PHYLOGENETIC POSITION OF SYMBIODINIUM (DINOPHYCEAE) ISOLATES FROM TRIDACNIDS (BIVALVIA), CARDIIDS (BIVALVIA), A SPONGE (PORIFERA), A SOFT CORAL (ANTHOZOA), AND A FREE-LIVING STRAIN

The genus Symbiodinium is the commonly observed symbiotic dinoflagellate (zooxanthellae) that forms mutual associations with various marine invertebrates. Numerous studies have revealed that the genus is comprised of a group of diverse taxa, and information on the phylogenetic relationships among the genus’ members is increasing. In this study, small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (ssrRNA) gene sequences were determined for 15 more Symbiodinium strains from 12 relatively unstudied host taxa (Indo-Pacific tridacnids, cardiids, sponge, and soft coral), 1 hitherto unreported free-living Symbiodinium strain, and 4 other Symbiodinium strains from four other host taxa (Indo-Pacific zoanthid, foraminifer, jellyfish, and mid-Pacific hard coral). Their respective phylogenetic positions were inferred, and strains that are either closely related to or distinct from previously reported Symbiodinium taxa were revealed. The cultured Symbiodinium strains isolated from individuals of six species of tridacnids and three species of cardiids all had identical ssrRNA gene sequences, are closely related to S. microadriaticum Freudenthal, and are indistinguishable from the RFLP Type A strain previously reported. However, the ssrRNA gene sequences of clam symbionts that were obtained via gene cloning were different from those of the cultured isolates and represent strains that are close to the RFLP Type C strains. The Symbiodinium-like dinoflagellate from the Indo-Pacific sponge Haliclona koremella De Laubenfels is distinct from any of the Symbiodinium taxa studied and may be similar to the symbiont previously isolated from the stony coral Montipora patula Quelch. The isolates from the soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum Quoy et Gaimard and from the zoanthid Zoanthus sp. are both very closely related to S. pilosum Trench et Blank. The free-living Symbiodinium isolate is very closely related to the symbiont isolated from the Indo-Pacific foraminifer Amphisorus hemprichii Ehrenberg, which in turn is distinct from the Red Sea strain isolated from a similar host. Theisolate from Cassiopeia sp. is different from S. microadriaticum F., the type species harbored by Cassiopeia xamachana Bigelow, and is instead very closely related to S. pulchrorum Trench isolated from a sea anemone. The symbiont from the stony coral M. verrucosa Lamarck is a sister taxon to the symbionts isolated from the foraminifera Marginopora kudakajimensis Gudmundsson and Sorites orbiculus Forskål. These data suggest that polymorphic symbioses extend from cnidarians to some bivalve, foraminifer, and jellyfish host species.     

Conformation of sequential polypeptides of (Lysi-Leuj), (Lysi-Serj), and (Lys-Gly) in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution

A series of sequential polypeptides (Lys_iR_j)_n (R is Leu, Ser, or Gly) and random copolypeptides, (Lys^x, Leu^y)_n, were synthesized. Their conformation in NaDodSO₄ solution was determined by CD. Only (Lys-Leu)_n, (Lys-Ser)_n, and (Lys₃-Ser)_n adopt a stable β-form in the surfactant solution; (Lys-Ser₂)_n, (Lys-Ser₃)_n, (Lys₂-Ser₂)_n, and (Lys₂-Ser)_n have an unstable β-form, which reverts to an unordered form in high NaDodSO₄ concentrations, even though both Ser and DodSO-bound Lys⁺ are β-formers. In contrast, (Lys-Gly)_n remains unordered in NaDodSO₄ solution. On the other hand, Lys-rich (Lys₂-Leu)_n forms an unstable helix and (Lys₂-Leu₂)_n a stable helix in NaDodSO₄ solution. In 25 mM NaDodSO₄ (Lys^x, Leu^y)_n also forms a helix up to x = 75 and reverts to the β-form at x = 90. This compares with the helical conformation of (Lys^x, Ala^y)_n up to x = 65 and its β-form at x = 90, suggesting that Leu is an even stronger helix-former than Ala. Our results may provide a plausible explanation for the increase in helicity and disruption of the β-form for many proteins in NaDodSO₄ solution, that is, the polypeptide chain of a protein usually favors a helical conformation over a β-form in the presence of excess surfactant.     

Formation of sperm cells inGalium mollugo (Rubiaceae),Trichodiadema setuliferum (Aizoaceae), andAvena sativa (Poaceae)

The formation of sperm cells has been examined ultrastructurally in the tricellular pollen grains ofGalium mollugo L. (Rubiaceae).Trichodiadema setuliferum Schwantes (Aizoaceae), andAvena sativa L. (Poaceae). After detachement from the intine the generative cell of all three species lies free within the vegetative cytoplasm. The two sperm cells are built inTrichodiadema andAvena by a single separating wall, while inGalium mollugo two independent walls are formed. However, both mechanisms separate the two male gametes completely.     

