Molecular evidence for the hybrid origin of a new endemic species of Stylosanthes Sw. (Fabaceae) from the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula

Stylosanthes aff. calcicola is a formally undescribed tetraploid species from the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula, showing morphological similarities to the diploid species S. calcicola , but distinct in a number of characters. We used uni- and biparentally inherited molecular markers to infer the hybrid origin of this species in relation to known diploid species of Stylosanthes . Molecular characterization was based on length and/or DNA sequence variation of nuclear sequence-tagged site (STS) markers, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear rDNA and the trnL intron of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). Stylosanthes aff. calcicola contains a distinct cpDNA haplotype and nuclear DNA fragment, with closest relationship to the diploid species S. calcicola . In contrast, the DNA sequences of two nuclear loci reveal a closer relationship to the diploid species S. angustifolia , S. hispida , S. humilis , S. leiocarpa and S. viscosa . The majority of the STS markers showed additivity of PCR fragments in S. aff. calcicola , representing the combination of two genetically different genomes. We postulate that S. aff. calcicola is a distinct species of allotetraploid origin that appears to have originated once from hybridization between two divergent genomes, of which the maternal and paternal parent are closely related to, or derived from, a member of the lineages represented by S. calcicola and S. viscosa , respectively.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 140 , 1–13.     

An overview of Syntrichia ruralis complex (Pottiaceae: Musci) in the Mediterranean region and neighbouring areas

The Syntrichia ruralis complex is revised in the Mediterranean region and neighbouring areas. A critical study of six quantitative and eight qualitative gametophytic characters from a total of 232 samples has been carried out. On the basis of this survey five taxa have been recognized. An identification key is provided. S. ruralis var. subpapillosissima is elevated to the rank of species as S. subpapillosissima . A lectotype for S. calcicola is proposed. S. ruralis var. submamillosa and S. ruralis var. glacialis are regarded as synonymous with S. subpapillosissima and S. ruralis , respectively. Also, Tortula densa is included in the variability shown by S. calcicola . Syntrichia ruralis var. substereidosa ( Tortula ruralis var. substereidosa ) is excluded from the Syntrichia ruralis complex and is included in the synonymy of S. virescens . © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 138 , 209–224.     

Composition and biological properties of lipopolysaccharides isolated from Schizothrix calcicola (Ag.) Gomont (Cyanobacteria).

The most common cyanobacterium contaminating drinking water systems in southwestern Pennsylvania is Schizothrix calcicola. Lipoplysaccharides (LPS) were isolated from this species by hot phenol-water extraction. The polysaccharide moiety was composed of glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose and rhamnose. The lipid A part contained beta-hydroxylauric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, beta-hydroxypalmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. In contrast to many LPS isolated from Enterobacteriaceae, the dominant component was not beta-hydroxymyristic but beta-hydroxypalmitic acid. The LPS induced Limulus lysate gelation and Schwartzman reaction but was nontoxic to mice. The identity of LPS was verified by alkali and lysozyme treatment. The results suggest that S. calcicola is one of the principal sources of endotoxins in water systems using open finished-water reservoirs.     

Composition and biological properties of lipopolysaccharides isolated from Schizothrix calcicola (Ag.) Gomont (Cyanobacteria).

The most common cyanobacterium contaminating drinking water systems in southwestern Pennsylvania is Schizothrix calcicola. Lipoplysaccharides (LPS) were isolated from this species by hot phenol-water extraction. The polysaccharide moiety was composed of glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose and rhamnose. The lipid A part contained beta-hydroxylauric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, beta-hydroxypalmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. In contrast to many LPS isolated from Enterobacteriaceae, the dominant component was not beta-hydroxymyristic but beta-hydroxypalmitic acid. The LPS induced Limulus lysate gelation and Schwartzman reaction but was nontoxic to mice. The identity of LPS was verified by alkali and lysozyme treatment. The results suggest that S. calcicola is one of the principal sources of endotoxins in water systems using open finished-water reservoirs.     

