Sublethal Effects of Nitrite on Eastern Tiger Salamander (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum</Emphasis>) and Wood Frog (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana sylvatica</Emphasis>) Embryos and Larvae: Implications for Field Populations

Ephemeral pools, which can have high animal biomass and low dissolved oxygen, may be prone to nitrite accumulation. As such, it is important to understand how exposure to nitrite might affect development and growth of amphibians that breed in these ephemeral pools. Wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) embryos and tadpoles and young larvae were exposed to elevated concentrations of nitrite derived from sodium nitrite: 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.1, 4.6, and 6.1 mg l⁻¹ NO₂–N. Increasing nitrite exposure slowed embryonic and larval development in both the eastern tiger salamander and the wood frog, reduced growth in tiger salamander embryos and larvae, and delayed metamorphosis in the wood frog. At concentrations less than 2 mg l⁻¹ NO₂–N nitrite delayed hatching, and at concentrations above 2 mg l⁻¹ time to hatching decreased causing more individuals to hatch at less developed stages. Nitrite also increased asynchrony in tiger salamander hatching. The sublethal effects of nitrite on amphibian development, growth and hatching could have serious repercussions on amphibian fitness in ephemeral environments. Potential increases in mortality on field populations caused by sublethal effects of nitrite are discussed.     

Reproductive Success and Sexual Selection in Wild Eastern Tiger Salamanders (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ambystoma t. tigrinum</Emphasis>)

Variation in reproductive success is most pronounced in species with strongly biased operational sex ratios, prominent sexual dimorphisms, and where mate competition and choice are likely. We studied sexual selection in eastern tiger salamanders (Ambystoma t. tigrinum) and examined the role of body size on reproductive success. We genotyped 155 adults and 1,341 larvae from 90 egg masses at six microsatellite loci. Parentage analyses revealed both sexes engaged in multiple matings, but was more common among females (64%) than males (27%). However, the standardized variance in mating and reproductive success was higher in males. Bateman gradients were significant and nearly identical in both sexes, suggesting that sexual selection was roughly equal between sexes. Body size was not correlated with mating or reproductive success in either sex. The apparent lack of sexual selection on body size may be a result of sperm storage, sperm competition, alternative mating tactics, and/or random induction of spermatophores.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus anthracis</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Francisella tularensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yersinia pestis</Emphasis>. The most important bacterial warfare agents — <Emphasis Type="Italic">review</Emphasis>

There are three most important bacterial causative agents of serious infections that could be misused for warfare purposes: Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax) is the most frequently mentioned one; however, Fracisella tularensis (causing tularemia) and Yersinia pestis (the causative agent of plague) are further bacterial agents enlisted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into the category A of potential biological weapons. This review intends to summarize basic information about these bacterial agents. Military aspects of their pathogenesis and the detection techniques suitable for field use are discussed.     

Life cycle of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aylax hypecoi</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Insecta: Hymenoptera: Cynipidae</Emphasis>), a gall inducer on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypecoum</Emphasis> ssp. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaveraceae</Emphasis>)

The life cycle and developmental stages of Aylax hypecoi (Trotter, 1913, Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Aylacini) were studied in detail. Aylax hypecoi is known to induce galls in fruits of two Hypecoum species — H. imberbe and H. geslini (Papaveraceae) and the larva develops in host plant fruits. The morphology and development of egg, larva and pupa were investigated, which has previously not been done. The shape and size of terminal-instar larvae and associated galls are sex-specific. Overwintering stage, adult emergence and flying periods, and egg productivity were studied also.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Barleria compacta</Emphasis>: a new species in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barleria</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prionitis</Emphasis> (Acanthaceae) from Somalia

Following a re-examination of the material treated under Barleria brevispina (Fiori) Hedrén in the recent Flora of Somalia account of the Acanthaceae, it is concluded that two distinct species are involved and Barleria compacta Malombe & I. Darbysh. is described here from north-eastern Somalia. Its affinities and conservation status are discussed.     

