Relationships among Cratoneuron curvicaule,C. filicinum var. filicinum,and C. filicinum var. atrovirens (Bryophyta: Amblystegiaceae)

Abstract

The relationships among western Eurasian and Macaronesian Cratoneuron filicinum (Hedw.) Spruce var. filicinum, C. filicinum var. atrovirens (Brid.) Ochyra, and C. curvicaule (Jur.) G.Roth were explored by ITS and the chloroplast markers rpl16 and tRNA-Gly. Haplotype networks, Jacknife, and Neighbour joining trees all provide high support for the recognition of C. curvicaule as distinct from C. filicinum, whereas the two varieties of the latter could not be distinguished. It is concluded that C. filicinum var. atrovirens most likely represents a phenotypic modification of C. filicinum that occurs especially in certain submerged environments or under heavily dripping water. The maximal support for the Cratoneuron clade and the small and quantitative morphological differences between its two species are arguments for not splitting this genus.     

Genome analysis of species in the genus Hystrix (Triticeae; Poaceae)

Genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) and Southern genomic hybridisation were applied in order to gain further knowledge regarding generic delimitation of the genus Hystrix as well as to clarify the genomes of the Hystrix species H. patula, H. longearistata, H. coreana, H. duthiei and H. komarovii. The hybridisation intensity of different genomic probes was compared among the Hystrix species and with other Triticeae species. The Southern- and GISH results confirm that H. patula contains the StH genome and show that H. komarovii most likely has a variant of this StH genome. The other Hystrix species under study, i.e. H. longearistata, H. coreana and H. duthiei, contain an Ns basic genome, and most probably two variants of this basic genome, Ns ¹ Ns ² . The genus Hystrix is thus not a monophyletic group of species.     

A new species of Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) from Michoacán, Mexico

A new species, Cuscuta cotijana, is described and illustrated from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in northwestern Michoacán, Mexico. The species is most closely related to Cuscuta jalapensis, C. mitriformis, C. rugosiceps and C. lindsayi, from which it differs by the large spur-like projections on the outer calyx lobes and the ovoid to conical capsule with a small intrastylar aperture.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Calycogonium bairdianum</Emphasis> (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a new species from the Cordillera Central,Dominican Republic

Calycogonium bairdianum, a new species, is here described from the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic. It is compared to C. impressum, to which it is likely related. Although Calycogonium is not monophyletic, C. bairdianum and C. impressum may be related to other species in the genus that exhibit acarodomatia formed by hairs at the two major vein junctions on the leaf abaxial surface, a likely synapomorphy. Calycogonium bairdianum is distinguished from C. impressum by its relatively glabrous (vs. pubescent) and larger leaves (i.e., usually [2.9–]4.5–8.1 cm vs. 2.1–3.7 cm long) with veins that are plane to only slightly impressed adaxially (vs. more strongly impressed).     

Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). IX. Calycogonium formonense, a new species from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Calycogonium formonense, a new species, is here described from the floristically diverse Massif de la Hotte of southern Haiti. It is compared to C. hispidulum, to which it is likely related. Although the genus Calycogonium is not monophyletic, C. formonense and C. hispidulum are probably related to other species, e.g., C. calycopteris, C. heterophyllum, and C. reticulatum, that exhibit reduced inflorescences and 4-merous flowers having hypanthia with four conspicuous lobes separated by longitudinal grooves and external calyx lobes that are flattened parallel to the floral radii. These distinctive species may form a clade. Calycogonium formonense is distinguished from C. hispidulum by its smaller leaves with the tertiary veins not raised on the abaxial surface, with entire margins (i.e., margin without elongate multicellular hairs), and usually solitary flowers.     

Some biologically active oxovanadium(IV) complexes of triazole derived Schiff bases: their synthesis,characterization and biological properties

A series of biologically active oxovanadium(IV) complexes of triazole derived Schiff bases L₁–L₅ have been synthesized and characterized by their physical, analytical, and spectral data. The synthesized ligands potentially act as bidentate, in which the oxygen of furfural and nitrogen of azomethine coordinate with the oxovanadium atom to give a stoichiometry of vanadyl complexes 1:2 (M:L) in a square-pyramidal geometry. In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities on different species of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, S. flexneri, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. aureus, and B. subtilis) and fungi (T. longifusus, C. albicans, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani, and C. glabrata) have been studied. All compounds showed moderate to significant antibacterial activity against one or more bacterial strains and good antifungal activity against most of the fungal strains. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to check the cytotoxicity of coordinated and uncoordinated synthesized compounds.     

