Further studies of the sieve-element plastids of theCaryophyllales includingBarbeuia,Corrigiola, Lyallia,Microtea, Sarcobatus,andTelephium

The sieve-element plastids of 69 species of theCaryophyllales were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. All contained the specific subtype-P3 plastids characterized by a peripheral ring of protein filaments. The presence or absence of an additional central protein crystal and their shape being either polygonal or globular as well as the average sizes of the sieve-element plastids are useful features in the characterization of some families.—Barbeuia contains sieve-element plastids that confirm its placement within thePhytolaccaceae. Lyallia differs fromHectorella by including small starch grains in their sieve-element plastids, which otherwise by their globular crystals negate a closer connection to theCaryophyllaceae. The lack of a central protein crystal in its form-P3fs plastids placesMicrotea best within theChenopodiaceae. Sarcobatus, a so far uncontested member of theChenopodiaceae, contains form-P3cf plastids, i.e., including a central crystal not found elsewhere in this family.Telephium andCorrigiola, shifted back and forth betweenMolluginaceae andCaryophyllaceae, have form-P3cf(s) plastids with a polygonal crystal which favor their placement within theCaryophyllaceae.     

Synopsis of the tribe Bocageeae (Annonaceae), with revisions of Cardiopetalum,Froesiodendron, Trigynaea,Bocagea, and Hornschuchia

The tribal name Bocageeae Endlicher is reestablished and the tribe is circumscribed on the basis of solitary internodal ebracteate pedicels that are articulated at the base, and pollen shed in polyads of eight or more grains. Septate anther locules, large pollen size, and seed appendages are prevalent in the tribe. Intectate pollen with free-standing columellae, rare in Annonaceae, occurs not only in the genusTrigynaea but also in some species ofBocagea andHornschuchia. As defined here, the Bocageeae include seven neotropical genera:Cymbopetalum, Porcelia, Bocagea, Cardiopetalum, Froesiodendron, Hornschuchia, andTrigynaea. The latter five genera are revised and the treatments include ten new species:Cardiopetalum plicatum, Froesiodendron urceocalyx, Hornschuchia lianarum, H. santosii, H. leptandra, Trigynaea cinnamomea, T. lanceipetala, T. triplinervis, T. lagaropoda, andT. axilliflora, all from tropical South America. A new combination,Froesiodendron longicuspe, changes the rank of that taxon from subspecies to species.Cardiopetalum surinamense is removed fromFroesiodendron and reassigned toCardiopetalum on the basis of its connate petals, dehiscent monocarps, and seeds with bilobed arils. A cladogram provides an explicit hypothesis of intergeneric relationships in the tribe. The new combinationOnychopetalum periquino, based onTrigynaea periquino, is made.     

Entwicklungsgeschichte und Ultrastruktur von Pollenkitt und Exine bei nahe verwandten entomophilen und anemophilen Angiospermensippen derAlismataceae,Liliaceae, Juncaceae,Cyperaceae, Poaceae undAraceae

Some closely related members of the monocotyledonous familiesAlismataceae, Liliaceae, Juncaceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae andAraceae with variable modes of pollination (insect- and wind-pollination) were studied in relation to the ultrastructure of pollenkitt and exine (amount, consistency and distribution of pollenkitt on the surface of pollen grains). The character syndromes of pollen cementing in entomophilous, anemophilous and intermediate (ambophilous or amphiphilous) monocotyledons are the same in principal as in dicotyledons. Comparing present with former results one can summarize: 1) The pollenkitt is always produced in the same manner by the anther tapetum in all angiosperm sub-classes. 2) The variable stickiness of entomophilous and anemophilous pollen always depends on the particular distribution and consistency of the pollenkitt, but not its amount on the pollen surface. 3) The mostly dry and powdery pollen of anemophilous plants always contains a variable amount of inactive pollenkitt in its exine cavities. 4) A step-by step change of the pollen cementing syndrome can be observed from entomophily towards anemophily. 5) From the omnipresence of pollenkitt in all wind-pollinated angiosperms studied one can conclude that the ancestors of anemophilous angiosperms probably have been zoophilous (i.e. entomophilous) throughout.

