Unusual Habit Research Articles

A symbiotic oyster in a shrimp burrow: phylogenetic position of Anomiostrea within the Ostreidae (Bivalvia)

ABSTRACT The ostreid genus Anomiostrea Habe & Kosuge, 1966, is monotypic for A. coralliophila Habe, 1975, which is known as a symbiont inhabiting the burrow of the ghost shrimp Neocallichirus jousseaumei (Nobili, 1904), but despite this unusual habit among oysters its phylogenetic position within the Ostreidae remained unknown. Using specimens collected from two distant localities of the Indo-Pacific, Oman and Japan, we compared shell morphology of these specimens with the holotype and assessed their phylogenetic relationships based on DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes. The genetic distance in cytochrome c oxidase subunit I between the specimens from Japan and Oman was 5.5%, indicating substantial geographic differentiation. Our molecular phylogenetic results suggest that A. coralliophila is sister to Ostrea algoensis G. B. Sowerby II, 1871, an oyster from rocky shores in South Africa, and both are closely related to other Ostrea species. This confirms assignment of Anomiostrea to Ostreinae and suggests that this burrow-wall symbiont evolved from typical rocky-shore oysters. Moreover, A. coralliophila was not monophyletic with another symbiotic ostreid Ostrea permollis G. B. Sowerby II, 1871, nor with other symbiotic oysters, indicating that the symbiotic habit evolved multiple times in the Ostreinae.

First report of non-case making Antispila (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) with taxonomic notes of Hydrangea-feeding species from Japan

A new heliozelid moth, Antispila folimansiella Kim & Yagi sp. nov., is described in Japan. This species is characterized by feeding on Hydrangea petiolaris (Hydrangeaceae) and not making a case before pupation, which is an unusual habit in the “Shield Bearer Moths” (Heliozelidae). We compared the new species with other Hydrangea-feeding species by the shape of the genitalia, wing venation, and DNA (cytochrome c oxidase I barcode region). We also provide a redescription of A. hydrangifoliella with intraspecific variation of the wing venation and female genitalia.

The hidden diet – examination of crop content reveals distinct patterns of pollen host use by Central European bees of the genus Hylaeus (Hymenoptera, Colletidae)

Masked or yellow-faced bees of the genus Hylaeus (Colletidae) differ in their mode of pollen transportation from most other bees in that they ingest the pollen directly on the flowers and carry it back to the nest inside the crop located in the anterior half of the metasoma. Due to this hidden mode of pollen transportation, the examination of pollen collected by Hylaeus females requires the dissection of the metasoma. Although this method has never been applied in Europe, the great majority of the Central European Hylaeus species were supposed to be pollen generalists based on observations of flower visits. The microscopical analysis of pollen removed from 30 crops each of 36 Central European Hylaeus species revealed that the proportion of species exhibiting an exclusive or strong preference for pollen from a single plant taxon is much higher than hitherto assumed and that the current assumption of the genus Hylaeus to largely consist of pollen generalists is wrong. Nineteen of the 36 species examined are strictly or largely dependent on a single plant taxon for collecting pollen, such as Apiaceae (n = 11 species), Rosaceae (n = 3), Reseda (Resedaceae) (n = 2), Allium (Amaryllidaceae) (n = 1), Asteraceae (n = 1) and Melilotus (Fabaceae) (n = 1). The 36 Hylaeus species examined collected pollen from the flowers of 31 plant families, of which the Apiaceae and Rosaceae (particularly Potentilla and Rubus) were by far the most important contributing almost 60% to the pollen host spectrum of the entire genus. The comparison between pollen host spectrum and flower visiting records showed that the pollen generalists use the flowers of the Asteraceae as nectar rather than pollen sources, corroborating earlier findings that the digestion of Asteraceae pollen requires physiological adaptations to cope with its unfavourable or protective properties. In summary, the patterns of pollen host use by bees of the genus Hylaeus do not substantially differ from those of other Palaearctic bee taxa despite the masked bees’ unusual habit to ingest the pollen directly on the flowers and to transport it inside their body back to the nest.

