Coliform myositis in a calf

Coliform myositis was diagnosed in a young calf with signs of pain, swelling, and edema of the right hind limb. Diagnostic methods included bacteriologic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The organism isolated was a gas-producing Escherichia coli. The infection responded to administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, to which the organism was susceptible in vitro.     

Kinematics of whip spider pedipalps: a 3D comparative morpho-functional approach

Amblypygi are tropical and subtropical ambush predators that use elongated, raptorial pedipalps for different activities. Although pedipalp use in predation and courtship has been explored in videography in vivo analyses, kinematic ex vivo examination of these appendages has not been conducted. Here, we rectify this lack of data by using micro-CT scans to 3D-kinematically model the appendage morphology and the range of motion (ROM) of the joints for Damon medius and Heterophrynus elaphus. We illustrate the successful application of this technique to terrestrial euarthropods in determining the maximum ROM values for each pedipalp joint. We also note that, in life, these values would be lower due to motion restricting structures like tendons, arthrodial membranes, and muscles. We further compare our maximum values obtained here with data from video-based motion analyses. The ROM of each joint shows the greatest flexibility in the femur-tibia joint (140–150°), the lowest in the basitarsus-claw joint (35–40°). ROM in the tibia-basitarsus joint is markedly distinct (D. medius: 44°; H. elaphus: 105°). This disparity reflects how H. elaphus uses the joint in the capture basket, while D. medius uses the femur-tibia joint to form the capture basket. We further illustrate notable vertical motion of the H. elaphus pedipalp compared to D. medius. This difference reflects the retro-ventral trochanter apophysis of H. elaphus. Our study opens the possibility to further whip spider kinematic understanding. Examination of other taxa using this approach will result in a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological significance and ethological implications of this unique arachnid group.     

Über die Anwendung von Apfelwickler- und Pflaumenwickler-Pheromonfallen beim Warndienst für Kleingärtner

It is reported about the experiences with the Biotrap Lockstoff-Falle für Schadinsekten AW and PW (HOECHST AG, Frankfurt) to improve plant protection prognosis against the codling moth (Cydia pomonella Busck.) and the plum fruit moth (Cydia funebrana Tr.) for allotment holders, settlers and houseowners. The flight activities of these pests were observed with pheromone traps by 19 to 27 additional voluntary assistants (allotment holders) since 1982 to support the official plant protection service in monitoring the a. m. moth species.—For a time of 20 weeks the assistants reported each monday the number of captured moth's to the plant protection office. Curves of the flight activities were based on the weekly moth captures. Drawing conclusions from the four year lasting observations, it is evident, that the main flight activity of the one generation of the codling moth lasts from the 26. to the 29. calendary week. The first generation of the plum fruit moth can be obtained during the 21. and 23. calendary week and the second one from the 30. to the 33. calendary week. The suitable time for control measures varied from year to year and was published between 21st and 23rd of June for the codling moth and between the 12th and 23rd of July for the plum fruit moth. The experiment with allotment holders as additional assistants was very successfull.     

Investigations on the influence of wood-inhabiting bacteria on the pH-value in trees

Regardless of their isolation origin, bacteria from wetwood of fir and poplar, from polluted beech and spruce trees, and from discoloured timber of Ilomba, acidified aerobically glucose-rich substrates by organic acid production and increased the pH of protein media by ammonia. The pH-changes occurred in laboratory nutrient media and also in the physiologically characterized capillary liquids and wood flours of fir, poplar and spruce.     

Active enzymes in wood chips and their action on lignin during outside storage

Summary Wood storage has a great influence on the efficiency of a pulpmill. Great problems arise when using outside chip storage, especially in processing hardwoods, in that hardwood chips discolorate after a few days, which is not the case with spruce chips. The causes of such a different behavior of beech and spruce were investigated. It could be shown that a sufficient amount of active peroxidase, malate dehydrogenase and oxygen are prerequisites for the formation of phenoxy radicals within the beech lignin. This causes formation of new chromophores that discolorize the wood. Sufficient amounts of such enzymes are present in beech wood after harvesting.     

Symptoms in slash pine seedlings following inoculation with the cone rust fungus Cronartium strobilinum

Six‐week‐old seedlings of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) were inoculated with sporidia of Cronartium strobilinum, which is the cause of southern cone rust disease, by wounding the apical tips of the seedlings. Pycnial sori developed abundantly within 1 month of inoculation on the epicotyl and primary needles. The progress of the pathogen was confirmed histologically within the cells of the stem and haustoria were observed near the nucleus of the cells. In the needles, pycnial pustules developed and the fungus was abundant in the mesophyll.