     

Novel phenylanthraquinones,isofuranonaphthoquinones, homoisoflavonoids,and biflavonoids from African plants in the genera Bulbine,Scilla, Ledebouria,and Rhus

The sale of non-cultivated plants poses a real threat to the survival of a large number of plant species. On the other hand, the fact that a given plant has become a traded item is an important lead in the effort to investigate plants for the purpose of discovering novel secondary metabolites that may have marketable properties. This report is largely based on the investigations of plants collected from vendors of medicinal plants. The identification is based on botanical specimens derived from the purchased plant parts either by growing them in a garden or through micropropagation using tissue culture techniques. Bulbine species yielded novel phenyl anthraquinones and isofuranonaphthoquinones, which were found to exhibit antiparasitic and antioxidant properties. Scilla nervosa subsp. rigidifolia and Ledebouria graminifolia yielded twenty homoisoflavonoids and two xanthones. Bulbs derived from tissue culture based specimens of L. graminifolia contained all the compounds isolated from the marketed samples. Some of the homoisoflavonoids were found to possess activity against colon and breast cancer cell lines. Rhus pyroides furnished six novel bichalcones some of which exhibited insect antifeedant, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. Structures of the compounds described in this report were elucidated by spectroscopic means including HRMS and 1D-, and 2D-NMR experiments. Interconversion of some of the phenyl anthraquinones was accomplished as part of their structure proof. The total synthesis of three of the biflavonoids was achieved using a synthetic route which involves a microwave irradiation promoted Ulmann synthesis. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Gametogenesis,endosperm development,and embryogeny inMicrocarpaea muscosa (Scrophulariaceae,Gratioleae)

InMicrocarpaea muscosa gametogenesis, embryo sac development (Polygonum type), endosperm development (cellular), embryogeny (Onagrad type), and seed structure are described. The different modes of endosperm development withinGratioleae are compared.     

rbcL sequences support exclusion ofRetzia,Desfontainia, andNicodemia from theGentianales

The taxonomic positions ofRetzia, Desfontainia, andNicodemia have been much discussed, and all three genera have been included inLoganiaceae (Gentianales). We have made a cladistic analysis ofrbcL gene sequences to determine the relationships of these taxa toGentianales. Four newrbcL sequences are presented; i.e., ofRetzia, Desfontainia, Diervilla (Caprifoliaceae), andEuthystachys (Stilbaceae). Our results show thatRetzia, Desfontainia, andNicodemia are not closely related toLoganiaceae or theGentianales. Retzia is most closely related toEuthystachys and is better included inStilbaceae. The positions ofDesfontainia andNicodemia are not settled, butDesfontainia shows affinity for theDipsacales s.l. andNicodemia for theLamiales s.l.     

A reconsideration of the genusRabdosiella (Lamiaceae,Nepetoideae, Ocimeae)

The two generaPlectranthus andIsodon are compared and found to be very dissimilar.Isodon ist considered to be misplaced inOcimeae subtribePlectranthinae and apparently is more closely related to subtribeHyptidinae. The disjunct genusRabdosiella is compared to these two genera and regarded to be polyphyletic. The AfricanR. calycina (Benth.)Codd is returned toPlectranthus and calledP. calycinus Benth., while the AsianR. ternifolia (D. Don)Codd is placed inIsodon sect.Pyramidium and calledI. ternifolius (D. Don)Kudo.     