Insights into biological activity of ureidoamides with primaquine and amino acid moieties

Primaquine (PQ) ureidoamides 5a–f were screened for antimicrobial, biofilm eradication and antioxidative activities. Susceptibility of the tested microbial species towards tested compounds showed species- and compound-dependent activity. N-(diphenylmethyl)-2-[({4-[(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)amino]pentyl}carbamoyl)amino]-4-methylpentanamide (5a) and 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(diphenylmethyl)-2-[({4-[(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)amino]pentyl}carbamoyl)amino]acetamide (5d) showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus strains (MIC?=?6.5?µg/ml). Further, compounds 5c and 5d had weak antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of the tested compounds showed a wide spectrum of antifungal activity. In contrast, most of the compounds exerted strong activity in a biofilm eradication assay against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Candida albicans, comparable to or even higher than gentamycin, amphotericin B or parent PQ. The most active compounds were 5a and 5b. Tested compounds were inactive against biofilm formation by C. parapsylosis, Enterococcus faecalis, C. tropicalis and C. krusei. Compounds 5b–f significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation (80–99%), whereas compound 5c presented interesting LOX inhibition.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Croton limae</Emphasis> (Euphorbiaceae), a new species of section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Argyroglossum</Emphasis> from northeastern Brazil

A new species in Croton section Argyroglossum from northeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. Croton limae was previously confused with C. tricolor and C. argyrophyllus, which are the most closely related species. Its geographic distribution is discussed and a key to distinguish these three related species is presented.     

Four new species Of Mexican Castilleja (subgenus Castilleja,Scrophulariaceae) and their relatives

Castilleja subgenusCastilleja in the northern half of Mexico consists of nine species, which are treated here. The subgenus is characterized by a conspicuously colored calyx that is much more deeply cleft in front (abaxially) than in back (adaxially).Castilleja rhizomata,C. linifolia,C. mcvaughii, andC. pterocaulon are described as new, and are illustrated and mapped. The first three are compared toC. patriotica and C.tenuiflora, their closest relatives in the Tenuiflorae group, and the fourth is compared toC. ortegae, with which it constitutes the Ortegae group.Castilleja roei andC. tenuifolia of the Epichroma group are included in order to complete the census of subgenusCastilleja as encountered in the region of the new species. A key to the nine species of subgenusCastilleja from the northern half of Mexico is provided.     

Two new species of Myrtaceae (Myrteae) from northern South America

Two new species of Myrtaceae are described and illustrated. Campomanesia cucullata is a tree from Monte Alegre, Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. It is most similar to C. lineatifolia, from which it differs by being leafless when flowering, and by having densely congested and very small flowers. Myrcianthes monteucalyptoides is a tree from Tarma, Junín, in Central Peru. It is most similar to Myrcianthes myrsinoides, but the new species differs by a combination of medium-sized, somewhat revolute, broadly-acuminate leaves, and by the solitary, pentamerous flowers with delicate pedicels.     

The Cyatheaceae (Polypodiopsida) of Peru

A summary is presented of all Peruvian species of scaly tree ferns (Cyatheaceae). A total of 83 species is native to Peru (Sphaeropteris 1 sp., Alsophila sect. Alsophila 9 spp., Alsophila sect. Gymnosphaera 1 sp., Cyathea 72 spp.), with 13 endemic species in Cyathea and one in Alsophila. The following new species are described and illustrated: Alsophila gastonyi, Cyathea chontilla, C. nephele, C. polliculi, and C. praetermissa. The genera Cnemidaria and Trichipteris are no longer recognized and merged in Cyathea. Necessary combinations are made for Cyathea alatissima, C. nervosa, and C. uleana. Cyathea serpens is presented in detail and its relationship is discussed. An artificial key to the Peruvian species of Cyatheaceae is provided.     