Conspectus of Italian Selaginella (Selaginellaceae), with some typifications

An annotated synonymic inventory of Italian Selaginella taxa, a practical key for their identification and their dot distribution maps are presented, as a result of our work on the Selaginellaceae account for the Flora Critica d'Italia. The names Lycopodium helveticum L. and Selaginella denticulata var. platystachya Hieron. are typified.     

Karyomorphology of three species in Dipentodon (Dipentodontaceae), Perrottetia (Celastraceae), and Tapiscia (Tapisciaceae) of the order Huerteales and their phylogenetic implications

Abstract The karyomorphology of three species in Dipentodon (Dipentodontaceae), Perrottetia (Celastraceae), and Tapiscia (Tapisciaceae), namely Dipentodon sinicus, Perrottetia racemosa, and Tapiscia sinensis, was investigated in the present study. Recent molecular research has discovered close relationships among these three genera, which has led to the establishment of the order Huerteales with Perrottetia being placed in Dipentodontaceae. Herein we report the chromosome numbers of D. sinicus and P. racemosa for the first time, and present their karyotype formulas as 2n= 34 = 22 sm + 12 st (D. sinicus), 2n= 20 = 11 m + 9 sm (P. racemosa), and 2n= 30 = 22 m(2SAT) + 8sm (T. sinensis). Asymmetry of their karyotypes is categorized to be Type 3B in D. sinicus, Type 2A in P. racemosa, and Type 2A in T. sinensis. Each of the species shows special cytological features. Compared with Perrottetia, Dipentodon has a different basic chromosome number, a higher karyotype asymmetry, and different karyomorphology of its interphase nuclei, mitotic prophase, and metaphase. Thus, on the basis of these results, we have reservations regarding the suggestion of placing Dipentodon and Perrottetia together in the family Dipentodontaceae.     

Preparation for propagation: understanding germination of giwa (Astrocaryum standleyanum), wagara (Sabal mauritiiformis), and eba (Socratea exorrhiza) for future cultivation

This article reports on domestication as a simple way to promote plant conservation in indigenous villages. We developed simple methods to germinate or transplant palm species central to the traditional livelihood of two Panamanian nations: the Emberá and the Wounaan. The target species were Astrocaryum standleyanum, Sabal mauritiiformis and Socratea exorrhiza. The youngest fully expanded leaf of Astrocaryum provides prime material for weaving baskets that are a major source of income for the Emberá and Wounaan communities of Panamá. Sabal and Socratea are the two most important species for traditional architecture. They provide, respectively, the roofs and floor of the round, open-sided Emberá–Wounaan houses. For each of the three target species, different treatments were tested to obtain germination rates as high as possible. Regardless of the treatments to which seeds were subjected, germination of Astrocaryum was difficult and slow. It took 13 months to break dormancy and the germination success was around 40%. However, the two other species, especially Socratea, were easy to germinate. Our project succeeded in introducing the practice of nursery and cultivation in over 20 indigenous villages of Panamá. It is hoped that such forestry approaches to conservation can help protect important components of biodiversity while giving access to the resource to people whose lifestyle depends on them.     

Actinobacterial Diversity in Hot Springs in Tengchong (China), Kamchatka (Russia), and Nevada (USA)

Actinobacterial diversity was investigated in three hot springs [Tengchong Frog Mouth (TFM) hot spring (in Tengchong, China), Kamchatka Robb Flag hot spring (in Kamchatka, Russia), and Nevada Boiling Spring (in Nevada, USA)], a Tengchong Frog Mouth hot spring-derived pond and a soil sample near the TFM hot spring. Culture-independent techniques were employed including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and actinobacterial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis. The three hot springs and the hot spring-derived pond had pH of 6.8 to 7.9 and temperature of 50 to 81°C. Actinobacteria were for the first time found to be very diverse in hot springs with temperature up to 81°C, indicating that they have an unexpected capability of adapting to hot spring environments. A total of 346 actinobacterial clones were obtained from the three hot springs, and these clones were identified as 31 RFLP types, falling into the Actinomycetales (only limit to the Frankineae suborder), the Rubrobacterales, uncultured Candidatus Microthrix, unclassified Actinobacteria, and uncultured Candidate Division OP10. Our data have implications for a better understanding of the distribution of Actinobacteria in hot springs.     