Isolation and characterization of mutants of two diazotrophic cyanobacteria tolerant to high concentrations of inorganic carbon

Diazotrophic heterocystous cyanobacteria Nostoc calcicola and Anabaena sp. ARM 629 were investigated for their ability to grow in presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or carbon dioxide (CO2) under cultural conditions. Maximum growth was observed in 75 mM NaHCO3 and 5% CO2 in N. calcicola and Anabaena ARM 629, respectively. Although their growth rate declined, N. calcicola and Anabaena sp. could tolerate upto 250 mM NaHCO3 and 20% CO2, respectively. N-methyl-N'-nitro N nitrosoguanidine induced mutants of these cyanobacteria were isolated which showed growth upto 1 M NaHCO3 (N. calcicola) or 50% CO2 (Anabaena sp.) in comparison to their wild types. The mutants also showed cross-resistance to either of the inorganic carbon compounds, which was not observed for wild type. It was concluded that mutants were altered in multiple properties enabling them to grow at elevated levels of inorganic carbon compounds.     

Cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes from Glossocarya calcicola

Three clerodane diterpenes were isolated and identified from leaf extract of Glossocarya calcicola. Compound has been characterised as (rel)-10betaH-trans-12xi-(2-methylbut-2(E)-enoyl)-1beta-(isobutanoyl)-6alpha,13xi-dihydroxyclerodan-4(20),8(18)-dien-7,15-dione-15,16-oxide, to which we have assigned the trivial name calcicolin-A. The other two compounds had the same skeletal structure and C-12 substituent but in compound, the C-1 esterifying group becomes 2-methylbut-2(E)-enoic acid and in it becomes 2-methylbutanoic acid. Although anti-insect activity was not observed for G. calcicola, cytotoxicity against insect and human carcinoma cell lines was detected.     

Three new species of Hiptage (Malpighiaceae) from Thailand

Three new species, Hiptage calcicola, H. gracilis , and H. monopteryx are described. A key to the species of Hiptage found in Thailand is provided.     

Variation in elemental content among and within trichomes in Nostoc calcicola 79WA01 measured by x-ray micro-analysis

Abstract: Using X-ray micro-analysis elemental content and dry weight were measured in single vegetative cells along eight trichomes from a culture of Nostoc calcicola . Nearly all of the variation in the pooled population could be attributed to the variation among trichomes, with coefficients of variation (CV) between 0.2 and 0.7. Within trichomes the CV was 0.10–0.13. Chlorine, sodium, calcium and potassium were the elements that contributed most to the dispersion of the trichomes as shown by canonical variate analysis. These results suggest that there exists an ionic or molecular exchange between cells along the trichome and that the trichome may be regarded as a counterpart to an individual cell in a binary dividing population.     

A revision and phylogenetic analysis of Stapeliopsis (Apocynaceae)

A survey of morphological characters is carried out for Stapeliopsis . The information obtained from this is combined with molecular data from the plastid trn L-F DNA region and ITS1 of the nuclear encoded 18S−26S rRNA cistron, to obtain a hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships among the species. It is shown that Stapeliopsis is monophyletic in a combined molecular and morphological analysis. Stapeliopsis is sister to a clade containing Huernia , Orbea and Tromotriche . The species of Stapeliopsis group into two clades. One contains S. khamiesbergensis , S. neronis and S. urniflora , and this is highly supported. The remaining species fall into an unsupported clade in which S. exasperata is sister to the others. The genera Hermanschwartzia Plowes and Neopectinaria Plowes are rejected. It is shown that a synapomorphy for Stapeliopsis is the laterally flattened inner corona-lobes, which touch the anthers only at their bases. Eight species of Stapeliopsis are recognized, with no subgeneric divisions.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 148 , 125–155.     

Two new Neogaillonia species (Rubiaceae, tribe Paederieae) from Somalia

Two new species of Neogaillonia, N. somaliensis and N. calcicola , both endemic to NE Somalia, are described. Palynological data are given for both species. Relationships to other taxa of Neogaillonia and the "Gaillonia complex" are discussed.     

ANALYSIS OF PORPHYRA RBC L DEMONSTRATES MULTIPLE MIGRATIONS OCCURRED BETWEEN THE NORTH ATLANTIC AND NORTH PACIFIC.