Presence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. albidus</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. laurentii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. uniguttulatus</Emphasis> in Crop and Droppings of Pigeon Lofts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Columba livia</Emphasis>)

Columba livia is an important reservoir and carrier of Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. Upper digestive tract of this species is also known as a habitat for Cryptococcus neoformans. Given the increasing clinical interest of this microorganism, 331 swabs from crop and 174 dropping samples from pigeon lofts in Grand Canary Island have been studied. The obtained results show an extensive presence samples 81 positive (24.47%) of Cryptococcus spp. in analysed crops: 32 (9.66%) for C. neoformans, 24 (7.2%) for C. uniguttulatus, 23 (6.9%) for C. albidus and 2 (0.6%) for C. laurentii. In the same way, Cryptococcus spp was also isolated in 82 (47.13%), dropping samples: C. neoformans in 59 (33.9%), C. uniguttulatus, in 9 (5.17%), C. laurentii in 8 (4.59%) and C. albidus in 6 (3.44%) of the investigated samples, respectively. The cryptococcosis produced by species of cryptococci other than C. neoformans has become more important during the last decade, supporting the study on the role of pigeon in the epidemiology of this disease.     

Interaction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus</Emphasis> with bacteria <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter jejuni</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis>

Interaction of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 100NCJB with bacteria Campylobacter jejuni (strains 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and Helicobacter pylori, strain TX30a, was confirmed. The results indicate that lytic activity of bdellovibrios both in liquid media and cells attached to a surface was observed. The potential use of the antimicrobial activity of predatory bacteria for environmental bioprotection and public health is discussed.     

Four new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crinipellis </Emphasis>and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marasmius </Emphasis>in eastern Honshu,Japan

 Four new species of Crinipellis and Marasmius (Agaricales, Basidiomycetes) in eastern Honshu, Japan, are described and illustrated: (1) Crinipellis conchata sp. nov. (section Excentricinae), forming a conchate pileus and a strongly excentric, short stipe, was found on a dead twig of Trachelospermum asiaticum in Mt. Takao, Tokyo; (2) Marasmius funalis sp. nov. (section Androsacei), forming a densely white-hispid, dark brown stipe bearing numerous setiform caulocystidia, was found on a dead twig of Cryptomeria japonica or on leaf litter in Tokyo and Kanagawa; (3) Marasmius maculosus sp. nov. (section Sicci), having a relatively large, reddish-brown pileus distinctly mottled with pale colored spots and Siccus-type cheilocystidia and pileipellis cells with relatively long setulae, was found on leaf litter in the lowland forest of Kanagawa and Chiba; and (4) Marasmius sasicola sp. nov. (section Marasmius), having a small, plicate-sulcate pileus, a filiform, wiry, blackish stipe, collariate lamellae, and Siccus-type cheilocystidia and pileipellis elements, was found on fallen dead leaves of grass bamboo in Kanagawa. Received: January 30, 2002 / Accepted: May 24, 2002     

Variable transmission rates of a B-chromosome in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myrmeleotettix maculatus</Emphasis> (Thunb.) (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acrididae: Orthoptera</Emphasis>)

Amounts of Feulgen staining in individual spermatid and primary spermatocyte nuclei ofTricholioproctia impatiens were measured by the two wavelength method of cytospectrophotometry and compared with Feulgen-DNA values found for bull sperm, taken as a presumed reference standard of 3.24×10^–12 g DNA per nucleus. The amount of DNA estimated for the haploid male genome ofTricholioproctia was 0.39×10^–12 g DNA. This value was used to determine the DNA content and degree of polyteny of Malpighian tubule nuclei sampled from the larval stages of development.     

Frequencies of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">DRB1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQA1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQB1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TNFA</Emphasis> alleles in immigrant population of west Siberia

Based on population analysis of the DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and TNFA allele frequency distribution patterns, regional features of immunogenetic structure of the population of West Siberia were investigated. Statistically significant linkage disequilibrium within the HLA class II region, as well as between the TNFA and DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 was demonstrated. Population frequency distribution patterns of two- and multilocus haplotypes were examined.     

Manifestation of salt tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spirulina platensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spirulina maxima</Emphasis> cyanobacteria of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrospira (Spirulina)</Emphasis>

The salt tolerance of two representatives of genus Spirulina (Arthrospira) Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima has been investigated. They both are the wide-spread objects of photobiotechnology and it has been shown that the content of 5–15 % sea-water in medium has not caused the decreasing of biomass yield more than 15–20% as compared with control. The further decreasing of biomass was proportionate to sea-water content in medium. The investigation of reactivity of native (intravital) exometabolites secreted into cultural medium has showed that the sea-water content influence the oxidative activity (OA) of exometabolites and hour’s rhythmics.     