Construction of a recA mutant of Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas), cepacia

A recA mutant was constructed of a soil isolate of Burkholderia cepacia, strain ATCC 17616. Prior to mutagenesis, the recA gene was cloned from this strain by its ability to complement the methyl methanesulfonate sensitivity of an Escherichia coli recA mutant. Sequence analysis of the strain showed high sequence similarity (94% nucleic acid and 99% amino acid identity) with the recA gene previously cloned from a clinical isolate of B. cepacia, strain JN25. The subcloned recA gene from B. cepacia ATCC 17616 restored UV resistance and recombination proficiency to recA mutants of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as restoring the ability of D3 prophages to be induced to lytic growth from a RecA⁻ strain of P. aeruginosa. The recA mutant of B. cepacia ATCC 17616 was constructed by λ-mediated Tn5 mutagenesis of the cloned recA gene in E. coli, followed by replacement of the Tn5-interrupted gene for the wild-type allele in the chromosome of B. cepacia by marker exchange. The RecA⁻ phenotype of the mutant was demonstrated by the loss of UV resistance as compared to the parental strain. Southern hybridization analysis of chromosomal DNA from the mutant indicated the presence of Tn5 in the recA gene, and the location of the Tn5 insertion in the recA allele was identified by nucleotide sequence analysis. A test using the recA mutant to see if acquired resistance to d-serine toxicity in B. cepacia might be a result of RecA-mediated activities proved negative; nevertheless, RecA activity potentially contributes to the overall genomic plasticity of B. cepacia and a recA mutant will be useful in bioengineering of this species. Received: 24 January / Received revision: 11 July 1997 / Accepted: 25 August 1997     

Hieraciumpallidum subsp. aetnense (Asteraceae), a new subspecies from Sicily (Italy), with notes on the taxonomy of H. pallidum Biv.

Hieracium pallidum subsp. aetnense Gottschl., Raimondo & Di Grist. is described and illustrated. H.pallidum is considered as an intermediate species between H. schmidtii and H. racemosum (“schmidtii>racemosum”) and is placed in H. sect. Grovesiana. By consequence, H.lanudae Gottschl. is transferred to H. pallidum as H. pallidum subsp. lanudae (Gottschl.) Gottschl., Raimondo & Di Grist. A key for the three recognised subspecies of H. pallidum is provided.     

DNA sequences of tobacco chloroplast genes for tRNASer (GGA), tRNAThr (UGU), tRNALeu (UAA), tRNAPhe (GAA): the tRNALeu gene contains a 503 bp intron

Summary The location and nucleotide sequence of tobacco chloroplast genes for tRNA^Ser (GGA), tRNA^Thr (UGU), tRNA^Leu (UAA) and tRNA^Phe (GAA) (trnS-GGA, trnT-UGU, trnL-UAA and trnF-GAA, respectively) have been determined. These genes are located in the 10 kbp BamHI fragment which lies in the middle of the large single-copy region of the chloroplast DNA. The gene order is trnS-trnT-trnL-trnF. The trnS, trnL and trnF are encoded on the same strand while the trnT on the opposite strand. The trnL contains a 503 bp intron like maize and broad bean trnL-UAAs.     

Systematics of the Gyrosigma balticum complex (Bacillariophyta), including three new species

Three new species in the genus Gyrosigma Hassall (G. caliG. Reid sp. nov., G. gibbyiG. Reid sp. nov. and G. murphyi G. Reid sp. nov) are described. A cladistic analysis on the basis of 10 morphological characters, was undertaken to investigate the interrelationships of these new species within Gyrosigma. As well as ‘standard’ cladistic analysis, which apportions equal weight to all characters, a posteriori differential weighting was also investigated. Pleurosigma subtilis Brébisson is transferred to Gyrosigma, as G. subtile (Brébisson) G. Reid comb. nov., because it is more closely related to other species of Gyrosigma than to Pleurosigma Smith. G. balticum var. californicum Grunow in Cleve and Möller is elevated to specific status [as G. californicum (Grunow in Cleve and Möller) G. Reid stat. nov.], because it does not form a monophyletic group with G. balticum (Ehrenberg) Rabenhorst.     

Allium brussalisii (Alliaceae), a new species from Greece

Allium brussalisii , from Mount Parnitha near Athens (Sterea Hellas, Greece), is described as a species new to science and compared with related species of Allium section Codonoprasum and Allium section Brevispatha. It is a diploid species (2n = 2x = 16) that flowers in early autumn. On the basis of its unilateral and more or less entire spathe and the simple filaments, it resembles species of Allium section Brevispatha; however, its sectional taxonomy remains unclear as, on the basis of several other morphological, cytological, and ecological characteristics, it also resembles species of Allium section Codonoprasum. The new species is presently known only from the type locality and is of particular interest for the phylogeny of the genus. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 140–146.     

Neoschumannia (includingSwynnertonia), a primitive genus of theAsclepiadaceae-Stapelieae

A comparison of the West AfricanNeoschumannia Schltr. and the East AfricanSwynnertonia S. Moore reveals that the two monotypic genera must be united.Swynnertonia is sunk into synonymy ofNeoschumannia and the new combinationNeoschumannia cardinea (S. Moore)Meve is made for the East African species.Neoschumannia is shown to belong to the tribeStapelieae. The taxon exhibits a very unusual character combination: the growth form of a woody liana is combined with a tripartite corona unique within theAsclepiadaceae. The morphology of the corona suggests a position ofNeoschumannia close to the base of theStapelieae —Ceropegiinae alliance.     

