern that consists of nine groups, each of which begins with a microtubular singlet and ends with an arm-less microtubular doublet. Computer-aided image analysis has shown that the A-subtubules of the doublets and the microtubular singlets have lumens with very similar patterns. The sperm tail is known to have some motility; it generates fast waves running along its length. The amalgamated axonemes hence act as a functional flagellum. The thysanopteran sperm tail is the only type of flagellum known to us that consists of microtubules in a highly asymmetric array.

Notizen: Many arachnids lack extensor muscles at the femoropatellar (knee) joint of their legs and extend this joint with hydraulic pressure during locomotion. Pressure is generated through compression of the prosoma, but there is disagreement about which muscles are involved in this process. Many arachhnologists consider contraction of the musculi laterales, a group of modified extrinsic leg muscles, as the cause of high prosomal pressure and regard hydraulic extension as a derived feature. However, integration of results from phylogenetic and comparative anatomical studies supports the view that hydraulic extension is primitive in Arachnida and that fluid pressure is generated by contraction of endosternal suspensor muscles.The functional predictions of the musculi laterales and endosternite hypotheses were tested by measuring muscle activity and prosomal pressure during unrestrained locomotion in a primitively “extensorless” arachnid, the giant whipscorpion. The results corroborate the endosternite model and refute the musculi laterales model. Changes in the prosomal pressure baseline were correlated with changes in endosternal muscle activity, while the musculi laterales fired in a step-coupled pattern of discrete bursts that appeared to be incapable of generating the pressure observed during locomotion. Step-coupled fluctuations in prosomal pressure were observed but were apparently caused by rapid flexing of the femoropatellar joints of the fourth leg pair rather than contraction of the musculi laterales.

Notizen: In the fungiform papilla of Rana esculenta (Anura Ranidae), the Ca++-ATPase is mainly distributed on the basolateral membrane of the sensory area cells (i.e., neuroepithelial, supporting, and mucous cells). Apical membranes of all cells facing the surface present a slight enzymatic activity. Lateral wall cells have a strong Ca++-ATPase activity on basolateral and apical membranes. Strong Na+, K+-ATPase activity occurs on the apical surface of neuroepithelial cells. Ca++-ATPase activity is absent on the surface of endothelial cells of the capillaries located under the sensory area. These observations lead us to conclude that the sensory area of fungiform papilla is the selective way for calcium influx. Furthermore the absence of ATPase activity on the surface of the endothelial cells indicates that there is no functional barrier to calcium influx into capillary, and that calcium can be removed by vessels from the sensory area.

Notizen: Spermatogenesis and sperm ultrastructure were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the longidorid Xiphinema theresiae. All germ cell stages, except spermatogonia, are present in the testes of young adult males. The nonflagellated, slightly elongated sperm displays little intraspecific variation and, although never polarized into a head and tail region, has a remarkably precise form, with a high degree of internal organization. Incipient fingerlike pseudopodia appear in the young spermatid and increase to such an extent that the adult sperm has a conspicuous “woolly” appearance. Microfilament bundles encircle the perinuclear mitochondria in the spermatid, and seem to be closely associated with the evaginated plasma membrane, especially in the spermatozoon. A large nucleus with nuclear envelope is prominent in the spermatocyte, but the envelope is absent in the young spermatid. Mitochondria are present in all germ cell stages and undergo certain morphological changes (e.g., in size and number, presence or absence of cristae), as well as changes in intracellular movements during spermatogenesis. Membranous organelles are prominent in the spermatocyte, but disappear in the older spermatid. Annulate lamellae and a residual body (i.e., cytophore) are conspicuous in the spermatocyte and spermatid, respectively; the spermatozoon clearly lacks a refringent body (i.e., acrosome).

Notizen: The morphology and distribution of muscle spindles of jaw and tongue muscles in the mallard were examined in serial transverse sections of single muscles and in horizontal sections of a whole head. Our observations on spindle morphology are in agreement with previous descriptions of spindles in birds. Some spindles differ in their innervation and the pattern of intrafusal muscle fibers. The spindles of individual adductor and pterygoid muscles are distributed unevenly. Some adductor muscles lack spindles, whereas those of other muscles are confined to limited areas. Jaw opening muscles and extrinsic tongue muscles lack spindles. The stretch of extrafusal muscle fibers could be estimated from the difference in sarcomere length for birds with the beak open and closed. Not all muscle fiber groups are stretched evenly over the whole range of jaw opening. Only those fiber groups that are continuously stretched during jaw opening contain spindles.

Notizen: Living embryos of three species of South American annual fishes, Cynolebias constanciae, C. nigripinnis, and C. whitei, were observed from fertilization through the 10-somite stage. A description of normal stages of development applicable to all three species of Cynolebias is presented. Cleavage (stages 1-10) is meroblastic and produces a typical teleost blastoderm. Following cleavage (stages 11-13) blastomeres segregate into two populations, viz., (1) a population of deep blastomeres that will disperse as single motile cells, and (2) a hemispherical shell of outer blastomeres that flattens to form an enveloping cell layer (EVL). When epiboly of the EVL and the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) commences (stage 14), deep blastomeres clump together as a consolidation mass and then migrate outward as single cells on the YSL. When epiboly is concluded (stage 19), deep blastomeres have completely dispersed. If diapause does not intervene, the dispersed phase lasts only a few days. Subsequently, the dispersed cells come together to form a definitive aggregate (stage 27). Embryogenesis within the reaggregated mass of previously dispersed cells produces a typical teleost embryo.Early development in Cynolebias resembles that of other South American annual fishes, such as Austrofundulus, in that a phase of deep blastomere dispersion and reaggregation spatially and temporally separates epiboly from embryogenesis. Several features of development markedly differ from Austrofundulus. There are far fewer (250 vs. 2,500) deep blastomeres. Deep cells of Cynolebias are flattened rhomboids with filipodial extensions in contrast to the amoeboid cells of Austrofundulus. Blastomeres of dispersion and reaggregation stages in Cynolebias send out numerous cell surface extensions onto the YSL and in contact with one another, and often line up in rows as do some African annual fishes, e.g., Nothobranchius. During Dispersion II (stage 21), Reaggregation I (stage 22), and Reaggregation II (stage 23), deep cells move in an oriented pattern with respective mean velocities of 3.48 ± 0.91, 1.28 ± 0.46, and 1.31 ± 0.31 μm/minute. Cells move toward a granular mass of unknown composition, located at the YSL-yolk interface in the lower hemisphere of the egg. This mass appears to coincide with the site of cell reaggregation.