Prevalence of Alcohol use among Secondary-School Students in Al-Diwaniya City

Background: Recently, the phenomenon of alcohol abuse has spread among school students, and this is a dangerous indicator that drew the attention of official authorities. It was important to conduct a scientific study to assess the extent of this unusual habit. Aims of the study: This study aims to identify the prevalence of alcohol use among secondary school students. Methodology: A descriptive study design using a convenience random sample of (N=423) students conducted for the periods from 27 / February / 2021 to 8 / April / 2021. This sample is distributed throughout AL-Diwaniya Teaching Directorate. Data were collected through the use of an online questionnaire; and analyzed through the descriptive and inferential statistical approach. Results: Results show that only 11.65 of students drinking alcohol once time per month; 4% of them are drinking more than 6 serving at a time for 2-4 times per month. Conclusion: Findings indicate that alcohol use is low prevalent among secondary school students. Recommendations: The Ministry of Health should prioritize the alcohol use in public health by educating the parents and adolescents the health hazards of alcohol use through health programs and social media

First Report of The Unusual Feeding Habit of Estigmene acrea Larvae (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) with Corn Silks

First Report of The Unusual Feeding Habit of Estigmene acrea Larvae (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) with Corn Silks

Social environment mediates habitat shifts in a range-restricted giant limpet

The individuals of many species shift habitats at different stages in their lives. Sometimes, these habitat shifts coincide with an ontogenetic transition. These ontogenetic habitat shifts can allow species to access nutritional resources, avoid conspecific aggression or predation, or secure breeding opportunities when it is advantageous to do so. The Kermadec Islands giant limpet Scutellastra kermadecensis is a protandrous hermaphrodite endemic to Rangitāhua, the Kermadec Islands. These limpets have an unusual habit whereby small limpets (piggies) piggy-back on the shells of larger individuals rather than living on the rocky substrate. We investigated whether the ontogenetic habitat shift between the piggy-backing and rock-attached limpets was determined by the availability of free space on the rock or whether the ontogenetic habitat shift was a response to the properties of the surrounding limpet population. We found that the available rock space did not influence the size at which an individual transitioned from being a piggy to being rock-attached. Furthermore, larger rock-attached limpets were more likely to have piggies, they had more piggies, and the piggies were larger. Overall, our results suggest that Kermadec giant limpets are motivated to piggy-back by the properties of the social environment rather than space constraints. The piggy-backing behaviour may be a mechanism to avoid bulldozing by larger limpets, to access grazing opportunities on the shells of larger limpets, and/or to monopolise breeding opportunities with larger rock-attached females. We discuss the repercussions of this life-history strategy for this extremely range-restricted species, with reference to how these populations may be monitored and maintained.

Gall-inducing Insects and Plants: The Induction Conundrum

Galls induced by insects and mites (insects, hereafter) have been a subject of interest to insect ecologists because of the unusual habit of gall induction and for their tightly connected relationships. These specialist insects and mites have been explored to explain the nature of interactions between them and the plants by entomologists, ecologists and plant physiologists over the last two centuries. However, the questions why only certain insect taxa induce galls on specific species of plants and how galls are induced remain challenging. Whereas several efforts made across the world implicate plant-growth regulators (PGRs) in answering the question on how galls are induced, this article emphasizes the establishment of a metaplasied cell at the location where the tip of the chitinous mandible or ovipositor first hits in the plant. In the light of the differentiation of a metaplasied cell, the earliest plant response, it is but critical to evaluate the physiology of that cell and the ‘new’ physiological events triggered around it, heralding gall initiation. PGRs certainly play a role in gall growth, but only during later stages. This article does not answer the question on how galls are induced. However, it brings to light the gaps that need to be addressed in future in the backdrop of the efforts made over the years. Since we need to deal with the physiological changes that occur in a metaplasied cell and a few adjacent cells, the use of sophisticated optical equipment and pertinent software to achieve a structured and articulate explanation impresses as the way to go.

Justicia gigantophylla (Acanthaceae), an endangered litter-gathering species from southern Cameroon

Background and aims – The taxonomic status of Duvernoia gigantophylla Lindau from southern Cameroon is considered in relation to the wider Justicia extensa-laxa complex of tropical Africa. Its unusual litter-gathering habit (currently unique in Acanthaceae) is also discussed.Methods – This study was based on normal practices of herbarium taxonomy and morphological analysis. All relevant protocols were followed in the production of the conservation assessment and selection of the lectotype. Key results – A new combination Justicia gigantophylla (Lindau) H.J.Sm. & C.Moran is proposed for this narrowly endemic and endangered species, which is re-instated, with a new description and conservation assessment. A basic key to the wider J. extensa-laxa complex is presented. Justicia gigantophylla is assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN and a new lectotype is also designated.