Puccinia carici-adenocauli, a new rust fungus onCarex, and its anamorph,Aecidium adenocauli

Field observations and inoculation experiments showed thatAecidium adenocauli onAdenocaulon himalaicum was an anamorph of aPuccinia onCarex hakonensis andC. uda. From comparative morphology with caricicolous puccinias, the rust on theseCarex species was considered as a new species and was named asPuccinia carici-adenocauli. Contribution No. 142, Laboratory of Plant Pathology and Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tsukuba     

Introduction,distribution, spread,and impacts of exotic freshwater gastropods in Texas

We examined the patterns of distribution, vectors of introduction, and potential ecological impacts of freshwater exotic species in Texas over the last 45 years. Currently, five species of exotic gastropods are established: channeled-type applesnail (Pomacea insularum), red-rim melania (Melanoides tuberculatus), quilted melania (Tarebia granifera), giant rams-horn snail (Marisa cornuarietis), and Chinese mysterysnail (Cipangopaludina chinensis). In contrast to the northern part of the US, where shipping appears to be the most important vector for the introduction of aquatic invasive species, aquarium and ornamental trade dominated among unintentional vectors of introduction of all freshwater exotics in Texas, resulting in different patterns of distribution, spread, and ecological impacts. The rate of spread of exotic gastropods in Texas varied from 39 waterbodies colonized over 18 years for P. insularum to only three waterbodies during last 45 years for C. chinensis. Four of five exotic gastropods were found in highly vulnerable aquifer-fed springs and rivers, which contain numerous endemic and endangered species. The fifth species, Pomacea insularum, is an agricultural pest. Potential negative ecological effects of exotic gastropods include impacts on wetlands and wetland restoration, competitive exclusion of native snails, and the introduction of exotic parasites, trematodes, which could infect fish and waterfowl, including federally protected species. Aquifer springs with stable temperature regimes are refuges for both cold and warm intolerant species. Handling editor: D. Dudgeon     

Triads Synthesized from Deuteroporphyrin IX,Naphthoquinone, and Aromatic Amino Acids

Two triad systems were synthesized from deuteroporphyrin IX by tethering 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative and aromatic amino acids to its propionic groups using the method of mixed anhydrides. Physicochemical characteristics of the triads were studied, and the -electron systems of their chromophores were shown to interact.     

A New Family,Alteromonadaceae fam. nov., Including Marine Proteobacteria of the Genera Alteromonas,Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina,and Colwellia

The taxonomic positions of the marine genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina, and Colwellia within the gamma subclass of the class Proteobacteria were specified on the basis of their phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics. Gram-negative aerobic bacteria of the genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Idiomarina and facultatively anaerobic bacteria of the genus Colwellia were found to form a phylogenetic cluster with a 16S rRNA sequence homology of 90% or higher. The characteristics of these genera presented in this paper allow their reliable taxonomic identification. Based on the analysis of our experimental data and analyses available in the literature, we propose to combine the genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Idiomarina, and Colwellia into a new family, Alteromonadaceae fam. nov., with the type genus Alteromonas.     

A new fungal genus, Teracosphaeria, with a phialophora-like anamorph (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota)

The new genus and species Teracosphaeria petroica is described for a perithecial ascomycete and its anamorph occurring on decayed wood collected in New Zealand. The fungus produces immersed, non-stromatic ceratosphaeria-like perithecia in nature, with hyaline, septate ascospores produced in unitunicate, non-amyloid asci. The anamorph produced in vitro is phialophora-like with lightly pigmented phialides terminating in flaring, deep collarettes that are often noticeably brown with conspicuous periclinal thickening. Phylogenetic analysis of LSU rDNA sequence data indicates that this fungus is distinct from morphologically similar fungi classified in the Chaetosphaeriales, the Trichosphaeriales or the Magnaporthaceae. It forms a monophyletic group with recently described, chaetosphaeria-like ascomycetes, such as the pyrenomycete genus Mirannulata, and shows affinity with the anamorphic species Dictyochaeta cylindrospora. The usefulness of describing anamorph genera for morphologically reduced anamorphs, when anamorph characteristics are actually part of the holomorph diagnosis, is discussed. An apparently contradictory example of the so-called Cordana and Pseudobotrytis anamorphs of Porosphaerella spp. is also discussed.     