Notizen: Several surfperches (Embiotocidae), including the black surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni, exhibit a specialized prey handling behavior known as winnowing, in which ingested food and non-nutritive debris are separated within the oropharyngeal cavity. Prey items are swallowed, and unpalatable material is ejected from the mouth. Winnowing is believed to play an important role in the partitioning of food resources among sympatric embiotocids. We present a mechanistic model for this separative prey processing based on high-speed video analysis, cineradiography, electromyography, and buccal and opercular cavity pressure transducer recording.Winnowing by embiotocids is characterized by premaxillary protrusions repeated cyclically with reduced oral gape. Protrusion is accompanied by depression of the hyoid apparatus and adduction of the opercula. Alternating expansion and contraction of the buccal and opercular cavities generate regular pressure waveforms that indicate bidirectional water flow during processing. Separation of food from debris by Embiotoca jacksoni occurs in three phases. The prey-debris bolus is transported anteriorly and posteriorly within the oropharyngeal cavity and is then sheared by the pharyngeal jaws. Mechanical processing is complemented by the rinsing action of water currents during hydraulic prey transport.The feeding apparatus of Embiotoca jacksoni is functionally versatile, although not obviously specialized relative to that of nonwinnowing surfperches. Protrusion of the premaxillae and depression of the hyoid apparatus are critical to both prey capture and subsequent prey processing. The pharyngeal jaws exhibit kinematic patterns during separation of food from debris distinct from those observed during mastication of uncontaminated prey. This behavioral flexibility facilitates resource partitioning and the coexistence of E. jacksoni in sympatric embiotocid assemblages.

Notizen: Quantifying shape is a broad problem in the morphological sciences. Most techniques for numerically describing shape abstract the shape into the most logical ideal Euclidean dimension. The fractional, or fractal, dimension is a simple computation that expresses shape in real, rather than ideal, space. The structured walk technique developed for the fractal analysis of rugged boundaries is applied here to the contour of the human sagittal suture in order to discriminate the separate morphological patterns of interfingering and interlocking. These attributes contribute differentially to the suture's “complexity,” a concept often used in biomechanical hypotheses. Previous techniques for estimating sutural complexity do not isolate small-scale from large-scale morphological patterns. Results indicate that despite the visual appearance of great variation, human sagittal sutures are remarkably consistent in the degree of complexity expressed separately by large-scale interfingering lateral excursions and small-scale interlocking ruggedness. There is no significant correlation between the absolute or bregma-lambda chord length of the human sagittal suture and its degree of complexity as determined by the structured walk technique.

Notizen: Spermatophores in a squid, Todarodes pacificus, were observed by light and electron microscopy and were further analyzed by X-ray microanalysis (XMA) of frozen thin sections. Each spermatophore consists of a sperm mass, a cement body, an ejaculatory apparatus, and some fluid materials, all of which are covered by an outer tunic. The outer tunic consists of about 20 membranous layers, each containing straight, parallel microgrooves. Each layer's microgroove pattern is roughly in an orthogonal arrangement with respect to the next layer's pattern. The sperm mass, which is the only cellular component, consists of a sperm rope which is coiled more than 500 times. Most of the spermatozoa in the rope are arranged regularly and are enveloped in materials which are well-stained by Alcian blue. The cement body is located between the sperm mass and ejaculatory apparatus and has a hard outer shell with an arrowhead-like structure, presumably for penetration into the tissue of the female. Calcium and phosphorus are present in the shell of the cement body, which also has an affinity for alizarin red. The ejaculatory apparatus consists of two tubes, designated as the inner tunic and the inner membrane.After the spermatophoric reaction, a sperm reservoir is formed at the anterior end of the extruded and inverted ejaculatory apparatus. The sperm reservoir, which encases the sperm mass, is composed of the cement body at the anterior end and the inner tunic of the ejaculatory apparatus at the posterior end.

Notizen: Spermiogenesis in the South American leptodactylid frog Odontophrynus cultripes was analyzed ultrastructurally. The spermatids undergo morphological modification while still enclosed in microtubule-rich processes of Sertoli cells. Electron-dense plates resembling junctional structures appear in regions at which the spermatids lie in close contact with the surface of Sertoli cell processes. Spermatid differentiation can be divided into five distinct stages based mainly on chromatin condensation. In the late stages, the densely compacted chromatin loses reactivity to ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). Helical arrangements of microtubules appear in the cytoplasm that surrounds the spermatid nucleus after the second stage. The acrosomal vesicle differentiates into a cone-shaped acrosome that caps the anterior region of the nucleus. The connecting piece, located in the flagellum implantation zone, has transverse striations, and is continuous with the axial rod. The tail is formed by a 9 + 2 axoneme, an undulating membrane, and an axial rod that is rich in basic proteins as demonstrated by E-PTA staining.

Notizen: Morphology of the chromaffin cells of Triturus cristatus during a complete annual cycle has been investigated. General ultrastructural characteristics are similar for all chromaffin cells, including numerous small mitochondria, well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum with short cisternae. The primary difference among cells is the type of the chromaffin granules they posses. These are of two kinds: adrenalin (A) and noradrenalin granules (NA). Both types are simultaneously present in the chromaffin cells but with different ratios during the year. During December-January and May-August, NA granules largely prevail, while in September-November and February-April, A and NA granules are present in about equal quantities. The total quantity of catecholamine granules, however, is relatively constant throughout the year. These findings suggest that T. cristatus has a single type of chromaffin cell, the granule content of which varies according to different functional states. The catecholamines are apparently discharged by exocytosis.

