Documents published in Scipedia

• Using Stripping Voltammetry to Analyse the Interactions of Metals with the Biomass of Acidophilic Algae

  T. Shestakova, I. Tropin, S. Ostroumov

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Interactions of metals with the biomass of plant organisms, including algae, are of interest for biology, biogeochemistry and biotechnology. This work studies the interactions of the unique thermophilic red algae Galdieria sulphuraria (Class: Rhodophyta, Family: Cyanidiaceae) with copper and lead in the aquatic environment. This extremophilic, acidophilic organism is found in such ecosystems as hot springs and geothermal habitats. This paper presents the results of experiments with the biomass and mortmass of this organism. The results indicate that the biomass of this organism immobilises copper after incubation in aquatic medium with heavy metals. Lead was also added to the incubation environment, but no immobilisation of lead from the aquatic environment was observed. The mortmass of G. sulphuraria immobilised neither copper nor lead.

  Abstract
  Interactions of metals with the biomass of plant organisms, including algae, are of interest for biology, biogeochemistry and biotechnology. This work studies the interactions [...]

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• Pulsar Satellite Radio Beacon Application Experience in the Telemetry of Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos L.)

  I. Seryodkin, V. Zaitsev, Y. Petrunenko

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  This study shows application experience of pulsar satellite radio beacons (Russian production) in studying brown bear ecology. During 2011–2013 three brown bears were equipped with satellite collars fitted with a radio beacon in the Primorsky region and the Kostroma region. The animals were tracked using satellite technology and telemetry. We obtained data on brown bear space use and daily and seasonal movements. Our results show possibility of using this method for the study and conservation of wild animals.

  Abstract
  This study shows application experience of pulsar satellite radio beacons (Russian production) in studying brown bear ecology. During 2011–2013 three brown bears were equipped [...]

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• Behavior of Brown Bears During Feeding in the Sikhote-Alin

  I. Seryodkin

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Feeding methods and habits of brown bear in Sikhote-Alin are varied and specific for each type of feeding behavior depending on the composition and condition of food, its availability and abundance, season, animals sex, age, physical condition, personal preferences and experience, the presence of competitors and disturbance from other predators and humans. A feature of the feeding behavior of bears in Sikhote-Alin is consumption of the remains of meals of tigers.

  Abstract
  Feeding methods and habits of brown bear in Sikhote-Alin are varied and specific for each type of feeding behavior depending on the composition and condition of food, its [...]

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• Marking activity of the Kamchatka brown bear (Ursus arctos piscator )

  I. Seryodkin

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  The marking activity of brown bears was studied in the Kronotsky Reserve (eastern shore of the Kamchatka Peninsula) between 2002 and 2005. The goal of this investigation was to document communication mechanisms within the species. We recorded descriptions of bears rubbing and marking trees, as well as individual marking behaviour of bears in the Valley of the Geysers. We recorded 203 marked trees in an area of 2.5 km2 . Bears marked mostly stone birches (Betula ermanii ) with a mean diameter at breast height of 24 cm. Most trees were freshly marked with scratches or teeth marks and also exhibited scarring from previous years. Well-worn tracks were often recorded approaching marked trees. Regarding tree markings, 10.3% of trees were marked intensively, and 32% of trees were clustered. In addition, 88.9% of marked trees were located on ridges, and 79.3% were located on bear trails. The most intensive marking period was between May and June, which corresponded to bear mating season. The most commonly observed behaviour prior to marking was a rigid walking approach, rubbing on the trunk, and biting and removing tree bark. The high density and diversity of rubbed trees in the reserve should be considered a model for monitoring. The conservation of the Valley of the Geysers is intricately related to the wellbeing of the regions bears. Monitoring human impact on bears in the Valley of the Geysers, specifically tourism traffic, should include monitoring of the intensity and frequency of bear marking activity.

  Abstract
  The marking activity of brown bears was studied in the Kronotsky Reserve (eastern shore of the Kamchatka Peninsula) between 2002 and 2005. The goal of this investigation was [...]

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• Operant Behaviour Features of the Selection Preference of Lithogenic Feed for Experimental Purposes

  A. Sergievich

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  In the present work, the influence of natural zeolites on the parameters of defensive behaviour was analysed in experiments with white laboratory rats and a modular device. The obtained data suggested that among the experimental individuals under conditions of tool stress, 76% preferred the food that contained a mineral additive in the form of a crushed zeolite, while the indicators of behavioural activity were optimized in the given category of animals.

  Abstract
  In the present work, the influence of natural zeolites on the parameters of defensive behaviour was analysed in experiments with white laboratory rats and a modular device. [...]

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• Causes of the Decrease in the Number of Ermine (Mustela Erminea L., 1758) and Pelt Procurement in Yakutia

  V. Sedalischev, V. Odnokurtsev, I. Okhlopkov

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  During the last four decades, a decrease in ermine pelt procurement has been noted in Yakutia. To determine the possible reasons for this, material on the ecology of ermine and sables in Northeast Yakutia was collected from 1980–1994. The study examined 2890 sable stomachs for feed, and 1167 ermine skulls for Skrjabingylus infection. It was revealed that ermine are hunted by sables, but their proportion of the diet is low (0.4–3.4%). It was found that sables displaced ermine from the taiga biocenosis. The most acute effects of this process occurred during the sable settlement in October–November and are exacerbated by small numbers of rodents and crop failure in the main taiga feed. The overall intensity of infestation with the Skrjabingylus nasicola nematode was 19%, suggesting that this parasite is unlikely to have significantly affected the number of ermine.

