Upper cretaceous rudist and stromatoporid associations of Central Oman (Arabian Peninsula)

Summary Rudist and stromatoporid associations of the Campanian from Central Oman are nearly monospecific. They are dominated byDurania aff.nicholasi, Vaccinites vesiculosus, Torreites milanovici or phaceloid and massive stromatoporids. Several other rudist genera play a secondary role. The thickness of the associations is rarely more than one metre. Solitary corals do not occur in the associations. Colonial corals are less common, although they are up to 1 m high and show considerable diversity. There are no binders. The reef structure indicates variable hydrodynamic conditions. They are always associated with very shallow water. The pureDurania aff.nicholasi patches with large colonial corals andTorreites milanovici are presumably the most rigid structures. The near monospecific associations ofVaccinites vesiculosus are widely distributed. Although mostly preserved in situ, strong currents, presumably caused by tropical storms, have repeatedly impaired and interrupted growth. The specific growth characteristics of the shell of some rudists, especially the radiolitids, enable an estimation of the individual lifespan. Frameworks of approximately 1 metre thickness probably developed in ±100 years. The sediments of the complete sections are predominantly bioclastic.     

Ultrastructure of the larval midgut of Bittacus planus (Mecoptera: Bittacidae) and Neopanorpa longiprocessa (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

Bittacidae and Panorpidae are the two largest families in Mecoptera. The larvae of Bittacidae are different from those of Panorpidae in external morphology and habits, and have an interesting habit of spraying the body surface with soil through the anus. However, it remains unknown to date whether the larval midguts are different in structure between the two families. Here the ultrastructure of the larval midguts of the hangingfly Bittacus planus Cheng and the scorpionfly Neopanorpa longiprocessa Hua & Chou were compared using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The midguts of both species are simple tubes of single layered epithelia with digestive and regenerative cells but without diverticula. The basal plasma membrane of epithelial cells exhibits infolding in B. planus, but is closely apposed to its basal lamina in N. longiprocessa. Lymph spaces are present between adjacent epithelial cells in B. planus, but are absent in N. longiprocessa. The regenerative cells are scattered among the digestive cells in B. planus, but are aggregated in N. longiprocessa. The longitudinal muscle bands are compact in B. planus, but are sparse in N. longiprocessa. The compact longitudinal muscle bands are likely associated with their soil-spraying habit in Bittacidae.     

A revision of the family Leucochloridiidae Poche (Digenea) and studies on the morphology of Leucochloridium paradoxum Carus, 1835

Summary The sporocyst and metacercaria of Leucochloridium paradoxum Carus, recovered from Succinea putris L. in Norway, are described and figured. Adults recovered from experimental infection of Taeniopygia guttata (Vieillot) with L. paradoxum metacercariae are described, using results from scanning electron microscopy, and compared with earlier information. The family Leucochloridiidae Poche is revised. Four genera are recognized within the family (i.e. Leucochloridium Carus, 1835; Urogonimus Monticelli, 1888; Urotocus Looss, 1899; Michajlovia Pojmanska, 1973). The larval ecological and morphological characteristics are tabulated for the three genera with known larval stages. The status of the genus Neoleucochloridium Kagan, 1951, is changed, on the grounds of larval similarities with Leucochloridium Carus. This means that within the genus Leucochloridium Carus three subgenera are erected, based primarily on sporocyst characteristics. These are Leucochloridium, Neoleucochloridium and Papilloleucochloridium. The diagnostic larval and adult characters are tabulated. The known larval records of species in the genus Leucochloridium are discussed and revised within the framework of this new classification. ac]19790812     

Three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isospora</Emphasis> Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the buffy-fronted seedeater <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sporophila frontalis</Emphasis> Verreaux (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) in South America