Notizen: The palatoquadrate and associated dermal bones have significant evolutionary transformations among teleostomes and provide numerous features that characterize teleostomian subgroups. The palatoquadrate forms the upper part of the mandibular arch and is present as a single cartilaginous element in the early ontogeny of teleostomes, except for some advanced teleosts such as siluroids where it is divided into pars autopalatina and pars pterygoquadrata. During ontogeny, the palatoquadrate may ossify as a unit, with a pars autopalatina (absent in Acanthodii), pars quadrata, and pars metapterygoidea in teleostomes (e.g., primitive acanthodians and actinopterygians, onychodonts, and rhipidistians). However, the palatoquadrate may remain cartilaginous (e.g., chondrosteans) or it may ossify as separate elements (e.g., autopalatine, metapterygoid, and quadrate) as occurs in advanced acanthodians, Polypterus and advanced actinopterygians, and advanced actinistians. From the single-unit pattern, separate autopalatine, metapterygoid, and quadrate evolve in parallel in the three teleostomian subgroups. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between actinopterygian and actinistian autopalatines and among acanthodian, actinopterygian, and actinistian metapterygoids and quadrates. A palatoquadrate fused with the neurocranium occurs in parallel in dipnoans.There are differences in the timing of ossification of the autopalatine, metapterygoid, and quadrate. The autopalatine ossifies late in ontogeny in Polypterus, Amia, and primitive teleosts (absent in lepisosteids and osteoglossmorphs), whereas both metapterygoid and quadrate ossify early in ontogeny. The early ossification of the autopalatine is characteristic of clupeocephalan teleosts. During ontogeny, tooth plates (not forming a separate dermometapterygoid) fuse with the metapterygoid in actinopterygians.Pars autopalatina, pars metapterygoidea, and pars quadrata are regions at the three corners of the single-unit palatoquadrate present in primitive teleostomes; there are no clear limits among these regions, but they may be identified by their processes, articular facets, and topographical relationships with surrounding bones and the orbit. Autopalatine, metapterygoid, and quadrate are chondral bones, perichondrally ossified. Dermal elements such as dermopalatine(s), entopterygoid, ectopterygoid, and tooth plates may cover the palatoquadrate medially. The predermopalatine that originates in front of pars autopalatina in Cladistia and the “dermopalatine” that lies medial to the ectopterygoid in Ginglymodi are specializations of these groups. A dermopalatine fused with the autopalatine is characteristic of clupeocephalan teleosts. Highly specialized tendon bone pterygoids are found in some teleosts (e.g., siluroids). The presence of both maxilla and lacrimal lateral to the pars autopalatina is synapomorphous of osteichthyans. The eye supported by the bony palatoquadrate is a teleostomian synapomorphy. Dermal elements support the eye in actinopterygians, the entopterygoid in advanced actinopterygians, but the ectopterygoid in lepisosteids.A quadratojugal is a synapomorphy of osteichthyans but exhibits a number of transformations in connection with the vertical pit-line and the preopercular canal; a quadratojugal bearing the vertical pit-line is the primitive condition for osteichthyans. Ontogenetic evidence does not support the homology of the membranous posterior process of the teleostean quadrate with the quadratojugal. The lack of a quadratojugal and the presence of the elongate posterior or posteroventral process of the quadrate is a synapomorphy of teleosts.

Notizen: Rickettsiae-like structures were found in the salivary gland cells of Drosophila auraria during different larval and prepupal developmental stages, from the early 3rd instar up to 14 hr after spiracle inversion. These microorganisms are surrounded by a membrane, are constantly intracellular, and occur singly or in groups. Their widespread occurrence in various tissues of other Drosophila species indicates that they can be considered as symbionts, but their actual functional significance (if any) is unknown.

Notizen: Histology of each of the five segments of the oviduct of the female turtle Chrysemys picta was described for successive intervals throughout their annual cycle. Uterine and glandular segments showed marked seasonal variations in the extent and content of the submucosal and epithelial glands. Submucosal glands were most prominent in preovulatory and postovulatory animals (May to June), regressing in late summer (oviposited animals) and recrudescing the following spring. These changes correlated with variations in the muscularis layer, the number of uterine epithelial blebs, oviductal vascularity, and the presence of eosinophils in cervical segment cross-sections. These cyclic seasonal changes are discussed in relationship to reported seasonal changes in gonadal steroids in this species. Hormonal control was corroborated by oviductal response to estradiol-17β injected (1 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks) into mature, reproductively inactive (winter) animals. This treatment induced increases in glandular activity, vascularity, and distribution of eosinophils comparable to those of reproductively active (summer) animals.

Notizen: Molluscan shells, including those of Gastropoda, are formed by accretionary growth at the mantle edge. The mantle is a thin membrane of skirt-like shape, which extends minutely beyond the aperture, and its edge adds a shell increment to the aperture margin so that each increment copies a configuration of the mantle edge at that time. Thus, regulation of shell morphogeny is almost equivalent to the factors which control the mantle form at the moment of shell growth. Form of the mantle skirt is considered to be kept in a state of balance between the force of its internal stress and forces acting on it such as fluid pressure or muscle contraction.The expansion behavior of the mantle skirt has been numerically analyzed by using an elastic model (DMS-tube), which represents the fundamental structure of the mantle tissue as a double membrane structure with internal springs (DMS). Four characteristic expansion patterns of the DMS-tube have been detected: (1) general outward expansion; (2) developing a ridge-like fold on an initial longitudinal protrusion of the tube edge; (3) drastic shift of the expanded state from a uniformly curved to an elliptical shape in outline, owing to the existence of a fixed boundary condition on the tube wall; and (4) constricted protrusion on the open region of the shell wall surrounding the DMS-tube. These results have the potential for answering the following questions relating to the morphogenesis of gastropod shells. How does the mantle skirt usually make contact with the inner surface of the shell wall so as to ensure continuous accretion of shell materials to the aperture margin? What is the cause of spiral ridges? Why do open coiling or minimally overlapping shells have generally circular apertures, while shells with apertures overlapped by whorls have non-uniformly curved apertural lips? What is the cause of long closed spines and why do they always appear on spiral ridges?

Notizen: The larval antenna of Bombyx mori has 13 sensilla and about 52 sensory neurons in its distal portion. The axons form two nerve cords which unite in the cranial hemocoel to supply the brain as the olfactory nerve. The antennal imaginal disc, which is a thick pseudostratified epithelium continuous with the antennal epidermis, thickens markedly during the 5th instar by rapid cell proliferation. At the prepupal stage cell proliferation ceases and the disc everts to form a large pupal antenna. Simultaneously, an extensive cell rearrangement occurs in the antennal epidermis and the disc tissue becomes much thinner because of the abrupt expansion of antennal surface area. The two larval nerve cords thin down markedly by degeneration of axons, but they do not disintegrate totally even after the onset of pupation. The epidermis of the larval antenna forms the distal portion of the pupal antenna, while the imaginal disc forms the more basal portion. Development to the adult antenna occurs almost immediately after the onset of pupation; many adult neurons appear in the simple epidermis facing toward the thick outer side of the newly formed pupal cuticle. By 12 hours after the onset of pupation, these neurons align themselves in many transverse rows which are the first sign of the adult antennal configuration. Addition of these neuronal axons to the once-thinned nerve cords causes resumed thickening of the cords during the first 24 hours and thereafter. Differentiation of adult sensilla begins in the next 24 hours and is almost completed at the third day of pupation, which requires a total of 10 days.