Descriptions of new Neotropical Lycoperdininae (Coleoptera: Endomychidae) and their phylogenetic placement

Two new genera and three new species of Lycoperdininae (Coleoptera: Endomychidae) from South America, are described and illustrated based on adults: Hylaperdina n. g., along with H. brevicornis n. sp. from Ecuador and H. costariciensis n. sp. from Costa Rica, and Chileanus n. g., along with C. talca n. sp. from Chile. Their most likely placement within the Lycoperdininae is discussed. A key to genera of the neotropical Lycoperdininae is provided.     

Concentration of toxic metals and potential risk assessment in edible fishes from Congo River in urbanized area of Kinshasa,DR Congo

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine the concentration and potential health risks of toxic metals in six most consumed freshwater fish species (Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Bagrus ubangensis, Citharinus gibbosus, Distichondus fasciolatus, Marcusenius moorii, and Schilbe mystus). A total of 126 samples of these fish species were collected from seven sites of Congo River in the vicinity of Kinshasa City, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Toxic metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Pb) levels in fish muscle tissues were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry whereas Hg analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The maximum metal concentration (mg kg^?1 wet weight) of Zn (59.72), Sb (5.98), and Pb (4.96) was detected in muscle tissues of M. moorii, C. gibbosus, and D. fasciolatus, respectively. Pb, Zn, and Hg values in many fish samples exceeded the permissible levels set by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization for human consumption. Given the concentrations of Pb in all fish species and Zn in M. moorii, human health implications are likely to occur on continuous consumption. Addition, the evaluation of potential health risks for fish consumers indicates that there may or not be adverse effects.     

Two new species of Viola (Violaceae) from the Intermountain West,U.S.A.

Viola lithion andV. franksmithii are rock-dwelling endemics that belong to the North American perennial, caulescent, simple-leaved, blue-, purple-, or white-flowered group of species.Viola lithion, from the White Pine and Pilot mountain ranges of eastern Nevada and adjacent Utah, belongs to sectionChamaemelanium subsectionCanadenses. It most closely resembles the reniform-leaved, Olympic MountainV. flettii, together with which it possibly shares an ancestry with the widespread and allopatricV. canadensis. Viola franksmithii, restricted to the Logan Canyon drainage of the Bear River Range in northern Utah, belongs to sectionRostellatae subsectionRosulantes. It comes closest morphologically toV. howellii of the Coast Range, but likely evolved from the widespreadV. adunca or a common ancestor.     

First record of the opal chimaera,Chimaera opalescens (Holocephali: Chimaeridae) and revision of the occurrence of the rabbitfish Chimaera monstrosa in the Azores waters

The presence of the opal chimaera, Chimaera opalescens, is reported for the first time in the deep waters of the Azores, with the capture of four specimens by fishermen and the video recording of an additional five individuals. Species identification was supported by the 646 bp sequenced fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Because C. opalescens is a recently recognised species that had been recurrently misidentified as rabbitfish, Chimaera monstrosa, the historical data of C. monstrosa in the Azores were reviewed to assess the possible presence of both Chimaera species in the region. Although several authors have reported the occurrence of C. monstrosa in the Azorean waters since the 1800s, the majority of these are based on only three specimens caught during the late 1800s. The investigation performed using literature and examination of the museum specimens still available concluded that the most likely scenario is that C. monstrosa is absent from the Azores and past records of that species in the region are most likely misidentifications of C. opalescens.     

Shotgun Crystallization Strategy for Structural Genomics II: Crystallization Conditions that Produce High Resolution Structures for T. maritima Proteins

Currently, 119 high resolution structures of Thermotoga maritima proteins have been determined by the Joint Center for Structural Genomics (JCSG, www.jcsg.org). Sixty-seven of these were solved using the first implementation of the multi-tiered crystallization strategy at the JCSG for the efficient crystallization of large numbers of protein targets. Previously, we reported the analysis of all proteins crystallized using this multi-tiered strategy [Lesley, S.A. et al. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99, 11664–11669; Page, R. et al. (2003) Acta Crystallogr. D Biol. Crystallogr. 59, 1028–1037]. Here, we extend the analysis and describe the crystallization characteristics of those proteins that produced diffraction quality crystals, ultimately resulting in high resolution structures. First, we found that over 77% (52) of the crystals used for structure determination were produced directly from high-throughput coarse screens, indicating that less than one quarter of the crystals (15) required fine screening. In addition, as observed for the proteome screen [Page, R. et al. (2003) Acta Crystallogr. D Biol. Crystallogr. 59, 1028–1037], the majority of conditions that produced crystals for natively expressed proteins, whose structures have been determined, were distinct from those of their more extensively purified and selenomethionine-labeled counterparts. Finally, 99% of the proteins whose structures were solved crystallized in conditions contained in the JCSG Minimal Core Screen [Page, R. et al. (2003) Acta Crystallogr. D Biol. Crystallogr. 59, 1028–1037; Page, R. and Stevens, R.C. (2004) Methods 34, 373–389], a set of 67 conditions previously identified as those most likely to produce crystals of a diverse set of proteins, confirming its success for rapid identification of proteins with a natural propensity to crystallize.     