Three new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species from the buffy-fronted seedeater Sporophila frontalis Verraux in Brazil are reported in the current study. Isospora frontalis n. sp. oöcysts are spherical to sub-spherical, 27.9 × 26.9 μm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.4 μm thick. A micropyle and an oöcyst residuum are absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal, 19.6 × 11.1 μm. The Stieda body is knob-like and the substieda body is slight. The sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered granules, and the sporozoites are vermiform with a refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora teresopoliensis n. sp. oöcysts are spherical to sub-spherical, 25.7 × 24.3 μm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall 1.3 μm thick. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 18.8 × 11.2 μm. The Stieda body is nipple-shaped and the substieda body is large and prominent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered granules, and the sporozoites are large and elongate, with a refractile body and nucleus. Oöcysts of Isospora chanchaoi n. sp. are spherical to sub-spherical or ovoid, 24.2 × 22.0 μm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.2 μm thick. Both a micropyle and an oöcyst residuum are absent, but one or two polar granules are present. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 16.1 × 10.3 μm. The Stieda body is nipple-shaped and the substieda body is small but prominent. The sporocyst residuum forms a compact mass of granules, and the sporozoites are large and elongate, with a refractile body and a nucleus.     

The heart Ultrastructure of lepidopleurus asellus (Spengler) and Tonicella marmorea (Fabricius) (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

Summary The ultrastructure of the auricles, the ostia, and the ventricle of L. asellus and T. marmorea is described. The heart wall consists of an epicardium, a basement membrane, and an inner loose myocardium. The epicardial cells of the auricle are podocytes. The exposed cell body and the branched processes show pedicles. Ventricular epicardium is flat and simple. The slender, unbranched, mononucleated muscle fibres have a peripheral nucleus located midway along the fibre. Mitochondria are peripherally located, leaving the center to longitudinally running thick and thin myofilaments. Dense bodies and attachment plaques make up the Z-material. Sarcomeres and myofibrils are absent, as are transverse tubules and intercalated disks. The sarcoplasmic reticulum consists of peripheral tubules and subsarcolemmal cisternae, some of which radiate, branch, and run between myofilaments. Couplings are lacking. Ventricular fibres in T. marmorea show nexuses and desmosomes; in L. asellus only nexuses. The muscular ostia are tubular, and muscle fibres resemble those of the ventricle; nexuses are detected in T. marmorea and desmosomes in L. asellus. The only nervous elements observed are some nerve processes, structurally similar to those of other molluscs.Supported by grants from the Norwegian Research Council for Science and Humanities     

Surface topography of the tegument of adult Schistosoma nasale Rao, 1933 from Sri Lanka

Scanning electron microscopical studies of adult male and female Schistosoma nasale are reported. The tubercles on the dorsal and dorso-lateral surfaces of unpaired male S. nasale are devoid of spines. In paired male worms the tubercles on the dorsal surface are large and also are devoid of spines, but some tubercles on the dorso-lateral surface possess spines. Pit-like openings are visible on the surface of the smooth tubercles. The oral and ventral suckers on the male worm are well developed and are invested with spines, as are the gynaecophoric canal and flap. Ciliated sensory receptors are distributed over the surface of the male worm. The oral and ventral suckers of the female worm are much smaller than those of the male: spines occur on both suckers. The surface of the female is non-tuberculate and is thrown into transverse folds. Pit-like openings are visible at higher magnifications. The anterior end of the female is heavily invested in ciliated receptors, whereas the posterior end is heavily spined. The surface topography of S. nasale is discussed in relation to other species of Schistosoma.     

Density dependent and density independent relationships during a twenty-seven year study of the population dynamics of the benthic macroinvertebrate community of a chemically unstable lake

Data are given on net precipitation, water chemistry, vegetation cover and the population dynamics of 20 taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates from the total of 40 recorded ln the lake. The relationships between data sets were investigated by bivariate analysis. The relationships between abiotic factors are best described by linear equations as are some relationships between Sigara concinna, Sigara dorsalis, Potamopyrgus jenkinsi and environmental factors. The relationships of numbers of Gammarus tigrinus with temperature, Sigara stagnalis with conductivity, Corixidae with time and Sigara lateralis, Theromyzon tessulatum and Piscicola geometra with vegetation cover are best described by exponential equations. The relationships between the population dynamics of pairs of certain taxa viz. Gammarus tigrinus and G. duebeni, G. tigrinus and Asellus aquaticus, G. tigrinus and Corixidae, Sigara dorsalis and S. concinna, are best described by power equations. The relationship of vegetation cover with time and the population dynamics of many taxa are best described by logarithmic logistic equations.Both density dependent and density independent relationships appear to be responsible for changes in numbers and taxa within the total community. Density independent relationships are most important at times of environmental change while density dependent relationships, though operating continuously, are most important when conditions are stable.     