Notizen: Sensilla diversity and abundance were extremely high on the apex of the maxillary and labial palpi of two species of Gryllacrididae. The terminal segment of the maxillary palpi of these species had 9 and 15 sensilla types, respectively, and up to 2,834 sensilla. The labial palpi had 7 and 12 types, respectively, and up to 5,195 sensilla. Several types of multiporous smooth and ridged olfactory basiconic sensilla, and coeloconic, coelosphaeric, placoid, and multipapilliform sensilla occurred, as well as many trichoid sensilla and the more typical uniporous basiconic contact receptors. Two species of the closely related Stenopelmatidae were compared to the gryllacridids and found to have similar sensillar diversity and abundance, but three species of the more distantly related Tettigoniidae had only 4 or 5 sensilla types and a total number ranging from 320 to 960 on their maxillary palpi.

Notizen: The results of volumetric measurements led Hanström ('28) to suggest that specialized neuropil in the brain, the so-called central body (CB), may be of particular importance in the nervous control of web building behavior in spiders. We compared the volumes of the various brain regions in four spider species clearly differing in lifestyle and web building behavior: an orb weaver (Nephila clavipes), a wandering spider (Cupiennius salei), a jumping spider (Phidippus regius), and a bird spider (Ephebopus sp.). Our results obtained in adult animals as well as our observations on the postembryonic development of the brain do not support Hanström's hypothesis. The relative share of the CB in the brain is very similar in all four species (ca. 3.1 to 5.1%). The differentiation of the CB into a clearly demarcated two-lobed structure does not coincide with the onset of web building behavior in Nephila. The CB of both Nephila and Cupiennius is already clearly recognizable in spiderlings which have not even left the egg sac.

Notizen: The venom gland of Crotalus viridis oreganus is composed of two discrete secretory regions: a small anterior portion, the accessory gland, and a much larger main gland. These two glands are joined by a short primary duct consisting of simple columnar secretory cells and basal horizontal cells. The main gland has at least four morphologically distinct cell types: secretory cells, the dominant cell of the gland, mitochondria-rich cells, horizontal cells, and “dark” cells. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the mitochondria-rich cells are recessed into pits of varying depth; these cells do not secrete. Horizontal cells may serve as secretory stem cells, and “dark” cells may be myoepithelial cells. The accessory gland contains at least six distinct cell types: mucosecretory cells with large mucous granules, mitochondria-rich cells with apical vesicles, mitochondria-rich cells with electron-dense secretory granules, mitochondria-rich cells with numerous cilia, horizontal cells, and “dark” cells. Mitochondria-rich cells with apical vesicles or cilia cover much of the apical surface of mucosecretory cells and these three cell types are found in the anterior distal tubules of the accessory gland. The posterior regions of the accessory gland lack mucosecretory cells and do not appear to secrete. Ciliated cells have not been noted previously in snake venom glands.Release of secretory products (venom) into the lumen of the main gland is by exocytosis of granules and by release of intact membrane-bound vesicles. Following venom extraction, main gland secretory and mitochondria-rich cells increase in height, and protein synthesis (as suggested by rough endoplasmic reticulum proliferation) increases dramatically. No new cell types or alterations in morphology were noted among glands taken from either adult or juvenile snakes, even though the venom of each is quite distinct. In general, the glands of C. v. oreganus share structural similarities with those of crotalids and viperids previously described.

Notizen: The organization of identified neurosecretory cell groups in the larval brain of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, was investigated immunocytologically. Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction was used to examine the architecture of the neurosecretory cell groups. The group III lateral neurosecretory cells (L-NSC III) which produce the prothoracicotropic hormone are located dorsolaterally in the protocerebrum and extend axons medially that decussate to the contralateral lobe prior to exiting the brain through the nervi corporis cardiaci I + II. The group IIa2 medial neurosecretory cells (M-NSC IIa2) are located anteriorly in the medial dorsal protocerebrum. The axons of these cells also exit the brain via the contralateral nervi corporis cardiaci I + II. However, their axons traverse a different pathway through the brain from that of the L-NSC III axons. Each of the cell groups possesses elaborate dendrites with terminal varicosities. The dendrites can be classified into specific fields based upon their location and projection pattern within the brain. The dendrites for these two neurosecretory cell groups overlap in specific regions of the protocerebral neuropil. After the axons of these neurosecretory cells exit the brain through the retrocerebral nerve, they innervate the corpus allatum where they arborize to form neurohemal terminals in strikingly different patterns. The L-NSC III penetrate throughout the glandular structure and the M-NSC IIa2 terminals are restricted to the external sheath. A third group of cerebral neurosecretory cells, the ventromedial neurons (VM) which stain with the monoclonal antibody to prothoracicotropic hormone in Manduca, are located anteriorly in the medial region of the brain. The axons of these cells do not exit the brain to the retrocerebral complex, but rather pass through the circumesophageal connectives and ventral nerve cord. These neurons appear to be the same VM neurons that produce eclosion hormone. One dendritic field of the L-NSC III terminates in close apposition to the VM neurons. The distinct morphologies of these neurosecretory cell groups in relation to other cell groups and the distribution of neuropeptides within the neurons suggest that insect neurosecretory cells, like their vertebrate counterparts, may have multiple regulatory roles.

Notizen: The micropylar apparatus (MA) in Rhagoletis cerasi (Diptera, Tephritidae) is located at the anterior pole of the egg and consists of two parts: an outer chorion and an inner vitelline membrane. Sperm entry takes place through the micropylar canal, 2.0-2.5 μm in diameter, which penetrates the micropylar endochorion and terminates in the thick vitelline membrane, thus forming the “pocket.” The pore of the micropylar canal, i.e., the micropyle, is covered by the exochorionic tuft.The formation of the MA is accomplished by 40 micropylar cells during oogenesis. These cells secrete the successive eggshell layers: the vitelline membrane, the wax layer, the innermost chorionic layer, the micropylar endochorion, and the exochorion. Two among 40 micropylar cells differentiate and form two tightly connected projections. The latter contain a bundle of parallel microtubules and participate in the formation of the micropylar canal and the pocket. At the tip of the projections there are two thin extensions full of microfilaments. In late developmental stages the two projections and the extensions degenerate and leave the canal and the pocket behind. We also discuss the structural features of the MA in relation to its physiology among Diptera.

Notizen: It is uncommon to find acid phosphatase activity in mature secretory granules. This paper demonstrates by light and electron microscope cytochemistry an acid phosphatase in mature secretory granules in the cells of one region of the salivary gland of Bradysia hygida (Diptera, Sciaridae). These secretory granules increase in number during larval development up to the beginning of the pre-pupal period when they undergo massive exocytosis. Biochemical assays show that upon exocytosis of the majority of the granules the total acid phosphatase activity in the granular gland region drops to 10% of the maximum reached before exocytosis. During and after exocytosis, two other acid phosphatases, eletrophoretically different and much weaker in activity, become increasingly detectable in all gland regions. At the same time, in whole mount preparations, numerous tiny acid phosphatase-positive granules (probably secondary lysosomes) become evident in all major cell types of the salivary gland. These results indicate that the S2 region of the salivary gland has mature secretory granules containing an acid phosphatase destined for exocytosis which is different in molecular properties from other acid phosphatases (likely lysosomal) made by the gland.