A different manner to share a house: is a colonial species possible in Ceriantharia (Cnidaria; Anthozoa)?

Ceriantharians or tube-dwelling sea anemones are known for synthesizing soft and flexible tubes made of mucus, cnidae filaments (ptychocysts), and sediments found on the soft bottom. These tubes are used to house and protect them from danger, although many species of marine invertebrates use ceriantharian tubes as alternative substrates. Little is known about the organizational structure of ceriantharians in their own tubes. Although ceriantharians are always considered solitary animals, this study presents the first record of a ceriantharian colony of Botrucnidifer norvegicus Carlgren, 1912. Future studies regarding the population structure in ceriantharian aggregations may help to clarify this unusual habit for Ceriantharia.

Grief and Bereavement Practices Among Igbo People of South-Eastern Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

Death is as old as human kind, but always appears in minds as fresh as a new born when and wherever it occurs. Death or loss of loved one/valuable items is a tragedy, disastrous and difficult to swallow within a short period of its occurrence. The unpredictable psychological feeling called grief is usually accompanied with emotional setbacks like; anxiety, depression, insomnia, anger, feeling of guilt, sadness, despair and yearning among others determines the level of attachment to the loss and so the likely period of bereavement. The unfortunate circumstances seem to manifest themselves even among animals particularly mammals for example; chimpanzees exhibit silence behavior around the dead member, gorillas use sign language and even expressing sadness about the deceased member, elephants display destructive unusual habit on seeing motionless member, some deer mostly sniff and poke while looking at their lifeless deceased among others. However, this paper attempts to define the concepts of grief, mourning, counselling and bereavement practices by various groups around the world, with much emphasis on Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria as well as its counselling implications.

Why it is often underestimated: Historical Study of Ammonia Gas Exposure Impacts towards Human Health

Ammonia is one of the major pollutants in the air that easily recognized with its pungent odor, and harmful when it exposed to the human. Exposure to the released ammonia gas potentially froze all the contacted tissue, and irritations to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and lungs. However, due to the lack of scientific belief of carcinogenic issues for human health, exposure to the ammonia often underestimated. This study will focus on analyzing the possibility of long-term impacts towards human based on the related case of accidental or non-accidental exposure of ammonia, from the causative factors, the concentration level of gas exposure, and its impact. This study uses a narrative review based on the record of cases, and questionnaire to the workers at urea fertilizer company X. From the study of the previous similar cases, it can be inferred that short-term exposure to ammonia is proven to irritate and burns to the moisture tissue and respiratory system that able to recover with immediate treatment. Long-term exposure of ammonia did not cause a specific carcinogenic disease, but in some cases can cause a permanent burn injury, unusual habit in breathe, and in special case can cause a brain related disease.

Seed germination and seedling growth of the geophyticPterocactus tuberosus(Cactaceae)1

Abstract The focus of this study was on seed germination and seedling growth of Pterocactus tuberosus, an endemic cactus inhabiting the Monte desert of Argentina, which possesses unusual winged seeds and geophytic habit. We evaluated the effects of water availability, temperature, and light on germination, and the influence of soil moisture on seedling growth. The effects of water potential were examined using 0, −0.1, −0.4, −0.7, and −1.0 MPa solutions. Temperature treatments included 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 20/10, 25/15, and 30/20 °C. To assess photoblastism, seeds were exposed to light or continuous darkness. Total germination, weighted germination percentages, and mean germination times were calculated. Plant size and biomass of 1- and 6-wk-old seedlings were determined under high, moderate, and low watering frequency treatments. Results showed that decreasing water potential affected germination, which was about 80% at 0 and −0.1 MPa, and then, decreased to almost complete inhibition at ≤ −0.7 MPa. R...

