scholarly journals Revision of Benedeniella Johnston, 1929 (Monogenea: Capsalidae), its assignment to Entobdellinae Bychowsky, 1957 and comments on subfamilial composition

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2519 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
IAN D. WHITTINGTON

Benedeniella macrocolpa (Lühe, 1906) Yamaguti, 1963 is redescribed from new material collected from ventral skin surfaces of the Australian cownose ray, Rhinoptera neglecta Ogilby (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatidae) from waters in Moreton Bay and from captive rays in a public display aquarium in Townsville, from R. cf. neglecta and Rhinoptera sp. from Weipa, Queensland, Australia and from R. javanica Müller & Henle caught in the Arabian Gulf north of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Benedeniella posterocolpa (Hargis, 1955) Yamaguti, 1963 is redescribed from new specimens collected from the cownose ray, R. bonasus (Mitchill) (Myliobatidae) from several localities in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Chesapeake Bay region of the south-eastern and eastern USA, respectively. Detailed anatomical redescriptions demonstrate that each Benedeniella species share several dorsal structures (paired anterior horns, excretory papillae and posterior conical structures at the junction of the body with the haptor), anterolateral grooves on the ventral surface of each anterior attachment organ, a similar route for tendons associated mostly with the accessory sclerites and the anterior hamuli and a long vagina. The different path of the vagina and the position of the vaginal pore are the simplest characters to discriminate the two species. Benedeniella unnithani Gupta & Chanana, 1976 from the gills of a Caranx sp. (Teleostei: Perciformes: Carangidae) off Kavaratti, Laccadive Islands, Arabian Sea, India is considered a species incertae sedis. Morphological parallels are identified, in particular concerning the anterior attachment organs of species in Benedeniella, Branchobdella Kearn, Whittington & Evans-Gowing, 2007, Entobdella Blainville in Lamarck, 1818, Neoentobdella Kearn & Whittington, 2005 and Pseudoentobdella Yamaguti, 1963. Of these entobdelline genera, species in three of them parasitise principally the skin of elasmobranch rays (Dasyatidae; Myliobatidae; Rhinobatidae); only species in Branchobdella and Entobdella parasitise flatfish teleosts (Paralichthyidae; Pleuronectidae; Soleidae). On the basis of the redescriptions presented here plus morphological similarities, host associations and recently published molecular genetic data, Benedeniella is moved from the Benedeniinae Johnston, 1931 and the diagnosis for the Entobdellinae Bychowsky, 1957 is amended to unite Benedeniella, Branchobdella, Entobdella, Listrocephalos Bullard, Payne & Braswell, 2004, Neoentobdella and Pseudoentobdella. The affinities of species in a seventh capsalid genus, Trimusculotrema Whittington & Barton, 1990 (currently in Benedeniinae), are considered briefly based on morphology and host association and reassigned to the Entobdellinae.

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4291 (2) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANNA N. NERETINA ◽  
ALEXEY A. KOTOV

The Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) is an ancient group of predominantly freshwater microscopic invertebrates. During the last three decades a cosmopolitanism paradigm in the biogeography of these animals is gradually being replaced by a concept of continental endemism. Current morphological and molecular genetic data demonstrate that many Holarctic taxa actually represent sibling species groups with localized distributions. Similarly, some circumtropical cladocerans are poorly studied and must be considered using the same concept. Grimaldina Richard, 1892 (Cladocera: Macrothricidae) is an example of such taxon. Since the first description time, this genus was considered as monotypic, including a single species Grimaldina brazzai Richard, 1892, distributed in tropical regions all around the World, but being rare everywhere across its distribution range. We carefully examined specimens of Grimaldina from different tropical water bodies, redescribed morphology of G. brazzai based on new material from Africa, supplemented the genus diagnosis, and demonstrated that G. brazzai is limited to the Old World (Africa and Asia). Population from New World tropical regions are described as Grimaldina freyi sp. nov., based on material from the collection of Prof. Dr David G. Frey and named in his honor. It clearly differs from G. brazzai in: (1) antenna II with longest endopod seta bearing more densely set spinulae and (2) limb V medial portion with a smaller ratio of seta 2 to seta 3. These traits in G. freyi sp. nov. are presumably plesiomorphic, while G. brazzai has more apomorphies. Divergence between American (G. freyi sp. nov.) and Old World (G. brazzai) populations could be related to the ancient vicariant events (Gondwana breakup) or to more recent trans-continental dispersal events. 


Phytotaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 222 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Nemcova ◽  
Martina Pichrtova ◽  
Vojtech Zeisek

In this paper, we define the Mallomonas alata group and describe M. alpestrina sp. nov. from an oligotrophic high mountain glacial lake on the slopes of Haba Xue Shan (Haba Snow Mountain), China. The Mallomonas alata group is excluded from the M. pumilio group primarily based on the approximately triangular shape of the collar scales, the small hook-like protruded dome, and one considerably broader anterior flange of the body scale. We extend previous research on small species from the section Torquatae with reticulated scale-shield pattern. Molecular genetic data for the Mallomonas alata group species are not currently available; therefore, we provide detailed information on scale and scale-case morphology, environmental requirements, and geographical distribution of these species.