四个青梅品种幼年树生长结果习性调查

对栽植在红壤丘陵地的大核青、横核、红面珠墩、鹅嗉等四个青梅品种三年生树的生长结果习性调查表明:大核青树冠扩大最快,横核和红面珠墩次之,鹅嗉最慢;短果枝占各类枝梢比率各品种分别为73.9%、70.2%、31.6%、48.5%;不完全花率各为9.3%、10.2%、8.3%和18.7%;每100朵花的花粉重量分别为86.1、84.2、73.8和64.2 mg;第一年结果的单株产量依次为7.25、1.75、0.90、和0.20 kg。     

Vegetative anatomy and systematics of Triphorinae (Orchidaceae)

Triphorinae represents a group of three anatomically simple genera, the structural features of which are unspecialized. The anomocytic stomatal pattern occurs in all genera; it predominates in Triphora. A foliar hypodermis, sclerenchyma, fibre bundles and stegmata are absent. The mesophyll is homogeneous. The exodermal and endodermal cells in the roots are entirely thin‐walled and tilosomes are absent. However, there are anatomical modifications that appear to be unique: root hairs in Monophyllorchis are borne on velamenal buttresses and, in Psilochilus, they arise endogenously. In the root vascular system of Psilochilus, the metaxylem occurs as a circumferential band. The surfaces of stems in Triphora are tuberculate. Mycorrhizae appear to characterize the root cortices of all genera. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159 , 203–210.     

Genome-wide identification and phylogenetic analysis of rice FTIP gene family

FT-INTERACTING PROTEIN (FTIP) gene family in rice are the members of multiple C2 domain and transmembrane region proteins (MCTPs). There are many homologs of OsFTIPs in plants; however, the bioinformatics of them remains unclear. In the studies, 13 OsFTIP genes are identified in rice. OsFTIPs are unevenly located in 12 chromosomes. The OsFTIPs are phylogenetically divided into three clades. Cis-elements respond to abiotic stress, light, and hormones are found in the promoter region of OsFTIPs which are induced by the stimuli. All OsFTIPs are expressed with different profiles. Syntenic analysis of 128 OsFTIPs and FTIP-like homologs reveals that various number of gene pairs are identified between rice and other species. The 128 FTIP-like homologs are divided into six groups which fall into three classes. Ten motifs are shared by most OsFTIPs and their homologs. The studies provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the functions of OsFTIP gene family.     

Die Verschiedenartigkeit von Haftorganen einiger Flechten

Summary The rhizines of the lichens, Parmelia caperata, Parmelia trichotera and Lobaria pulmonaria were studied with the Stereoscan scanning electronmicroscope and in ultrathin sections with the transmission electronmicroscope. The rhizines are composed of fungal hyphae.The fungal hyphae in the rhizines of the thallus of Parmelia caperata and in the cilia at the thallus border of Parmelia trichotera are connected by a glue-like substance. The ends of the Parmelia caperata rhizines are flattened and enlarged. With these footlike rhizines the thalli are in good connection with the substratum. The cilia at the thallus border of Parmelia trichotera have a tip by which the thallus is fixed on bark or rocks. The cell walls of the fungi hyphae in the Parmelia caperata rhizines and in the Parmelia trichotera cilia are 150–400 nm thick.The rhizines of Lobaria pulmonaria consist of fungi hyphae which are interlaced without a gluey substance. The thallus of Lobaria pulmonaria is connected to the substratum through the tips of single hyphae. The hyphae walls of Lobaria pulmonaria are 800–1800 nm thick.     