Notizen: The general histology and ultrastructure of the tongue and anterior process of the sublingual plica of four Taiwanese venomous snakes, the Chinese cobra (Naja naja atra), banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus), Taiwan habu (Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus), and bamboo snake (Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri) are described.The tongue fork exhibits a mid-dorsal invagination that broadens gradually toward its base. No mid-ventral invagination is observed. The epithelial cells on both dorsal and ventral aspects of the tongue fork have large and small microfacets, micropores and microvilli. The cell size, distribution pattern of the large microfacets, and the number of small microfacets present on both sides of the fork are essentially the same within a species, but vary among species. The function of these ultrastructures on the cell surface might be for the capture of chemical substances. The large microfacets are raised areas of the cell membrane, each with a pale granule contained within. The chemical nature of the pale granule is not yet known. The small pores surrounding the large microfacets are shallow hollows left after the release of the pale granules from the microfacets. The basic histological pattern of the tongue fork of these species is similar, being composed of a mucosal layer outside and dense musculature inside. No taste buds are discernible.The anterior processes are concave-like expansions of the anteriormost portions of the sublingual plicae. The oblique folds and micropapillae of this organ might be helpful for receiving the chemicals collected on the tongue, when the tongue makes contact with the elevated processes. The elevated processes may penetrate the ducts of Jacobson's organs to effect the final transfer.

Notizen: The scaleless notothenioid Gymnodraco acuticeps is a bottom dweller beneath the sea ice of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Gymnodraco experience unusual environmental conditions, including highly oxygenated subzero water. Skin morphology is evaluated with reference to its potential as a barrier to ice propagation and as a surface for cutaneous respiration. Light and electron microscopy and histochemistry reveal skin structure that is generally similar to that of other teleosts. In the epidermis, epithelial cells are arranged in nine to fifteen layers, and two types of mucous cells are also present. Large mucous cells are most common on external epidermal surfaces, whereas small cells are more frequent on internal epithelial surfaces. Epithelial cell junctions have extensive areas of desmosomes as well as interdigitations of the cell membranes, especially in the basal and midepidermis. The dermis consists of an exceptionally dense stratum compactum. The skin is thicker than that of Bovichtus, a scaleless temperate notothenioid from New Zealand. Mean skin thicknesses at sites on the trunk are 371-711 μm. With the exception of fins that contact the substrate, epidermal thickness between rays of most fins is 70-118 μm. The epithelial surfaces of the oral and branchial cavities are 27-50 μm thick. An unusual type of connective tissue is present beneath the epidermis of the pelvic fin. It contains abundant ground substance and is similar to mucous connective tissue of the mammalian umbilical cord. Perfusions of a microvascular filling agent reveal a moderately developed cutaneous vasculature. These vessels have the dimensions of capillaries (mean external diameter 11 μm). They are confined to the dermis and are more prominent on the head than on the trunk. The skin is secondary to the gills as a respiratory surface in Gymnodraco.

Notizen: To determine the separate spermatogenic actions of FSH and testosterone, adult male lizards Hemidactylus flaviviridis with recrudescent testes were administered the non-steroidal antiandrogen flutamide either alone or in combination with FSH or testosterone, and the histology and histochemistry of the testes and ductus epididymides were studied. Flutamide-treated animals displayed a marked hypertrophy of Leydig cells. A few spermatids were also seen in testis of more than half the animals treated with flutamide. Flutamide also produced a significant increase of primary spermatocytes; no spermatids were observed in controls. A significant inhibition of spermatogenesis was noted in lizards treated either with testosterone alone or in combination with flutamide. Ovine FSH treatment caused a significant stimulation of spermatogenesis, as indicated by the increase of primary and secondary spermatocytes and the transformation of secondary spermatocytes into spermatids or, in a few cases, into spermatozoa. A considerable depletion of sudanophilic lipid and moderate Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was noted in the Leydig cells of FSH-treated animals indicating enhanced steroidogenesis. Similar results were obtained when lizards were treated with flutamide + FSH. The effects of simultaneous treatment of flutamide with FSH or testosterone on ductus epididymidis revealed that flutamide markedly inhibited the epithelial cell height and lumen diameter with a loss of luminal content when compared to FSH or testosterone-treated lizards.

Notizen: An immunohistochemical study of the localization of cytotactin and cytotactin-binding (CTB) proteoglycan throughout embryonic development of the anuran Xenopus laevis reveals that both appear in a restricted pattern related to specific morphogenetic events.CTB proteoglycan expression is first detected during gastrulation at the blastopore lip. Later, it is seen in the archenteron roof around groups of cells forming the notochord, somites, and neural plate. Cytotactin first appears after neurulation, and is restricted to the intersomitic regions. Both molecules appear along the migratory pathways of neural crest cells in the trunk and tail. Later, cytotactin is present at sites where neural crest cells differentiate, around the aorta and in the smooth muscle coat of the gut; CTB proteoglycan is absent from these sites. In the head, cytotactin is initially restricted to the regions between cranial somites, while CTB proteoglycan is distributed throughout the cranial mesenchyme. The expression of both molecules is later associated with key events in chondrogenesis during the development of the skull. After chondrogenesis, CTB proteoglycan is distributed throughout the cartilage matrix, while cytotactin is restricted to a thin perichondrial deposit. Both molecules are expressed in developing brain.These findings are compared to studies of the chick embryo and although distinct anatomical differences exist between frog and chick, the expression of these molecules is associated with similar developmental processes in both species. These include mesoderm segmentation, neural crest cell migration and differentiation, cartilage development, and central nervous system histogenesis.

Notizen: During metamorphosis of Xenopus laevis the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins cytotactin and cytotactin-binding (CTB) proteoglycan, and the cell adhesion molecules N-CAM and Ng-CAM, appear in highly restricted patterns determined by immunofluorescence histology.During limb development, cytotactin appears from the earliest stages in a meshwork of ECM fibrils associated with migrating mesenchymal cells forming the limb bud. Cytotactin also appears in the ECM between the apical limb ectoderm and mesenchyme. Later, both cytotactin and CTB proteoglycan appear co-localized within the central (prechondrogenic) limb mesenchyme. During chondrogenesis in these areas, cytotactin becomes restricted to perichondrium, while CTB proteoglycan is expressed throughout the cartilage matrix. The premyogenic mesenchyme surrounding the chondrogenic areas expresses N-CAM. Later, N-CAM is concentrated at the myogenic foci where cytotactin appears at sites of nerve/muscle contact and in tendons.Expression of these molecules in the blastemas of regenerating limbs was also studied, and during development of the central nervous system, stomach, and small intestine.Analysis of the expression patterns of cytotactin and CTB proteoglycan throughout development and metamorphosis reveals several consistent themes. The expression of these molecules is highly dynamic, often transient, and associated with key morphogenetic events. Cytotactin appears at multiple sites where cells undergo a transition from an undifferentiated, migratory phenotype to a differentiated phenotype. One or both molecules appear at several sites of border formation between disparate cell collectives, and CTB proteoglycan expression is associated with chondrogenesis.