Enrichment in Trace Metals (Al,Mn, Co,Cu, Mo,Cd, Fe,Zn, Pb and Hg) of Macro-Invertebrate Habitats at Hydrothermal Vents Along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The present study describes several features of the aquatic environment with the emphasis on the total vs. filter-passing fraction (FP) of heavy metals in microhabitats of two typical deep-sea vent organisms: the filter-feeder, symbiont-bearing Bathymodiolus and the grazer shrimps Rimicaris/Mirocaris from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). The concentration of 10 trace elements: Al, Mn, Co, Cu, Mo, Cd, Fe, Zn, Pb and Hg was explored highlighting common and distinctive features among the five hydrothermal vent sites of the MAR: Menez Gwen, Lucky Strike, Rainbow, Saldanha, and Menez Hom that are all geo-chemically different when looking at the undiluted hydrothermal fluid composition. The drop off in the percentage of FP from total metal concentration in mussel and/or shrimp inhabited water samples (in mussel beds at Rainbow, for instance, FP fraction of Fe was below 23%, Zn 24 %, Al 65%, Cu 70%, and Mn 89%) as compared to non-inhabited areas (where 94% of the Fe, 90% of the Zn, 100% of the other metals was in the FP fraction) may indicate an influence of vent organisms on their habitat’s chemistry, which in turn may determine adaptational strategies to elevated levels of toxic heavy metals. Predominance of particulate fraction over the soluble metals, jointly with the morphological structure and elemental composition of typical particles in these vent habitats suggest a more limited metal bioavailability to vent organisms as previously thought. In addition, it is evoked that vent invertebrates may have developed highly efficient metal-handling strategies targeting particulate phase of various metals present in the mixing zones that enables their survival under these extreme conditions.     

Antibiotic Susceptibility as a Taxonomic Characteristic of Proteobacteria of the Genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Marinomonas, and Marinobacter

Type strains of bacteria of the genera Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas, Marinomonas, and Marinobacterand symbiotrophic bacteria isolated from the Far Eastern bivalve mollusks Crenomytilus grayanusand Mizuhopecten yessoensisand identified as Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciensand P. citreawere tested for susceptibility to antibiotics. Of the ten antibiotics used in this study, benzylpenicillin, polymyxin, lincomycin, and oleandomycin were valuable for the polyphasic taxonomy of marine aerobic proteobacteria. Marine bacteria of the genera studied exhibited characteristic antibiotic susceptibility profiles, which were useful for the differentiation of the genera.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and device-related nosocomial infections: implications, trends, and potential approaches for control

For many years, device-associated infections and particularly device-associated nosocomial infections have been of considerable concern. Recently, this concern was heightened as a result of increased antibiotic resistance among the common causal agents of nosocomial infections, the appearance of new strains which are intrinsically resistant to the antibiotics of choice, and the emerging understanding of the role biofilms may play in device-associated infections and the development of increased antibiotic resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans are consistently identified as some of the more important agents of nosocomial infections. In light of the recent information regarding device-associated nosocomial infections, understanding the nature of P. aeruginosa and C. albicans infections is increasingly important. These two microorganisms demonstrate: (1) an ability to form biofilms on the majority of devices employed currently, (2) increased resistance/tolerance to antibiotics when associated with biofilms, (3) documented infections noted for virtually all indwelling devices, (4) opportunistic pathogenicity, and (5) persistence in the hospital environment. To these five demonstrated characteristics, two additional areas of interest are emerging: (a) the as yet unclear relationship of these two microorganisms to those species of highly resistant Pseudomonas spp and Candida spp that are of increasing concern with device-related infections, and (b) the recent research showing the dynamic interaction of P. aeruginosa and C. albicans in patients with cystic fibrosis. An understanding of these two opportunistic pathogens in the context of their ecosystems/biofilms also has significant potential for the development of novel and effective approaches for the control and treatment of device-associated infections.     