Characterization of inflamin, the first member of a new family of snake venom proteins that induces inflammation

Unlike other sea snakes, Aipysurus eydouxii feeds exclusively on fish eggs. This unusual feeding habit prompted us to search for unique transcripts in their venom glands. In the present study we expressed a novel cysteine-rich secretory protein containing 94 amino acid residues that was identified in its cDNA library. As it induced inflammation and writhing in animals, this protein was named inflamin. It induced two waves of prostanoid production. The first wave peaked at 10 min and 6-oxo PGF1α (prostaglandin F1α) (6-keto PGF1α) was the major product. The second wave, specifically of 6-oxo PGF1α and PGE2 (prostanglandin E2), started after 2 h. In RAW 264.7 cells, COX-1 (cyclo-oxygenase-1) activity showed a transient increase at 10 min and is responsible for the first wave, but its expression was unaffected. COX-2 was induced after 3 h and is responsible for the second wave. Using specific inhibitors, we showed that cPLA2 (calcium-dependent phospholipase A2), and not sPLA2 (secretory phospholipase A2), iPLA2 (calcium-independent phospholipase A2) or DAG (diacylglycerol) lipase, plays a key role in arachidonate release. The cPLA2 activity showed a transient increase of 62% at 10 min; this increase was due to its phosphorylation and not due to an increase in its expression. Thus inflamin, the first member of a new family of snake venom proteins, leads to an increase in the cPLA2 and COX-1 activity resulting in inflammation and pain.

Flea weevils of the genus Synorchestes Voss (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Rhamphini), with description of a second species from India

A second species of Synorchestes Voss, S. indicus sp. nov. is described from India. The species is a gall maker on Persea bombycina (King ex Hook.f) Kosterm. (Lauraceae), a very unusual habit among Rhamphini reported here for the first time. Synorchestes grisescens Voss genitalia is illustrated and a key to the two species is provided.

Luminescence and micro-Raman investigations on inclusions of unusual habit in chrysoprase from Turkey

Chemical analyses performed on chrysoprase from Turkey have shown many trace elements as well as rare earth impurities. Quantitative chemical analyses of inclusions in minerals can improve our understanding of the chemistry of surface. The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) with an attached X-ray energy dispersive system (EDS) is capable of producing rapid and accurate major element chemical analyses of individual inclusions in crystals larger than about 30μm in diameter. The samples were examined with lifetime-resolved and spatially-resolved cathodoluminescence (CL), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Spatially resolved CL results at room temperature were recorded for two different areas. Bulk area displays with low CL emission and pores contain iron phases such as chromite, hematite and anatase which cause the green color. For the raw data in the lifetime resolved CL spectrum, at least three broad emission bands were detected in a yellow band of the highest intensity at about 550nm, a weaker orange band at about 650nm, and a red band at 720nm. It is assumed that there are links between the CL emissions and the presence of some transition metal and REE elements, but it is obvious that all trace elements do not play a direct role. Micro-Raman measurements were performed on chrysoprase and these showed a characteristic intensive Raman band peaked at 464cm−1 which can be inferred to ν2 doubly symmetric bending mode of [SiO4/M] centers. Raman spectrum of all inclusions found in the material are also given and discussed in detail.

Unusual habit ending as a foreign body lodgment: A report of case series

Discovery of a foreign object embedded in a tooth is an uncommon finding. Many children with a habit of placing various objects in the oral cavity eventually end up with foreign body lodgment into the pulp chamber or root canal leading to pain and infection. This is more likely to occur in a tooth with a wide pulp chamber opened during root canal treatment for drainage of pus. Such a procedure can provoke the patient to fill the open tooth with any foreign body or may place the child at risk of foreign body lodgment in the chamber or canal. As a foreign object can act as a source of pain and cause difficulty in the elimination of infection from the root canal, prompt, but cautious attempts, must be made to retrieve it from the pulp chamber, thereby preventing pushing into the canals, and root canal treatment should be completed as early as possible. The present article describes few such cases and also briefly reviews the different techniques used for removing the foreign body from the pulp chamber and root canal.

