Physiology
In the second part of the review we tried to consider dependence of concentration of a pinealny hormone melatonin (M) in serum of human blood. It is established that one of the main functions M is synchronization of work of all bodies, regulation of seasonal and daily rhythms of their physiological activity. It is confirmed that pregnancy and child-bearing processes directly depend on a rhythm and level of secretion of a hormone M in an organism. Also the M supports appropriate proliferative level and the immune status of a fruit. At violation of a rhythm of secretion of M at the child pathologies mental (stresses, depressions), and physiological character (a preeclampsia, an eclampsia, a fetal hypoxemia, abortions) develop. Initiation of childbirth is connected with sharp falling of concentration of M. So creation of conditions for maintenance of sufficient level of M is necessary for providing the birth of healthy posterity.
Biophysics
Established that exposure to extreme temperatures and changes the distribution of the fluorescence intensity of leaf pigments of wheat, which is probably due to changes in the morphology of the leaf, and the molecular state of the pigments.
Gerontology
The authors think that cytogerontological models similar to the Hayflick’s model, though very useful for experimental gerontology, are based on some correlations only and not related necessarily to the gist of the aging phenomenon. If the rationale of the “Hayflick phenomenon” is used, we cannot explain why we age. In contrast, the “stationary phase aging” model is obviously a “gist” model, because it is based on the hypothesis that the main cause of both various intracellular “age” changes in the cells of stationary cultures and similar changes in the cells of multicellular aging organism is the cell proliferation restriction. The model is suitable for experiments on wide spectrum of various cultured cells including normal and transformed animal and human cells, plant cells, bacteria, yeasts, mycoplasmas, etc. Results of the relevant investigations showed that the cells in the “stationary phase aging” model died out in accordance with the Gompertz law that describes exponential increase of the death probability with time. It is assumed that the “stationary phase aging” model can provide an effective approach to testing of various anti-aging and pro-aging factors in cytogerontological experiments. However, the authors emphasize that even the results of such studies sometimes do not coincide with the data obtained in vivo and, because of this, cannot be considered as final. They should be double-checked on laboratory animals and, if it complies with ethical regulations, even on humans.
Ecology
Method of the graphical analysis of transformations of the diatom assemblage’s taxonomic structure allows to reveal two main scenarios. The first scenario is determined by external abiotic influence to the ecosystem, while internal ecosystem parameters remain to be stable. The second scenario is determined by changing of internal ecosystem parameters, it is characteristic of some transitional periods in the ecosystem history. We studied the diatom assemblages of the sediment cores from LakeBoroe (Novgorod Area) and Lake Glubokoe (Moscow Area). The only first scenario was characteristic for the diatom assemblages of Lake Boroe during all the period studied (500—550 last year). In Lake Glubokoe core, we found two periods of the first scenario, and two transitional periods of the second scenario. Therefore, if the ecosystem of Lake Boroe was relatively stable during the last 500 years, the ecosystem of Lake Glubokoe survived some strong transformations.
Entomology
Comparative analysis of the wing apparatus and flight in 9 species of flower flies (Syrphidae) is carried out. The obtained data on flight velocity, aerodynamic force, wing-beat frequency, stroke amplitude and stroke plane angle, wing area, body mass and body volume are analyzed as well as correlations between these parameters at the intraspecific and family level. Comparison of representatives of subfamilies Syrphidae and Eristalinae is made.
Mycology and Algology
History of mycological studies at the WSBS is analyzed in the review. N.A. Pertsov White Sea Biological Station (WSBS) is an educational and research centre of the Moscow State University.
Established more than 70 years ago, now WSBS is a major university facility in the subarctic region participating actively in numerous marine research and educational programs. Mycological research conducted over the past 50 years has focused on biodiversity and ecology of marine, littoral and soil fungi and fungilike protists. More than one thousand species of these organisms have been discovered in various ecosystems. Various mycological research projects resulted in a number of published papers, masters’ theses and doctoral dissertations. Nowadays WSBS is the northernmost maritime territory which mycobiota is scrutinized so closely. However, there are many “white spots” in the present-day understanding of the WSBS mycobiota, so future research should focus on diversity and biology of epiphyte fungi, some ecological projects and fungal phylogeny.
Fauna, Flora
We investigated juvenile plants in association Hedysaro caucasicae — Geranietum gymnocauli Rabotnova & Onipchenko 2002 of alpine meadows of Northwestern Caucasus. During 5 years we were considered all juvenile plants on 16 plots on 0,5 m2. 4485 sprouts have been noted and the destiny is tracked them. The dominant species Hedysarum caucasicum Bieb. and Geranium gymnocaulon DC. and most species of the Asteraceae give many juvenile plants, but haven’t seeds in soil bank of seeds. Species of grass and other families give sprouts rare and have seeds in the soil bank. The majority from sprouts die after first winter. Sprouts of the dominant species are long time in juvenile age, sprouts of other species quickly pass in vegetative age.