Novel glycopeptides,containing desmosine and isodesmosine,isolated from porcine aorta

Intima-media of porcine thoracic aorta were digested with pronase, after extraction of the saline-soluble matters and fat. A glycopeptide fraction was precipitated with 90% (vol/vol) ethanol from the 80% ethanol-soluble fraction of the trichloroacetic acid (7%)-soluble fraction of the pronase digest. The glycopeptide fraction was fractionated by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A (Con A)-Sepharose 4B, yielding 4 fractions (FA, FB, FC and FD). The most carbohydrate-rich fraction (FB) was further purified to a homogeneous state. The purified FB (FB-0.1) and all other fractions contained desmosine and isodesmosine. The major sugars in the fractions without or with low affinity for Con A (FA, FB, and FB-0.1) were glucosamine, galactose, mannose and sialic acid, while those in the fractions with high affinity for this lectin (FC and FD) were glucosamine, glucose and mannose. All the fractions contained glycine, aspartic acid (and/or asparagine), serine, proline, threonine, glutamic acid (and/or glutamine) and alanine as the major amino acids, amounting to approximately 80% of the total.     

Ethylene-binding characteristics in Phaseolus,Citrus, and Ligustrum plants

A number of plants were tested for their ability to bind ethylene and the number of binding sites present in each was calculated. Primary leaves of laboratory-grown beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) bound 140 dpm/g fwt (1794 dpm/g dry wt) when exposed to 1.0 Ci/1 of [¹⁴C]ethylene (110 ci/mol). Phytotron-grown leaves were less succulent but only bound 90 dpm/g fwt (1046 dpm/g dry wt). Bean roots bound 30 dpm/g fwt. Citrus and Ligustrum bound 207 and 240 dpm/g fwt, respectively. The time required to achieve equilibrium of leaves with the gas phase was 15 min for bean, 30 min for Citrus, and 30–60 min for Ligustrum. The time for 1/2 of the bound ethylene to diffuse out of the leaves was 20 min for bean, 10 min for Citrus, and 30 min for Ligustrum. The amount of ethylene needed to occupy 1/2 of the binding sites was obtained from Scatchard plots. This value (K_d) was 0.2 l/1 for bean, 0.15 for Citrus, and 0.31 for Ligustrum. The quantity of binding sites in the tissues was 2.0×10^-9 mol of binding sites/kg tissue for bean leaves, 5.7×10^-9 for Citrus leaves, and 6.8×10^-9 for Ligustrum. Pretreatment with indoleacetic acid (IAA), ehtylene, and cycloheximide (1 mg/1) had little effect on the level of ethylene-binding sites in Citrus.Contribution from the Department of Biochemistry, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences and School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, North Carolina State University. Paper No. 8445 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7601.North Carolina-Israel exchange Scholar for 1981 at the Department of Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina, USA     

Enhancement of sporulation in species of Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera, and Exserohilum by growth on cellulose-containing substrates

Nine species of Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera, and Exserohilum were compared for sporulation on agar media and for enhancement of sporulation by growth on four cellulose-containing substrates (index card, filter paper, cheesecloth, cotton fabric). On two natural and one synthetic agar media, sporulation varied from profuse to nonexistent among three isolates of each species. Growth of all species on cellulose substrates resulted in large and significant increases in sporulation. Growth on index card pieces often provided the greatest increases, but no single substrate was superior for all species, and significant substrate × isolate interactions were observed within species. Overlay of filter paper onto whole colonies in agar plates resulted in 2 to 18-fold increases in sporulation for eight of nine species and production of spores in sufficient quantity for most experimental purposes. Overlay of soil dilution plates with filter paper to promote sporulation of colonies enabled detection of B. spicifera, B. hawaiiensis, C. lunata, and E. rostratum at relatively low population levels (≤1.3 × 10³ colony-forming units per gram of soil) in samples of a naturally infested soil. Results indicate that enhancement of sporulation by growth of species of Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera, and Exserohilum on cellulose substrates may facilitate (i) their identification in culture, (ii) production of spores at relatively high concentrations, and (iii) detection and enumeration of these fungi in soil.