1959 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy C. Anderson

Monopetalonema alcedinis (Rudolphi, 1819) is reported in Megaceryle a. alcyon (Linné) (belted kingfisher) from Ontario. The new material is described and several features of this important species are pointed out, viz. the cephalic papillae are double; the male caudal alae meet on the ventral surface in front of the anus; there is a median papilla immediately in front of the anus as well as two pairs of postanal structures (? phasmids and postdeirids); the cuticle of the body is covered with cuticular bosses; the distal filament of the left spicule is alate. M. alcedinis is compared with the other species assigned to the genus (arthricola, angustispiculum, upembanum, upembanum kilwezi, solilarium) and the egg and first-stage larva are described in detail.


2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. e2018264118
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Rieser ◽  
Tai-De Li ◽  
Jessica L. Tingle ◽  
Daniel I. Goldman ◽  
Joseph R. Mendelson

The small structures that decorate biological surfaces can significantly affect behavior, yet the diversity of animal–environment interactions essential for survival makes ascribing functions to structures challenging. Microscopic skin textures may be particularly important for snakes and other limbless locomotors, where substrate interactions are mediated solely through body contact. While previous studies have characterized ventral surface features of some snake species, the functional consequences of these textures are not fully understood. Here, we perform a comparative study, combining atomic force microscopy measurements with mathematical modeling to generate predictions that link microscopic textures to locomotor performance. We discover an evolutionary convergence in the ventral skin structures of a few sidewinding specialist vipers that inhabit sandy deserts—an isotropic texture that is distinct from the head-to-tail-oriented, micrometer-sized spikes observed on a phylogenetically broad sampling of nonsidewinding vipers and other snakes from diverse habitats and wide geographic range. A mathematical model that relates structural directionality to frictional anisotropy reveals that isotropy enhances movement during sidewinding, whereas anisotropy improves movement during slithering via lateral undulation of the body. Our results highlight how an integrated approach can provide quantitative predictions for structure–function relationships and insights into behavioral and evolutionary adaptations in biological systems.


Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwendolen Rees

Scanning electron-micrographs have shown the covering of microvilli on the surface of the redia of Parorchis acanthus. In the contracted state the elongated microvilli with bulbous extremities seen in the surface grooves may be the result of compression. The surface of the epidermis of the cercaria is smooth on a large area of the ventral surface and lattice-like with microvilli, laterally, anteriorly, dorsally and on the tail. The spines on the body can be withdrawn into sheaths by the contraction of muscle fibres inserted into the basement lamina below each spine.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr I. ap Gwynn of this department for preparing the scanning electron-micrographs and the School of Engineering Science, University of North Wales, Bangor for the use of their stereoscan. I should also like to thank Mr M. C. Bibby for technical assistance and Professor E. G. Gray and Dr W. Sinclair for assistance with the transmission electron-micrographs.


Crustaceana ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 86 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 1695-1710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Allen ◽  
A. G. Lewis

Locomotor appendage-body relationships were used to examine whether swimming or reduction in sinking rate is the more important function in the second nauplius and copepodid stages of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer, 1837). Except for the similarity in swimming appendage surface areas without setae, the appendages of the two stages are morphologically distinct. Although the nauplius is smaller than the copepodid it has long slender appendages that, with setae, provide greater total surface area than the paddle-shaped copepodid thoracic legs. Copepodid thoracic legs are more similar to those used for swimming by planktonic copepods although with more limited propulsion capability. Naupliar appendages project from the body while copepodid appendages can be folded against the ventral surface, improving hydrodynamic flow as well as body position after attachment to a host. Both copepodid and naupliar appendages are of sufficient size that they should provide escape velocities of more than 100 mm ⋅ s−1. The nature and display of the naupliar appendages suggest they could be used to reduce sinking rate by as much as 64%, reducing the need to swim to maintain a suitable location in the water. Although copepodid thoracic legs could reduce sinking rate by over 40%, their position on the ventral surface and the nature of other appendages suggests a more important use, for orientation and attachment once a host is located.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fauzia Jabeen ◽  
Mohamed Behery ◽  
Hossam Abu Elanain

Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the psychological contract, relational psychological contract and transactional psychological contract on organisational commitment as mediated by transactional leadership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. The paper also explores the contractual status to determine if the theory remains valid, regardless of the fact whether one is employed as a contingent or permanent worker. Design/methodology/approach – This research made a longitudinal study spanning a 24-week time period. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire prepared in English and Arabic, at three stages representing three visits to the participating companies in the UAE. Pearson’s correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the research hypotheses. Findings – The results show that the psychological contracts (transactional and relational) are positively related to transactional leadership. This study categorizes several consequential relationships between transactional leadership and organisational commitment. It also advocates that transactional leadership has only a fractional mediating role in relation to relational psychological contract, transactional psychological contract and organisational commitment. Practical implications – The findings suggest that practitioners and academics alike should note that the nature of the psychological contract employed will impact upon commitment and retention. Originality/value – This study makes a significant contribution to the body of literature, being the second part of a longitudinal study that aimed at testing the mediating effect of transactional leadership on organisational commitment within the context of the UAE. In the earlier study, the intent was to analyse the role of transformational leadership as a mediator between the psychological contract and organisational commitment. Typically, transformational leadership has been found to partially mediate the above mentioned relationships. In addition, it also advocates that there may be some value in considering the employees’ contractual status with regard to the psychological contract and its impact on organisational commitment.