First report of gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidia (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea: Heteronchoinea) on gills of flyingfish (Exocoetidae), snapper (Lutjanidae), dolphinfish (Coryphaenidae), and amberjack (Carangidae) from the Gulf of Mexico: decoy hosts and the dilution effect

Larvae, identified as post-oncomiracidia of the suborder Gastrocotylinea (Monogenoidea), were collected from formalin-fixed gills excised from six species of marine fishes captured from the Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi and Florida: common dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus and pompano dolphinfish, Coryphaena equiselis (both Perciformes, Coryphaenidae); gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus (Perciformes, Lutjanidae); greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Perciformes, Carangidae); and Atlantic flyingfish, Cheilopogon melanurus and sailfin flyingfish, Parexocoetus hillianus (both Beloniformes and Exocoetidae). Based on a combination of diagnostic morphological features, the specimens were divided into two basic forms, each of which was further subdivided into two morphotypes. No gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidium had been reported previously from these hosts. Of the six host species, only C. hippurus serves as a host (unconfirmed) for the adult of a gastrocotylinean species, suggesting that the recorded fishes from the Gulf of Mexico comprise dead-end hosts acting as decoys for the oncomiracidia. These comparatively non-susceptible “decoy hosts” apparently dilute the susceptible fish-host population and by intercepting infective larvae (oncomiracidia) decrease the abundance of parasites on their typical hosts.     

Regional localization of three convertases, PC1 (Nec-1), PC2 (Nec-2), and furin (Fur), on mouse chromosomes

The genes for three convertases, PC1 (Nec-1), PC2 (Nec-2), and furin (Fur), have been regionally localized on chromosomes 13, 2, and 7, respectively, by interspecific backcross analysis. These results refine previous localizations by in situ hybridization as well as confirm and extend known regions of homology between mouse and human chromosomes.     

Antimicrobial,spectral, magnetic and thermal studies of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO2(VI) and Fe(III) complexes of the Schiff base derived from oxalylhydrazide

The Schiff base ligand, oxalic bis[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazide], H₂L, and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO₂(VI) and Fe(III) complexes were prepared and tested as antibacterial agents. The Schiff base acts as a dibasic tetra- or hexadentate ligand with metal cations in molar ratio 1:1 or 2:1 (M:L) to yield either mono- or binuclear complexes, respectively. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, Mass, and UV-Visible spectra and the magnetic moments and electrical conductance of the complexes were also determined. For binuclear complexes, the magnetic moments are quite low compared to the calculated value for two metal ions complexes and this shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the two adjacent metal ions. The ligand and its metal complexes were tested against a Gram + ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), a Gram -ve bacteria (Escherichia coli), and a fungi (Candida albicans). The tested compounds exhibited high antibacterial activities.     

Roman plant remains from Veli Brijun (island of Brioni), Croatia

41 archaeobotanical samples were analysed, which had been collected from the seabed at uvula Verige (Verige bay) on the island of Veli Brijun, Croatia, the site of a Roman villa which was settled from the 1st to the 5th century A. D. From the analysis of plant macrofos-sils it is evident that the eu-Mediterranean evergreen woodland, today described as Quercion ilicis in the phyto-sociological system, already existed in the Roman period. During this period it became degraded as a result of human activities to other vegetation types such as maquis and garrigue scrub, and grassland. The remains of Vitis vinifera (grapevine), Olea europaea (olive), Ficus carica (fig), and Pinus pinea (stone pine) were most frequently recorded; they all derive from very important and characteristic Mediterranean foods. Prunus avium (sweet cherry) and P. persica (peach), some vegetables and spices were probably cultivated, too, as well as some cereals, most probably Panicum miliaceum (millet). Juglans regia (walnut), Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut), and Corylus avellana (hazel) were possibly cultivated on the island or imported from neighbouring Istia. The records of some fresh water plants show that there was fresh water in uvala Verige and its surroundings in Roman times, much more than today. Received February 29, 2000 / Accepted January 31, 2001     

Antibacterial Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of Schiff bases Derived from Fluorobenzaldehyde and Triazoles

Antibacterial Schiff bases derived from 1,2,4-triazoles as well as their metal complexes incorporating cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been synthesized and characterized. Physico-chemical studies suggest that an octahedral geometry for the cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II)and square-planer geometry for the copper(II) complexes. These complexes have been screened for antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains, and results compared with the activity of the free ligands. The metal complexes were found to be more potent against one or more bacterial strains than the free ligands.