Counting birds on farmland habitats in winter

Capsule Perimeter counts underestimate the number of birds using agricultural fields.

Aims To determine the degree to which farmland birds may be undercounted on field surveys and the factors influencing this.

Methods In a study of 96 fields, birds in the field were counted during a walk of the perimeter. Afterwards transects were walked across the field to determine the number of birds missed. Additionally in a national survey we looked at the birds seen in field transects expressed as a proportion of the total seen in the transect and on perimeter counts.

Results To obtain an accurate count of birds on a field requires the use of the whole-area search methodology especially for species such as Grey Partridge Perdix perdix, Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Skylark Alauda arvensis and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. However, for a large number of species, including thrushes, flocking finches and buntings, over 90% of individuals can be recorded using the much less time-consuming perimeter count method.

Conclusions Perimeter counts are likely to be reliable for most species but special efforts may be required for a few cryptic species.     

Squash Techniques in the Cytological Investigation of Mosses

Abstract

Photosynthetic activity of attached sporophytes is very low (a few per cent or less) compared with that of associated gametophyte structures (perianth, bracts and uppermost leaves) in Cephalozia bicuspidata and Lophocolea heterophylla, or with even small areas of thallus in Pellia epiphylla. Photosynthetic uptake of ¹⁴CO₂ by developing sporophytes of P. epiphylla, C. bicuspidata and L. heterophylla is at most a few per cent of the ¹⁴C translocated subsequently from the gametophyte, and could be negligible. In L. heterophylla, the perianth, bracts and uppermost leaves appear to play only a limited role in nutrition of the sporophyte, the leafy shoots making a major contribution. In C. bicuspidata the perianth and leaves of the short archegonial shoot may provide a substantial part of the nutrition of the sporophyte. There is some indication in all three species that translocation from the gametophyte is most active when the sporophyte reaches full size but is still green, declining in the final stages of maturation of the capsule.     

A revision of the South African Chaetocnema gahani speciesgroup,with descriptions of four new flea beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The Chaetocnema gahani species-group from Southern Africa is herein analyzed and revised. It includes C. gahani Jacoby 1897, C. brincki (Bechyné 1959), C. capeneri n. sp., C. danielssoni n. sp., C. sudafricana n. sp., and C. tuckeri n. sp. A key to all the species is presented. Line drawings of male and female genitalia and scanning electron micrographs of six diagnostic morphological characters are also included, along with ecological and zoogeographical data. Finally, discriminant analyses using the six morphological characters supports the close affinity of the six species within the C. gahani group.     

Utility of AFLP markers for the assessment of molecular relationships in Ceratozamia Brongn. (Zamiaceae)

Abstract

The genus Ceratozamia has a distribution from Mexico to Central America. Molecular relationships were explored among Mexican Ceratozamia species using variable molecular markers, namely Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP). Three AFLP primer-combinations generated 77 loci for a total of 1,684 fragments. Molecular variation was 75.72% among species and 24.28% within species, and a low correlation was present between genetic and geographical distances. Cluster analysis produced a phenogram in which two distinct clusters are clearly recognizable, one including C. alvarezii, C. sabatoi, C. zaragozae, C. kuesteriana, C. mexicana and C. robusta, and another one with C. zoquorum, C. miqueliana, C. latifolia, C. microstrobila, C. hildae and C. morettii. The AFLP proved to be suitable to study the relationships among species of Ceratozamia, and the results corroborated those from previous morphology-based studies.