Author(s):  
A. Balnikov ◽  
I. Gridyushko ◽  
Yu. Kazutova ◽  
M. Mikhailova ◽  
E. Romanishko

Purpose: evaluation of pigs Yorkshire rocks and Landraz on PRKAG3, MC4R and MyOD1 markers.Materials and methods. The paper presents the analysis of the results of genetic testing, and determines the frequency of alleles and genotypes of Yorkshire and Landrace breeds at the State Enterprise ZhodinoAgroPlemElita" of the Minsk region of the Republic of Belarus by the genes-markers of productive traits: PRKAG3, MC4R and MYOD1. Zootechnical and molecular genetic methods were used in the research (PCR/PDRF). Snapshot analysis was developed for the genotyping of pigs to detect polymorphic markers of meat-feeding productivity of pigs on the Genas PRKAG3, MyOD1, MC4R. At the first stage, there was an assessment of tribal young (173 heads) on its own productivity in terms of indicators: the age of achieving the living mass of 100 kg, the average daily increase (d) from birth to the live weight of 100 kg, the length of the body (cm), the lifetime meat quality of the thickness of the scrape (mm), height of the longest back muscles (mm), the content of meat in the body (%). At the second stage of the research, the controlling fastenings of 200 goals of pigs and evaluation of feedst and meat qualities in the following indicators were carried out: the age of achieving a living mass of 100 kg (days), the average daily increase (d), feed consumption per 1 kg of growth (to. Units). Also determined: the length of the carcass (cm), the slaughter output (%), the thickness of the spick over 6-7 breast vertebrae (mm), the area of "muscular eye" (cm2), the mass of the rear third of the half carcass (kg), the flow of meat in the carcus (%). Then, genetic studies were compared with productivity indicators.Results. As a result of the research, it was found that in the tested animals, the frequency of the preferred allele I-PRKAG3 made 0.171-0.288, A-MC4R – 0.243-0.315, and C-MYOD1 – 0.064-0.477, respectively. The developed comprehensive system for assessing the breeding value of Yorkshire and Landrace pigs based on the marker genes PRKAG3, MC4R, and MYOD1 allowed us to identify the preferred alleles and determine correlation with productivity traits that provided increase in the average population values: for self-productivity - by 2-4%, for fattening traits - by 2.7-12.5%, for meat traits - by 2.8-34.4 %.Conclusion. The use of integrated system in pig breeding will speed up the selection work to increase the indicators of fattening and meat productivity of the created breeding herds of Yorkshire and Landrace pigs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1660) ◽  
pp. 20130378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinqiu Cui ◽  
Li Song ◽  
Dong Wei ◽  
Yuhong Pang ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
...  

The Yuan Dynasty (AD 1271–1368) was the first dynasty in Chinese history where a minority ethnic group (Mongols) ruled. Few cemeteries containing Mongolian nobles have been found owing to their tradition of keeping burial grounds secret and their lack of historical records. Archaeological excavations at the Shuzhuanglou site in the Hebei province of China led to the discovery of 13 skeletons in six separate tombs. The style of the artefacts and burials indicate the cemetery occupants were Mongol nobles. However, the origin, relationships and status of the chief occupant (M1m) are unclear. To shed light on the identity of the principal occupant and resolve the kin relationships between individuals, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted, combining archaeological information, stable isotope data and molecular genetic data. Analysis of autosomal, mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal DNA show that some of the occupants were related. The available evidence strongly suggests that the principal occupant may have been the Mongol noble Korguz. Our study demonstrates the power of a multidisciplinary approach in elucidating information about the inhabitants of ancient historical sites.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Maksim Doronin ◽  
Dmitriy Lozovoy ◽  
Aleksey Scherbakov ◽  
Vladimir Makarov

To date the molecular genetic methods of analysis are widely used for laboratory diagnostic tests in various infectious diseases of animals. This discourse reflects information about the history of the invention of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RV), the nature of the processes that occur during this reaction, the main stages of the reaction, the preparation of biological material for research in PCR-RV. The spectrum of possibilities of using the PCR-RV method for a qualitative study of biological material in cases of suspected infection of animals with certain viral and bacterial agents, as well as a quantitative assessment of the virus content in tissues, organs or in the body by analogy with conventional methods for titrating infectiousness without direct manipulation with pathogenic agents, is presented. . A quantitative PCR-RV option allows veterinarians to evaluate the pathogenetic dynamics of the development of the disease, monitor the effect of antiviral and antibacterial therapy, and monitor the emergence of pathogen variants with high resistance to the drugs used. Thanks to the development of ARRIAH, the qualitative and quantitative PCR-RV method can now be used in domestic veterinary science and laboratory practice for the diagnosis of a wide range of animal infectious diseases.


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