Notizen: In artificial fluid, the spermatozoa move as linear cells or round up and rotate, propelled by spontaneous bending of their tails. Both linear and rounded cells can move forward and backward, but usually they move forward. The tails of all cells display, simultaneously, small primary bends and fewer, much larger secondary bends. Rounded cells form single secondary bends that remain unchanged as the cells rotate. They also form “node-like” primary bends that travel posteriorly or anteriorly as the cells rotate forward or backward, respectively. Linear cells move their anterior regions into and out of focus in a cyclic fashion. They form rather prominent primary bends, as well as two to four secondary bends that travel posteriorly as the cells move forward. Secondary bends change in shape continuously and are not sinusoidal. The cells follow approximately linear trajectories, but the distances traveled per cycle, speeds, and secondary bending patterns are variable. When methyl cellulose is added to artificial fluid, linear movement is improved, and forward speeds are approximately tripled. The movement of spermatozoa in natural fluid of the female reproductive tract is remarkably less stereotyped than that of cells in artificial fluid. The cells, usually resembling straight lines or arcs, are very flexible and active. They lack obvious cyclic activity and double bending patterns. They are capable of moving both forward and backward and of adjusting their bending activity and speed within rather wide limits. Their average forward speed is about nine times faster than that of cells in artificial fluid.

Notizen: The neuromuscular organization of feline anterior sartorius was examined using three experimental approaches. First, the branching pattern of the nerve supplying anterior sartorius was inspected in muscles taken from a large number of feline cadavers. All muscles were found to be supplied by two major nerve branches, one directed proximally and the other directed distally, and most muscles (42/51) had a third distinct branch that entered the muscle centrally. Second, the motoneuronal populations supplying the three nerve branches were investigated by electrophysiological techniques. Motoneurons that supplied axons to the distally-directed branch did not appear to have collaterals in more proximally-located branches. In contrast, other motoneurons supplying the proximally-directed branch also appeared to supply axon collaterals to the centrally-directed branch. This result suggested that the motoneuronal population of the distally-directed branch was largely separate from that supplying the proximally- and centrally-directed branches. Third, the motor unit territories supplied by different nerve branches were mapped using glycogen-depletion methods. Muscle fibers supplied by the distallydirected nerve branch were mostly distributed to the medial portion of anterior sartorius, whereas the fibers supplied by the other two branches were generally found more anteriorly. Further, the muscle fibers supplied by an individual nerve branch were present in greater numbers at the end of the muscle closest to the entry point of that branch. Thus, the motor units supplied by discrete nerve branches were found to be distributed asymmetrically within anterior sartorius, but were arranged neither strictly in-parallel nor strictly in-series.

Notizen: The larvae of Halicryptus spinulosus bear six rings of sensory/ locomotory appendages. Twelve pedicellate flosculi, 6 dorsal and 6 ventral, are associated with the neck-lorica junction. Newly described are two rows of 4-5 flosculi present on the dorsal and ventral plates, and 2 tubuli located on each dorsolateral and ventrolateral plate near their junction with the midlateral plate. The ultrastructure of all organ systems is described. The multilayered lorica differs significantly from that of other priapulids. The anterior fourth of the lorica is not underlain by epidermal cells. At the junction of the introvert and neck are a series of adhesive tubuli that have groups of secretory cells basally. A gland is described at the junction of the fore- and midgut.

Notizen: High speed video recordings (200 fields per second) of prey capture and food processing in Agama agama permit the identification of strikes, chews and transport movements. Ten variables from strike movements and seven variables from chewing sequences are digitized; transport movements are inspected only. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses disclose significant interindividual differences for three variables (maximum gape distance, maximum head angle, and maximum throat distance); but neither these nor principal components analysis show differences between strikes and chews for any of the gape change and hyoid depression variables. However, strikes and chews obviously differ in tongue protrusion and body movements. Chewing may be divided into four stages, comparable to those of transport cycles of other lizards and the generalized tetrapod model. Transport differs from chewing by having a shorter power stroke and relatively more cranial and less jaw movement. The kinematics of feeding in Agama agama are compared with those of other lizards studied previously.

Notizen: Mehlis' gland of a digenetic trematode, Paragonimus ohirai, is composed of two types of secretory cells, DB and CB. The less abundant type (DB) produces dense bodies, with the cytoplasm characterized by greatly distended cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The other type (CB) synthesizes clear, vesicular bodies. Its cytoplasm contains numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum with narrow cisternae, and abundant Golgi complexes. Processes of the two cell types converge on the ootype-proximal uterine wall, pass through the epithelium, and finally open into the lumen. These proximal processes contain longitudinally arranged microtubules whose luminal ends are anchored to the epithelium by ring-form septate desmosomes. According to the distribution of the two types of processes, three different zones (DB, mixed, and CB) can be recognized within the epithelia. As the CB processes enter the lumen predominantly beyond the uterine valve region, this cell may produce secretions required for egg shell maturation or hardening. The role of DB cells (which enter the lumen more commonly in the ootype near the oviduct) remains unknown.

Notizen: Variation in horn and body size of both sexes of Xylotrupes gideon australicus is normally distributed with no evidence of dimorphism in either sex. This contrasts with that of X. gideon gideon, in which males are dimorphic for horn length, but horn size varies within morphs. Males of X. gideon australicus are generally larger than females, but the distributions of all characters, except tarsal length, overlap considerably. Males have longer legs, presumably to facilitate mating.

