Novel Protocol for the Chemical Synthesis of Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone Analogues — An Efficient Experimental Tool for Studying Their Functions

The crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone (cHH) is present in many decapods in different isoforms, whose specific biological functions are still poorly understood. Here we report on the first chemical synthesis of three distinct isoforms of the cHH of Astacus leptodactylus carried out by solid phase peptide synthesis coupled to native chemical ligation. The synthetic 72 amino acid long peptide amides, containing L- or D-Phe3 and (Glp1, D-Phe3) were tested for their biological activity by means of homologous in vivo bioassays. The hyperglycemic activity of the D-isoforms was significantly higher than that of the L-isoform, while the presence of the N-terminal Glp residue had no influence on the peptide activity. The results show that the presence of D-Phe3 modifies the cHH functionality, contributing to the diversification of the hormone pool

Copernicus Marine Service Ocean State Report

This is the final version. Available from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this record

Spatial patterns of wind and sea surface temperature in the Galician upwelling region

14 pages, 14 figures.-- Full-text version available Open Access at: http://www.iim.csic.es/~barton/html/pdfs.htmlCape Finisterre is the most northwest point in the Galician region and separates the meridional west and zonal north coasts of Galicia. The wind field there has high spatial and temporal variability throughout the year. No clear seasonal signal is evident; upwelling and nonupwelling patterns alternate in all seasons. Two outstanding features of the Galician region are persistent upwelling near Cape Finisterre even when not present farther south and alternation of strong upwelling on north and west coasts. Up to now, explanations have relied upon particular dynamics of oceanic flow past Finisterre. We find that major features of upwelling around Finisterre are related to strong spatial structure in the wind field. Analysis of QuikScat wind data for July 1999 to May 2001 shows strong repeatable patterns in the synoptic wind field. These wind patterns emerge as the combination of the two dominant modes in a complex empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis representing over 85% of the variance. Summer wind patterns give rise to characteristic distributions of upwelling along the coast and favor development of filaments in particular locations. The wind measured at Finisterre itself, often used as a general indicator of upwelling conditions around the Galician coast, is not always representative of the overall wind field. The relevant wind fields allowed a qualitative explanation of temperature structure seen in sea surface temperature images, and of differences in both the upwelling and downwelling regimes between the two years.This work was supported by the European Union under MAST 3 programme, contract number MAS3-CT97-0076 OMEX. Dr. E.D. Barton was partially funded by Mexican CONACYT, Catedra Patrimonial EX-010009.Peer reviewe

antennal olfactory sensitivity in response to task-related odours of three castes of the ant atta mexicana (hymenoptera : formicidae)

The relationship between scent composition and antennal sensitivity in different castes of Atta mexicana is investigated under laboratory conditions. Extracts of dead ants are analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the compounds presumably responsible for the specific undertaking behaviour. Oleic acid is identified as one compound that triggers undertaking behaviour. To determine differences in odour reception between workers of different castes (i.e. foragers, undertakers and soldiers), further antennal sensitivity to task-related odours is tested using electroantennographic techniques. Soldiers are the most specialized caste because of their low response to all odours, except odourants related to alarm pheromones. The behavioural specialization of soldiers and their reduced behavioural repertoire are discussed

A coupling module for tides, surges and waves

A generic module in which tides, surges and waves are incorporated has been developed, tested and prepared for dissemination within the framework of the MAST III PROMISE (PRe-Operational Modelling In the Seas of Europe) project. Two existing pre-operational numerical models, a wave model and a hydrodynamic model, were incorporated into a coupling framework that allows an efficient exchange of information between them. Minimal adaptation of the models was needed. The module has then been implemented and applied to the North Sea, then a series of experiments were performed to investigate the sensitivity of waves and surges to coupling. These experiments show that the sensitivity of waves to coupling increases from deep to shallow water, The sensitivity of surges is more uniformly distributed. The sensitivity of surges to coupling along the Spanish coast was also studied. The model results were less sensitive than in the North Sea. This is explained by the relative importance of the two forcing components, the atmospheric pressure and the wind stress, in both areas. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved

A coupling module for tides, surges and waves

A generic module in which tides, surges and waves are incorporated has been developed, tested and prepared for dissemination within the framework of the MAST III PROMISE (PRe-Operational Modelling In the Seas of Europe) project. Two existing pre-operational numerical models, a wave model and a hydrodynamic model, were incorporated into a coupling framework that allows an efficient exchange of information between them. Minimal adaptation of the models was needed.status: publishe