The isolation and analysis of a soybean <Emphasis Type="Italic">CO</Emphasis> Homologue <Emphasis Type="Italic">GmCOL10</Emphasis>

The CONSTANS (CO) gene is a key regulator of the response to photoperiod in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and its homologues are present in many plant species. We describe here the isolation of the CO homologue for zinc finger protein gene GmCOL10 (Glycine max CONSTANS-Like 10) from the soybean cultivar Kennong18. Sequence comparisons showed that the closest A. thaliana gene to GmCOL10 is COL5. The expression of GmCOL10 was regulated in a circadian manner, especially under short-day conditions. The expression of GmCOL10 was concentrated in vegetative organs, and in particular in the unifoliolates and cotyledons. An analysis of subcellular localization found GmCOL10 in the nucleus. Our data suggested that GmCOL10 was not related to the photoperiodic pathway of floral transition as Arabidopsis CO does.     

Overexpression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">WUSCHEL</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. chinense</Emphasis> causes ectopic morphogenesis

Capsicum chinense is a recalcitrant species for in vitro morphogenesis, and up to date there is no efficient system for genetic transformation and regeneration of this species via somatic embryogenesis. Here, we carried out an in vitro transformation of C. chinense via Agrobacterium tumefaciens co-cultivation with a system that expresses the heterologous gene WUSCHEL from Arabidopsis thaliana. WUSCHEL has been shown to promote the transition from vegetative to embryogenic state when overexpressed. We tested if the expression of WUSCHEL in C. chinense would promote an embryogenic response in this species. After 15 days of induction, the segments of transformed stems begun to form globular structures, suggesting that heterologus WUSCHEL was active and involved in the process of morphogenesis.     

Micropropagation of mature <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> Pierre

Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium with benzylaminopurine (BA), kinetin (KN), zeatin (Z), and thidiazuron (TDZ) were tested for induction of multiple shoots from mature-tree-derived axillary meristems of Pongamia pinnata. Sprouting of buds was 64% on medium devoid of plant growth regulators (PGR). Incorporation of BA, KN, or Z was ineffective in enhancing sprouting frequency or induction of multiple shoots. Sprouting was completely suppressed in the presence of TDZ. Caulogenic buds appeared in nodal meristems of these explants after withdrawal of TDZ. The number of shoot buds was more on explants precultured in higher concentrations. At higher concentrations of this PGR, a swelling developed at the axil. Multiple shoot primordia appeared and differentiated from this swelling after culturing these explants on MS medium for six passages of 2 wk each. Shoots were harvested and cultured on 0.45 μM TDZ for further proliferation. Primary explants after harvesting of shoots were identified as ‘stump’. Reculturing of stumps on 0.45 μM TDZ produced more shoots. This step was followed for six cycles to obtain additional shoots in each cycle. Shoots maintained on 0.45 μM TDZ elongated and rooted (70%) on growth regulator-free medium. Rooted shoots (65%) survived transfer to a sand/soil mixture. This report describes the protocol for micropropagation of P. pinnata using mature-tree-derived nodal meristems. Recycling of mature stock to produce a stream of useable shoots for subculturing and eventual stabilization is of great value and can possibly be generalized as an isolation protocol especially for woody species. Repeated proliferation of caulogenic buds from the same origin may also find application in rescue of endangered germplasm.     

Overexpression of the Chitosanase Gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium solani</Emphasis> via <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">tumefaciens</Emphasis>-Mediated Transformation

To overexpress the chitosanase gene (csn) in F. solani, a vector based on pCAMBIA 1300 was constructed. The csn gene, which is under control of the Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter and A. nidulans trpC terminator, was introduced back into the F. solani genome by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and the herbicide-resistance gene bar from Streptomyces hygroscopicus was used as the selection marker. Transformants which showed a significant increase in chitosanase production (~2.1-fold than control) were obtained. Southern blot analysis indicated that most transformants had a single-copy T-DNA integration.