Notizen: The paired thoracic chelipeds or claws of adult snapping shrimp, Alpheus heterochelis, are bilaterally asymmetric, consisting of an enlarged and elaborate, sound-producing major (snapper) claw and a much smaller minor (pincer) claw. These paired claws vary in the composition of their external sensilla. Both possess long serrulate and simple short setae but the snapper also have plumose setae and long serrulate setae on the plunger. The pincers differ in having short serrulate setae and, in males alone, a prominent fringe of plumoserrate setae. During regeneration of each claw type, these setal structures are gradually added over three molts to reach the pristine condition. The long serrulate and simple short setae appear first, being seen in intermolt limb buds and commonly in both claws. Setae exclusive to each claw, i.e., plumoserrate and short serrulate in the pincer and plumose and long serrulate on the plunger in the snapper, appear sparsely in either the regenerated 1st or 2nd postmolt claw, they proliferate in the subsequent 2nd or 3rd postmolt claw. Transformation of the pincer claw to the snapper type begins in the 1st postmolt stage with the loss of pincer setae and addition of snapper setae and is completed by the 3rd postmolt stage. Since changes in composition of the external sensilla are restricted to postmolt stages, the underlying hypodermis is presumably being remodeled during proecdysis.

Notizen: General ultrastructural properties of the atrioventricular valve and the endo- and myocardium of the tigerfish Hydrocynus forskahlii add further information to our knowledge of fish heart morphology. Small pieces of tissue from the heart of H. forskhalii were immersion-fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in Sörensen's phosphate buffer. Samples were postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide and processed for transmission electron microscopy using standard techniques. The atrioventricular valve consists of dense collagen and fibroblasts lying between two layers of squamous endothelial cells. The ventricular endothelium consists of squamous cells with large nuclei protruding into the lumen of the ventricle. These cells lie on a basal lamina which overlies loose collagen in the subendothelial space. The ventricular myocardium is built up of distinctive nucleated fibres. Mitochondria, ribosomes, and glycogen are abundant in the sarcoplasm. Less conspicuous intercalated discs with no typical, steplike pattern are found between the myocardial cells. The Z lines as well as the I and A bands are clearly visible. The M lines are prominent, but the most important feature is the N line which is found on either side of the Z line in the lateral parts of the I band. The current research clearly underlines the fact that cardiac ultrastructure presents considerable diversity in different fish species.

Notizen: Although cranial sutures presumably play a role in absorbing and/or transmitting loads applied to the skull, loading patterns on facial sutures are poorly understood. The zygomatic arch provides a comparatively isolated mechanical part of the skull containing a single suture, the zygomatico-squamosal. In pigs the zygomatico-squamosal suture has a short vertical segment located within the postorbital process and a longer horizontal segment which extends posteriorly. In anesthetized pigs single-element high-elongation strain gages were bonded over both segments of the suture. Strain was recorded during stimulation of the masseter muscles and while the lightly anesthetized animals masticated food pellets. The predominant strain patterns differed in the two segments of the suture. During mastication compressive strains predominated in the vertical segment, but tensile strains predominated in the horizontal segment. The same patterns were also produced by stimulation of the ipsilateral masseter muscle. Contraction of the contralateral masseter reversed the strain pattern, but strain levels were low and during mastication such reversals occurred only transiently. The two segments of the suture have contrasting morphologies. The vertical segment has broad, interdigitating contacts with fibers arranged in a compression-resisting orientation. The horizontal segment has a simple tongue and groove structure with fibers arranged to resist tension. Thus, the structure of the suture reflects the predominant strain pattern.

Notizen: Cloacae were examined from salamanders representing the three families in which fertilization of eggs is known or inferred to occur externally. The cloacae of male and female sirenids are aglandular and lack cilia. Sexual dimorphism in sirenid cloacae occurs only in the extent of epithelial stratification in the cloacal chamber in females (entire chamber) versus males (posterior angle of the vent). Both male and female Cryptobranchus alleganiensis possess ventral glands that secrete an acid mucopolysaccharide and have ciliated cloacal linings. The ventral glands are more numerous and hypertrophied in breeding male than female C. alleganiensis, but in males, ventral glands secrete only onto the surface of the cloacal lips along the anterior three-fifths of the cloacal orifice, whereas in females, the glands secrete onto the border of the entire cloacal orifice. Except for male Onychodactylus japonicus, male and female hynobiids also possess only ventral glands and have ciliated cloacal linings. Hynobiid ventral glands secrete a glycoprotein. Much variation occurs, however, among these hynobiids in cloacal conformation, extent of epidermis into the cloaca, and anatomy of the ventral gland. Male O. japonicus possess an unciliated cloaca in which three types of cloacal glands occur, each giving unique reactions to tests for carbohydrates and proteins. The glands in male O. japonicus do not seem to be homologous to those found in spermatophore producing salamanders in the Salamandroidea, but this does not negate the possibility that O. japonicus makes spermatophores. Examination of cloacal characters in additional species of hynobiids may be useful in resolving intrafamilial phylogenetic relationships.

Notizen: The excursions of wing elements and the activity of eleven shoulder muscles were studied by cineradiography and electromyography in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) flying in a wind tunnel at speeds of 9-20 m s-1.At the beginning of downstroke the humerus is elevated 80-90° above horizontal, and both elbow and wrist are extended to 90° or less. During downstroke, protraction of the humerus (55°) remains constant; elbow and wrist are maximally extended (120° and 160°, respectively) as the humerus passes through a horizontal orientation. During the downstroke-upstroke transition humeral depression ceases (at about 20° below horizontal) and the humerus begins to retract. However, depression of the distal wing continues by rotation of the humerus and adduction of the carpometacarpus. Humeral retraction (to within about 30° of the body axis) is completed early in upstroke, accompanied by flexion of the elbow and carpometacarpus. Thereafter the humerus begins to protract as elevation continues. At mid-upstroke a rapid counterrotation of the humerus reorients the ventral surface of the wing to face laterad; extension of the elbow and carpometacarpus are initiated sequentially. The upstroke-downstroke transition is characterized by further extension of the elbow and carpometacarpus, and the completion of humeral protraction.Patterns of electromyographic activity primarily coincide with the transitional phases of the wingbeat cycle rather than being confined to downstroke or upstroke. Thus, the major downstroke muscles (pectoralis, coracobrachialis caudalis, sternocoracoideus, subscapularis, and humerotriceps) are activated in late upstroke to decelerate, extend, and reaccelerate the wing for the subsequent downstroke; electromyographic activity ends well before the downstroke is completed. Similarly, the upstroke muscles (supracoracoideus, deltoideus major) are activated in late downstroke to decelerate and then reaccelerate the wing into the upstroke; these muscles are deactivated by mid-upstroke. Only two muscles (scapulohumeralis caudalis, scapulotriceps) exhibit electromyographic activity exclusively during the downstroke. Starlings exhibit a functional partitioning of the two heads of the triceps (the humerotriceps acts with the pectoralis group, and does not overlap with the scapulotriceps). The biphasic pattern of the biceps brachii appears to correspond to this partitioning.