Micro‐Raman investigations on inclusions of unusual habit in a commercial tanzanite gemstone

The vibrational properties of submillimetre size inclusions of unusual habit in a commercial tanzanite gemstone were investigated by confocal Raman microspectroscopy with the aim of probing both their chemical composition and crystal structure. Highly contrasted Raman spectra were recorded in confocal conditions from several inclusions incorporated at different depths, ranging between a few microns to some tens of microns beneath the gemstone surface. The observed spectral features were identified as specific markers of hematite (α‐Fe2O3). Their unambiguous assignment has been inferred by comparing our experimental findings with the literature data recorded either in single crystals of hematite or in other iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. Our results rule out the presence of any pseudomorphic variety of hematite in the investigated gemstone, while confocal micro‐Raman spectroscopy definitively proved itself as a very reliable, relatively costless and noninvasive tool for unambiguous identification of subsurface regions of gemstones. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Masting in a temperate tree: Evidence for environmental prediction?

AbstractMany plant species produce large fruit crops in some years and then produce few or no fruits in others. Synchronous, inter‐annual variation in plant reproduction is known as ‘masting’ and its adaptive significance has yet to be fully resolved. For 8 consecutive years, I quantified every fruit produced by 22 females of a New Zealand tree species (Dysoxylum spectabile), which has an unusual habit of taking a full calendar year to mature fruits after flowering. Fruit production varied strongly among years and was tightly synchronized among trees. Annual variability in fruit production declined with total reproductive output, indicating trees with lower fecundity exhibited a stronger tendency to mast. Although unrelated to temperature, annual fruit production was positively related to precipitation during annual periods of fruit development, and negatively related to fruit production in the previous year. Seedlings had higher rates of survivorship in a wet, high‐seed year than in a dry, low‐seed year, suggesting that seedlings might be drought sensitive. Therefore, D. spectabile produced large fruit crops during periods of high rainfall prior to fruit maturation, which may enhance survivorship of drought‐intolerant seeds. Results were inconsistent with several hypotheses that are widely believed to be the most likely explanations for masting. Instead, results were consistent with the environmental prediction hypothesis, suggesting that this hypothesis may be more important than previously appreciated.

The crystal chemistry of ‘wheatsheaf’ tourmaline from Mogok, Myanmar

AbstractTourmalines of unusual (mushroom) habit are common in granitic pegmatites of Momeik, northeast of Mogok, Myanmar. Here, we examine a sample of elbaite of significantly different habit, consisting of a series of diverging crystals, resembling a sheaf of wheat and ranging in colour from light purplish-red at the base to dark purplish-red at the tip with a thin green cap at the termination. The crystal structures of eight crystals are refined to R1-indices of ∼2.5% using graphite-monochromated Mo-Kα X-radiation; the same crystals were analysed by electron microprobe. 11B and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectra were collected on four regions of the wheatsheaf crystal, and show ∼0.3 a.p.f.u. [4]B and <0.1 a.p.f.u. [4]Al in the structure. 57Fe Mössbauerspectr oscopy was done on the dark green rim at the termination of the crystal, showing all Fe in this region (∼0.6 a.p.f.u.) to be Fe2+. Detailed electron-microprobe traverses show that the principal compositional variation involves the substitutions [4]B + YAl → Si + YFe*, where transition metals are present, and [4]B2 + YAl → Si2 + YLi, where transition metals are not present, although several other minor substitutions also affect crystal composition. Successive microscopic bifurcation of crystallites causes divergence of growth directions along the c axis, imparting the overall ‘wheatsheaf’ shape to the crystal aggregate. We suggest that such bifurcation is common in pegmatitic elbaite crystals, resulting in their common divergent habit.

A Unique Case of Pica of Adult Onset with Interesting Psychosexual Aspects

Pica has been considered as the ingestion of inedible substances or atypical food combinations. Pica has been reported widely in pediatric age group and often found to be co existing with obsessive compulsive or major depressive disorder. Reports of pica in elderly age group are relatively uncommon and rarely does it have an adult onset. In this article we present a case of adult onset pica. A young lady with unusual sensation in her abdomen was found to consume iron nails over years and there was history of dyspareunia since her marriage three months back. On query it was known that the lady is having same sex relationship over years. There unique conglomeration of cultural, psychodynamic and physiological determinants which together is responsible for this unusual habit of this lady. Moreover the onset of the disease at a late age and different psychodynamic issues make the case all the more interesting. Whether the pica is an eating disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder is still controversial. Pica has been mentioned in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV TR. The present case report warrants the need to look into this entity more closely with regards to its occurrence and etiology.