  Abstract
  During the last four decades, a decrease in ermine pelt procurement has been noted in Yakutia. To determine the possible reasons for this, material on the ecology of ermine [...]

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• Features of Bird Distributions in Different Types of Macro Landscapes (Biotypes) in the Kyzyl Kum Desert

  A. Sabilaev

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  One hundred and forty species of birds have been credibly recognised (during 1970–1990) as Kyzyl Kum desert inhabitants. They are distributed in seven arid landscapes that are unequal in edaphic and floristic characteristics. The most environmentally capacious landscape is the spates of artesian lakes and banks with grass–shrub complexes, where 83 bird species were found. The valleys of dry riverbeds occupied with tamarisk saxaul groves contained 56 bird species. The smallest species range (16) was observed in the variations of the takyr spaces with poor vegetation. This paper also outlines the relative abundance of 40 species of birds that are typical inhabitants of desert landscapes. We studied four of their habitats, and the effects of seasonal changes on the species composition of shorebirds in three artesian lakes were determined.

  Abstract
  One hundred and forty species of birds have been credibly recognised (during 1970–1990) as Kyzyl Kum desert inhabitants. They are distributed in seven arid landscapes that [...]

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• A Taxonomic List of the Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve

  E. Potikha

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Three orders of amphibiotic insects were examined from the eastern and western streams of the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Biosphere Reserve, which is located in the southern Russian Far East in the central portion of a mountain range with the same name. Data were obtained on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) fauna inhabiting streams in the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Biosphere Reserve and its adjacent area. The data were collected by the author from 1980 to 2013. More than 30 thousand larvae and adult EPT were identified, and a systematic list of 220 species was formed. Among them, Ephemeroptera is represented by 63 species from 18 genera and 8 families. Plecoptera is represented by 61 species from 30 genera and 8 families. Trichoptera is represented by 96 species from 49 genera and 20 families. The EPT biodiversity study in the local protected areas is important for assessing the ecological preferences of aquatic organisms and understanding the formation of ecosystem structures under normal conditions, i.e., without anthropogenic influence. In addition, the EPT list is of great value, as it is widely used to control the quality of the environment via the EPT indicator index. The comprehensive list of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT complex) taxonomic species of Central Sikhote-Alin streams is submitted for the first time. In addition, a brief areal EPT fauna analysis is made.

  Abstract
  Three orders of amphibiotic insects were examined from the eastern and western streams of the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Biosphere Reserve, which is located in the southern [...]

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• Bleb Formation in Human Fibrosarcoma HT1080 Cancer Cell Line Is Positively Regulated by the Lipid Signalling Phospholipase D2 (PLD2)

  G. Ponuwei, P. Dash

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Blebs are spherical plasma membrane protrusions formed when the membrane detaches from the underlying cortex as a result of actomyosin contractility-powered increase of hydrostatic pressure in the cytoplasm. Different tumour cells metastasize using blebbing as alternative mode of migration by squeezing through pre-existing pores in the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study investigated the role of the lipid signalling phospholipases D1 and D2 (PLD1/PLD2) in bleb formation in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cell line in the extracellular matrix, and reports that pharmacological inhibition of PLD1 and PLD2 with a potent universal PLD inhibitor potently inhibited bleb formation in HT1080 cells embedded in three-dimensional (3D) matrigel matrix. Use of smartpool small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target PLD1 and PLD2 isoforms at four different sequences revealed that PLD2, but not PLD1 is involved in blebbing of HT1080 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PLD2-mediated bleb formation is via the PA-LPAR-Rho-ROCK signalling pathway. Thus, PLD2 is a promising therapeutic target in combating metastasis of cancers of fibrous connective tissues.

  Abstract
  Blebs are spherical plasma membrane protrusions formed when the membrane detaches from the underlying cortex as a result of actomyosin contractility-powered increase of hydrostatic [...]

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• Post-fire Successions of Vegetation and Pinus koraiensis Ectomycorrhizal Communities in Korean Pine–Broadleaf Forests of the Central Sikhote-Alin

  E. Pimenova, M. Gromyko, S. Bondarchuk, V. Malysheva, E. Malysheva, A. Kovalenko

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  The characteristics of four stages of demutational succession of a valley Korean pine–broadleaf forest are provided according to the parameters most vividly capturing the structure of the plant community and influencing the renewal and mycorrhization of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis ) seedlings. It was found that Korean pine seedlings grow in a competitive environment on the fresh burned site, hence the mycorrhization occurs from specialized symbiotes that provide competitive advantages and adaptation to stress factors. Mycorrhiza forms the least successful in the 50–60-year-old larch–birch–spiraea association during the seral stages of succession. The 90–100-year-old birch–broadleaf association offers the most suitable soil and cenotic conditions for the development of Korean pine seedlings that can successfully generate mycorrhiza from both the spores present in the thick soil layer, and through mycelia of shared mycorrhizal networks of seral and primary (including Korean pine) tree species. A 230–250-year-old climax community comprises all patterns to ensure that pine seedlings encounter a fungal component, in this community the greatest abundance of species and a balanced composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi communities of Korean pine are observed.

  Abstract
  The characteristics of four stages of demutational succession of a valley Korean pine–broadleaf forest are provided according to the parameters most vividly capturing the [...]

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