Flavonoids of the Chenopodium L. genus of world flora

Data on the composition of flavonoids in the Chenopodium L. species of world flora and the available information on their biological activity are given. The main flavonoids of fat-hens are 3-O-glycosides of caempferol, quercetin, and isoramnetin. Flavones are characteristic of some species. The Chenopodoum species are also characteristic of some species. The Chenopodium spp. are interesting as a source of raw material containing flavonoids.     

Taxonomic review of Agraphydrus from Japan (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae)

The Japanese species of the genus Agraphydrus are revised. Five species are recognized, including Agraphydrus ogatai sp. nov. from Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The new species can be distinguished by the coarse ground punctures on the pronotum and elytra, and by the shape of parameres. All species except A. luteilateralis are redescribed. All species are diagnosed, relevant morphological characters are illustrated, distributional records are summarized and an updated key is provided.     

Revision von Lathyrus L. sect. Lathyrostylis (Griseb.) Bässler (Fabaceae)

Lathyrus sect. Lathyrostylis includes 20 Eurasian species that are more or less xerophytic. They are mainly distributed in South Europe and Southwest Asia, especially in Turkey. The majority of the species inhabits dry meadows, scrubs, Pinus forests, macchies, rocky slopes and screes. The following diagnostic characters are valuable: All species are perennial. The pinnate leaves consist of (1–)2–3(–8) pairs of parallelveined, amphistomatic leaflets and the rachis ending in a simple tip. The style is linear to broadly spathulate but not twisted. Within the section neither subsections nor series can be distinguished. The study is mainly based on herbarium specimens. Only few species had been cultivated. A key to species and subspecies and new maps, mainly based on revised herbarium specimens, are given. Species and infraspecific taxa are described, and their variability, relationships, phytogeography and ecology are discussed. At last some supplements and corrections to the revision of Lathyrus sect. Orobus (Bässler 1973) are added.     

Studies in the morphology and systematics of berberidaceae

The floral vasculature in three allied genera,Plagiorhegma, Jeffersoria andAchyls is investigated, and the results are compared with those ofEpimedium andVancouveria which are related closely toPlagiorhegma andJeffersonia. The vasculature in the receptacle ofPlagiorhegma andJeffersonia is similar, but that ofAchlys is much simpler. Slightly different trace patterns are observed in the sepals ofPlagiorhegma andJeffersonia. InJeffersonia, the 3-trace condition leaving 2 or 3 gaps is most frequently observed, but inPlagiorhegma traces of a double nature leaving a single gap are more frequent. The traces to the innermost sepals, petals and stamens are usually of a double nature leaving a single gap in both genera. Regular division and fusion are not observed in the receptacular stele. The vascular differentiation between sepals and petals is more advanced inPlagiorhegma andJeffersonia than inEpimedium andVancouveria. InAchlys, the traces are all staminal and single throughout their course. Two parts recognized in the pistils ofPlagiorhegma, Jeffersonia andAchlys are traversed by independent vasculature. The comparisons of pistil morphology including vasculature ofPlagiorhegma, Jeffersonia, Achlys, Epimedium andVancouveria lead to the interpretation that the pistils are based on the same morphological plan. The probable evolutionary trend in pistil is then suggested in these five genera.     