Ground level ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 290–320 nm) fluxes in Antarctica have been increasing due to stratospheric ozone depletion. Although mat-forming cyanobacteria are major component of freshwater algal biomass in Antarctica, little is known about their response to increasing ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The present study evaluated the sensitivity to UVR of two strains of mat-forming cyanobacteria with different cell size, Phormidium murrayi (6.0 x 3.2 μm) and Schizothrix calcicola (2.2 x 2.3 μm). Cyanobacterial photosynthesis was measured under different UV spectral quality and quantity achieved by polychromatic filters with different cutoff wavelengths and neutral density screens. The productivity and irradiance data were used to generate biological weighting functions (BWF) for the assessment of UV inhibition on photosynthesis. The kinetics of UV inhibition, as determined by PAM fluorometry, differed between the two species so that inhibition of P. murrayi and S. calcicola were modeled based on UV-irradiance and cumulative exposure, respectively. After a one hour exposure, BWF's did not differ between the two isolates of cyanobacteria despite their differences in cell size. To evaluate the negative impact of increased UV-B exposure due to ozone depletion on cyanobacteria, the BWF's were applied to two solar spectra obtained from McMurdo Station, one on a day when the ozone hole was prominent (O₃ = 170 Dobson units; DU = 10-3 cm O₃), and the other on a day with high ozone concentration (O₃ = 328 DU). The decrease in ozone level would reduce productivity by 3–8%. Seasonal variation of UVR has a bigger impact on cyanobacterial productivity than ozone depletion.     

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE FROM BERMUDA WATERS: ECOLOGICALLY SELECTED VARIATIONS OF A SINGLE SPECIES

Three strains were isolated from Bermuda waters as unialgal cultures. Although identical in cell shape, cell size, and general growth features, marked differences in pigmentation, filament length, and sheath thickness were noted. These differences are explained as being due to differences in physical conditions of the areas of isolation of the 3 strains. It is concluded that the 3 strains are ecologically selected mutants of the single species, Schizothrix calcicola.     

紫花含笑（♀）、灰岩含笑（♂）及其杂种F1代花粉萌发试验研究

对紫花含笑(Michelia crassipes)、灰岩含笑(M.calcicola)及其杂种F1代花粉生活力进行了研究,为基于紫花含笑和灰岩含笑杂种F1代的含笑属观赏植物新品种培育与种质创新提供科学数据及研究资料.研究发现,亲本(紫花含笑和灰岩含笑)新鲜花粉萌发率均可达90％以上,杂种F1代花粉萌发率从38％到79％不等,平均为57.7％,低于双亲.亲本及其杂种F1代花粉萌发的最适温度为25℃,温度过高花粉管的伸长受到抑制,并导致花粉管顶端破裂.亲本及多数杂种F1代的新鲜花粉在100 g/L和150 g/L的蔗糖浓度下萌发率都较高;经-20℃贮藏后的花粉对蔗糖浓度的敏感性要高于新鲜花粉.杂种F1代及其亲本的花粉在离体培养中均会出现双萌发管现象.番红染料对液体培养基中的花粉有致死和染色作用,有利于统计杂种F1代及其亲本的花粉萌发率.     

云南含笑花粉萌发研究

应用离体培养和人工授粉的方法对云南含笑花粉的萌发进行了研究。栽培和野生云南含笑花粉的萌发率有很大的差异,分别为20％和90％。首次报道了云南含笑的花粉粒在离体培养基上萌发2条花粉管的现象。云南含笑花粉在灰岩含笑花柱头上的萌发率和萌发时间与离体培养基上的相同,表明灰岩含笑的柱头对云南含笑的花粉没有排异现象。     

Isolation and some properties of homogenous nuclease S1 from alpha-amyloryzin

A purification method for isolating homogeneous single-strand specific nuclease S1 from alpha-amyloryzin has been developed. The yield was about 16% and purification factor--9000. Nuclease S1 thus obtained was proved to be free of contaminations of any others nucleolytic enzymes. It is shown for the first time that ribo- and deoxy-dinucleosidemonophosphates are hydrolyzed by nuclease S1 to form 5'-nucleotides with pH optimum for ApA equal to 4.6.     