Notizen: Osteology of four extant species of Bregmacerotidae, Bregmaceros houdei, B. bathymaster, B. japonicus, and B. macclellandi, is described for the first time. The osteological analysis enables the recognition of two groups: (1) B. houdei and B. bathymaster, and (2) B. japonicus and B. macclellandi. Considerable differences in the structure of skull, and pectoral and pelvic girdles among the species indicate the existence of at least two phyletic lines within the genus. Knowledge of the skeleton may be of great importance for the taxonomy of fossil and extant species of Bregmaceros.

Notizen: Two types of choanocyte-like cells have been found in the digestive tract of the starfish. Type I choanocytes are in the lining epithelium of all organs of the digestive system. These are narrow, columnar cells strongly anchored basally and expanded apically into a protuberance projecting into the lumen. A prominent flagellum surrounded by microvilli projects from the center of this protuberance. Apical cytoplasm contains numerous mitochondria, secondary lysosomes, and multivesicular bodies. A distinctive characteristic of these cells is a filament bundle that traverses the length of the cell from its region of attachment on the rootlet of the flagellar basal body to its terminus on the basal plasma membrane. Between the attenuated basal ends of type I cells are the nerve fibers of an intraepithelial nerve plexus. Thickness of the plexus is correlated with the quantity of type I cells in the epithelium.Type II choanocytes are in the cuboidal coelomic epithelium that forms the outer layer of digestive tract organs. These cells are smaller than those of type I, and they have an apical collar surmounted by a ring of 13 microvilli. Within the collar is a cup-shaped depression with a central flagellum. Coated vesicles, secondary lysosomes, and phagocytic infoldings are observed in and near the collar cytoplasm. Filament bundles similar to those in type I choanocytes are also observed in coelomic epithelial cells that are sufficiently tall. Injection of peroxidase into the stomach and ferritin into the coelom results in phagocytic uptake of these macromolecules by type I and type II choanocytes, respectively.

Notizen: The technique of graphical reconstruction by orthogonal projection of serial sections is used to generate three-dimensional models of embryonic chick thigh musculature at Hamburger-Hamilton ('51) stages 36 (day 10) and 39 (day 13). Unique and conserved anatomical landmarks are described, which can be used to specify position along the proximo-distal axis of the thigh from cross-sectional appearance. These landmarks provide an important reference for both current and future experimentation in which a precise developmental site must be systematically and repeatedly sampled.

Notizen: The differentiation and growth of ovaries was analyzed using immuno-fluorescence microscopy and then correlated with the changes in the external morphology of female pupae during metamorphosis of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner). Fourteen developmental points coincident with a daily change in the light:dark cycle were chosen for observation to describe the progress of cuticular, ovarian, and follicular development during metamorphosis. Follicular structure was examined in whole mounts of ovaries using an immuno-fluorescent labelling technique. The growth of oocytes and nurse cell cap in terminal follicles was measured throughout ovarian development. A rapid increase in the relative size of the nurse cells began during the fourth scotophase and continued until the beginning of the sixth scotophase. Following the sixth scotophase, the relative size of the nurse cells decreased until they disintegrated prior to choriogenesis. Oocytes began to grow rapidly during the fifth scotophase, coincident with the initiation of vitellogenesis, and continued to grow until choriogenesis was initiated just after adult eclosion. The rate of follicular growth was related to the position of the follicle in the ovariole; the closer to the terminal position, the greater the rate of growth. Thus, at adult eclosion, each ovariole contained a linear array of follicles in progressive stages of development with the terminal follicles ready to begin choriogenesis.

Notizen: The ovary of the seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, is a cylindrical tube bounded by an outer layer consisting of a mesothelium and muscular wall and by an inner luminal epithelium, with a single row of developing follicles sandwiched between the two layers. Follicles are produced by a germinal ridge, which contains oogonia, early oocytes, and prefollicle cells, and which runs along the length of the ovary. The germinal ridge is an outpocketing of the luminal epithelium, as indicated by a continuous underlying basal lamina. Prefollicle cells invest diplotene oocytes and the complex eventually pinches off the germinal ridge as a primordial follicle surrounded by a basal lamina derived from the germinal ridge. Subsequent investment of the primordial follicle by elements of the theca complete the process of folliculogenesis. H. erectus has two ovaries and each ovary has two dorsally located germinal ridges. Thus, in each ovary the derived follicular lamina is bilaterally symmetrical: two temporally and spatially arranged sequences of developing follicles are produced, with the largest follicles found along the ventral midline of the ovary. The advantages of developmental, kinetic, and systemic analyses of these unusual ovaries are indicated.

Notizen: The madreporite regions of two species of starfish were examined by high-resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In both, the madreporite gutter epithelium is predominantly composed of ciliated cells, each bearing a single elongate cilium and numerous microvilli that support and are embedded in cuticle. Fine, contractile pores (10-12 μm) open from the gutters into canals that descend mainly to the underlying ampulla and stone canal. Cells at the pore openings lack cuticle, have rounded, sometimes protruding apices, and bear intermeshing cilia that extend outward through the pores. Below them, the pore canal is lined with irregular, granule-containing ciliated cells possessing retractable apical head pieces and secretory cells containing clusters of unstainable vesicles. Above the basal lamina here and elsewhere is a well-developed nerve plexus. Where the pore canals open into the ampulla and connecting axial sinus, the ciliated cells are more cuboidal, vesiculated secretory cells are absent, and free coelomocytes are numerous. The stone canal is lined with tall, densely packed ciliated cells with numerous microvilli and long iuminal extensions. Cells on its central ridge tend to form choanocyte-like collars. The stone canal appears to be a strong ciliary pump that draws fluid from the axial sinus and madreporite pores. It is likely that the complex form of the madreporite gutters and pore canals provides multiple levels of coordinated defense against the entry of undesirable materials, and probably satisfaction of much of the nutritional needs of the parts from incoming and recirculated fluid.

Notizen: Spermathecae are exocrine glands in the roof of the female cloaca that store sperm. Cytological and histochemical data indicate that the one type of secretion into the lumen is a glycoprotein. After a period of stasis in the summer, production of the secretion is initiated in the fall, coincident with an increase in ovarian follicular size. By the time of maximal follicular development and most intense mating activity in March and April, the spermathecal epithelium is filled with secretory granules. The secretory material is released into the lumen, enveloping the sperm. Many sperm remain in the spermathecae after oviposition, and most of these sperm are degraded in the spermathecal epithelium or pass through interruptions in the spermathecal walls caused by desquamation. Sperm in contact with the stromal environment are phagocytized by leukocytes. Some sperm, however, may survive in the lumen until at least the following fall. These sperm retain normal cytology, but whether or not they remain fertile and intact until a subsequent ovipository cycle is unknown.