Analysis of functional adaptations of cave animals confirms unique structural and chemical composition of cuticle in terrestrial isopod Titanethes. The ultrastructure of the epicuticle suggests a poor resistance against water loss. A thin calcified layer and low mineral content of exo- and endocuticle suggest low mechanical strength of the cuticle and maintenance of its flexibility thus reducing metabolic expenditures.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2060367
After long discussions in the chemosensory community we published the paper entitled Specificities of olfactory receptor neuron (ORNs) responses to amino acids in the black bullhead catfish (Ameiurus melas). The paper is available open access. After 40 years of electrophysiological studies that indicated broad response spectra of sponteously active olfactory neurons, our study is the first to reveal highly specific olfactory receptor neurons that are inactive prior to stimulation.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2164815
From the lake Fuxian Hu, Yunnan, China, some endemic fish species, but no cases of the intralacustrine speciation were known. We described a case of the species flock of amphipods, belonging to Anisogammaridae; both are probably endemic here. Described has been a new genus Fuxigammarus with three new species, additionaly we found two new profundal species. The molecular analysis confirms the monophyly of the group. This is the first 'long lived' lake with Anisogammaridae. With these findings we joined Fuxian to the approximately 10 long lived lakes of the globe.
COBISS.SI-ID: 24466649
Rickettsia slovaca was isolated from tick Error! Not a valid link. in Slovakia. We examined ultrastructural changes within host cells of ticks infected with R. slovaca. We proposed a mechanism of pathogenesis and showed comprehensive life cycle of R. slovaca. WT is more invasive and aggressive than ST which is more accustomed to growth in cell lines. Ultrastructure of rickettsiae in Haemaphysalis sulcata from sheep in Croatia was confirmed by TEM. Amplification and sequencing of genes demonstrated the new type strain of R. hoogstraalii sp.nov. is strain CroaticaT (=DSM 22243T=UTMB 00003T).
COBISS.SI-ID: 1965391
Excellent underwater hearing abilities had been demonstrated for Proteus with an acoustic behavioural method. The corrected underwater audiogramis shows thresholds at 40-50 dB in the frequency range 10 Hz-12.000 Hz. The highest sensitivity achieved between 1.500 and 2.000 Hz. Troglobians are more likely than others to own and regularly use the sensorial opportunities of a magnetic sense for spatial orientation. Very good magnetic sensitivity was demonstrated in Proteus anguinus as obligate troglobian, Desmognathus ochrophaeus is partly adapted to cave life and also exhibits magnetic sensitiv
COBISS.SI-ID: 2010703