山西历山和庞泉沟自然保护区木生真菌（英文）

对山西省历山和庞泉沟自然保护区的木生真菌进行了野外采集和室内鉴定研究,在532号标本中,鉴定多孔菌105种,革菌及齿菌18种。其中齿状真菌棉毛纤刺皮菌Fibrodontia gossypina、钙生棕绒毛菌Tomentella calcicola和孔状真菌白褐叉丝孔菌Dichomitus albidofuscus为我国木生真菌新记录种。根据采集的标本,对3种真菌进行了详细的描述及显微结构绘图,并列出上述123种木生真菌的名称,同时列出了每种的寄主或基质。     

Dissociation of the eukaryotic initiation factor-4E/4E-BP1 complex involves phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 by an mTOR-associated kinase.

mTOR immunoprecipitates contain two 4E-BP1 protein kinase activities. One appears to be due to mTOR itself and results in the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 on residues T(36) and T(45), as shown previously by others. The other is a kinase which can be separated from mTOR and which phosphorylates 4E-BP1 within a peptide(s) containing residues S(64) and T(69). This phosphorylation, which occurs predominantly on S(64), results in the dissociation of 4E-BP1 from eIF-4E.     

Individual variation in a population of the centipede Scolopendra amazonica from Nigeria and its implications for methods of taxonomic discrimination in the Scolopendridae

An analysis of 13 taxonomic characters in a large population of the centipede, Scolopendra amazonica from Zaria, Northern Nigeria, is described. All show variation, some with age, others with sex, whilst those, such as spinulation, which do not exhibit such differences show considerable individual variation. Two important taxonomic characters, namely antennal segment number and the spinulation of the terminal legs, are shown to be affected by regeneration and are frequently regenerated in S. amazonica.
Comments are made on the value of these various characters and it is pointed out that the conclusions probably apply to other members of the Scolopendridae.     

Modulation of carbonic anhydrase activity in two nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria, Nostoc calcicola and Anabaena sp

The activity of enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) was investigated in two diazotrophic cyanobacteria, Anabaena sp. (ARM 629) and Nostoc calcicola, in the presence of CO2/NaHCO3 and different inhibitors. The CA activity increased when the cells were pretreated with a high concentration of CO2/NaHCO3 and then transferred to ambient level CO2. Maximum activity of CA was observed after 8 h of incubation in light on transfer of cells from high Ci to ambient level CO2, and was low when incubated in dark. Addition of the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU brought about a differential reduction in CA activity, depending on the carbon source (NaHCO3/CO2). CA inhibitors--ethoxyzolamide (EZ) and acetazolamide (AZ)--inhibited the enzyme activity in both the genera, but the extent of inhibition was greater in Anabaena sp. than in N. calcicola. Such a variation in extent of inhibition/stimulation of CA activity being different in the two genera reflects differences in their inherent potential and genetic background. The relevance of such cyanobacterial strains as CO2 sinks is also discussed.     

Identification of Homologous Globulins from Embryos of Wheat, Barley, Rye and Oats

Total globulins from embryos and endosperms of barley, wheat,rye, and oats were separated by SDS-PAGE under reducing andnon-reducing conditions. The preparations from embryos of allfour cereals contained major groups of bands with M_r's of 50-60000,which were not affected by reduction. These have been characterizedpreviously from oats and shown to correspond to subunits ofthe 7S storage globulin. Immunochemical relationships betweenthese bands (and others with M_r's between 40000 and 70000) weredemonstrated by immunodiffusion and ‘Western Blotting’using antiserum raised against the major subunits of the oat7S globulins. The 7S globulins were also prepared from hand-dissectedembryos of the four cereals using sucrose density ultracentrifugation.Their amino acid compositions were broadly similar, but differedfrom those of the 7S vicilins of legumes. It is concluded thatstructurally-related 7S globulins are present in the embryosof the four species of cereals. Key words: Homologous globulins, embryo, wheat, barley, rye, oats