中国桑科植物属的空间分布及多样性

该研究以FRPS《中国植物志》全文电子版网站、中国在线植物志(eFlora)网站和国家标本资源共享平台(NSII)网站收录的全部中国桑科植物数据为基础,以部分省的植物志以及正式发表的论文为补充,查找每一个桑科植物的具体分布地点(精确到县一级),并采用地理信息系统技术,以县为空间数据的基本单元,以桑科12属的植物为研究对象,制作属的空间分布图,计算空间相似性系数,分析桑科植物各属的空间多样性及其差异。结果表明:(1)中国桑科植物中桑属的分布最广,橙桑属的分布最狭窄。(2)橙桑属与其他属的空间分布相似性系数均较低(0~0.0444),其中橙桑属与见血封喉属和牛筋藤属的相似性系数均为0,表明橙桑属与其他属的分布几乎没有重叠区;榕属与构属和柘属的空间分布相似性系数分别为0.7394和0.6795,表明这3属的空间分布有较多的重叠区;见血封喉属的分布范围较广,从热带到亚热带地区均有。(3)中国桑科植物属的多样化中心(保护区域)集中在热带和亚热带地区,其中波罗蜜属和葎草属的多样化中心均在云南,鹊肾树属的多样化中心在海南,柘属的多样化中心从热带、南亚热带扩大至中亚热带地区;榕属在中国有98个种,多样化中心分布在甘肃东南部、贵州东北部、云南南部、广西西南部、台湾南部和海南西部;桑属(11个种)的多样化中心分布在重庆南部、湖北南部、湖南西北部、贵州中南部、云南东部和广西西部。研究认为,中国桑科植物属的多样化中心各有特点,基于县的空间分布及多样性研究结果能够具体确定中国桑科植物属的最小保护区域;且该研究结果支持贵州地区是桑属植物的分化中心和过渡中心。     

新疆曲尾藓属10种植物蒴齿和孢子的形态观察

该研究通过光学显微镜(LM)和扫描电镜(SEM)观察了曲尾藓属(Dicranum Hedw.)10种植物的蒴齿和孢子的形态特征。结果表明:(1)曲尾藓属10种植物的孢蒴均为圆柱形。(2)孢子球形、近球形、椭圆形或三角状卵形,颜色为黄色、棕色或黄褐色;近极面向内凹,纹饰为疣状、颗粒状或芽孢状。(3)曲尾藓属10种植物的蒴齿多为披针形,但也有阔披针形,颜色为杏黄色、深红色、褐黄色或红褐色;纹饰为条状或疣状,具穿孔成网状结构,一些种无穿孔成平滑结构,表面具细疣。该研究结果为曲尾藓属属下类群划分提供了分类依据,并为苔藓植物系统分类、演化研究提供基础资料。     

Zur Blattfolge und Blattbildung einiger Cynareen-Gattungen 2. Acantholepis,Xeranthemum, Chardinia,Siebera, Amphoricarpus Mit 5 Tafeln und 11 Abbildungen

Continuing our study about Echinops (Kruse & Meusel 1969) several species of the genera Acantholepis, Xeranthemum, Chardinia, Siebera, Amphoricarpus are analysed as to their leaf sequence. Acantholepis is very similar to Echinops. The single florets of the head are surrounded by bractlets. The teethes of the upper foliage leaves and of the outer involucral bracts are corresponding to segments of a pinnatifid leaf of Echinops. The other genera have foliage leaves with entire margins. The distal parts of the inner involucral bracts are homologous to the lamina of the leaves, and the receptacular scales are divided in small segments. The relations between the different leaf forms are studied from the view points of comparativ morphology and organogenesis.     

On the hoplonemertean Sagaminemertes nagaiensis (Iwata, 1957), with consideration of its systematics

Summary The polystiliferous hoplonemertean Sagaminemertes nagaiensis (Iwata, 1957) has been redescribed.A distinct pre-cerebral region is wanting. The rhynchocoel opens directly at the tip of the head, whilst the mouth opens seperately below the ventral commissure of the brain which is situated at the anterior end of the head. The dorsal ganglia are well developed and extend posteriorly far behind the ventral ganglia. The cerebral sense organs are situated behind the brain and possess posterior ciliated canals. Cephalic glands are poorly represented, but ocelli are well developed. The sickle-shaped basis of the proboscis bears about 20 central stylets. The caecal appendages of the rhynchocoel are arranged pseudometamerically throughout the body. The foregut is straight, consisting of mouth, oesophagus, stomach and pylorus. Intestinal caeca and lateral diverticula are present. The cephalic lacunae have no anterior anastomosis. A cerebral lacuna is present, there is a rhynchocoel vessel, but transverse vessels are absent. The protonephridia extend throughout the foregut region. Mature spermatogonia are well developed.A systematic discussion of Sagaminemertes nagaiensis suggests that it is taxonomically close to Siboganemertes weberi in the archireptantic family Siboganemertidae.