Phenetic groupings in bees of the tribe bombini based on the enzyme α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase

GDH isozyme patterns from thoracic muscle of 21 species of Bombus and 4 species of Psithyrus are each characterized by at least 8 bands arranged in 3 isozyme groups. Four distinctive pattern types were found, one for the species of Psithyrus and three among the Bombus species analyzed. Phenetic groupings of the 25 species are presented. Tissue specific GDH patterns are reported. No quantitative or qualitative differences in GDH patterns from thoracic extracts were associated with caste or age. The enzymes appear to be controlled by four non-allelic genes.     

A molecular phylogeny of enteric bacteria and implications for a bacterial species concept

A molecular phylogeny for seven taxa of enteric bacteria (Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia plymuthica) was made from multiple isolates per taxa taken from a collection of environmental enteric bacteria. Sequences from five housekeeping genes (gapA, groEL, gyrA, ompA, and pgi) and the 16S rRNA gene were used to infer individual gene trees and were concatenated to infer a composite molecular phylogeny for the species. The isolates from each taxa formed tight species clusters in the individual gene trees, suggesting the existence of 'genotypic' clusters that correspond to traditional species designations. These sequence data and the resulting gene trees and consensus tree provide the first data set with which to assess the utility of the recently proposed core genome hypothesis (CGH). The CGH provides a genetically based approach to applying the biological species concept to bacteria.     

Changes in the Classification of Several Major Taxa of Ciliophora on the Basis of a Numerical Phenetic Analysis*,†

SYNOPSIS. Several taxonomic problems arising from recent revisions of the phylum Ciliophora. Initially, electro- and light-microscopic features of 7 species from 4 genera of colpodid ciliates were analyzed by several numerical phenetic procedures. The phenogram derived by using Jaccard's coefficient as the measure of similarity and the unweighted pair-group arithmetic clustering method (UPGMA) yielded a classification with the highest cophenetic correlation coefficient. Subsequently, relationships among 22 oligohymenophoran and related genera were determined by analyzing 57 ultrastructural and light-microscopic features with Jaccard's coefficient and UPGMA. On the basis of these results, the suborder Peniculina is elevated to ordinal rank and the family Turaniellidae is transferred from the Peniculida to the Tetrahymenina. The phenogram also indicated that the nassuline ciliates may be allied with the OLIGOHYMENOPHORA rather than the KINETOFRAGMINOPHORA.     

Phenetic analysis of Datura section Dutra (Solanaceae) in Mexico

Phenetic analysis of morphological characters of taxa in the section Dutra of the genus Datura from native populations on mainland Mexico supported the recognition of seven species: D. discolor, D. inoxia, D. kymatocarpa, D. lanosa, D. metel, D. pruinosa , and D. reburra . These taxa aggregated into three large groups which shared similar anther length, seed surface texture, fruit dehiscence, corolla length, calyx lobe length, stamen length and leaf length. Based on the similarity of morphological characters, it is probable that the domesticated D. metel was derived from wild D. inoxia in southern Mexico.     

Taxonomic studies of planktic species of Anabaena based on morphological characteristics in cultured strains

Fifty (50) strains of planktic species of Anabaena (cyanobacteria), including collections from Japan and China and from different culture collections, were induced to form akinetes at low temperature (15 °C). Their morphologies were then observed and described. Fourty seven strains successfully formed akinetes and these were classified into 20 species comprising seven with straight trichomes and 13 with coiled trichomes. Three strains, which did not form akinetes, were separated into two taxonomic groups, but could not be identified to any described species. In addition, a key to the planktic species of Anabaena described in the study is presented.     

Phenetic relationships of six species of mullets (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mugilidae</Emphasis>) from the south Adriatic,as inferred from the study of the visceral and dermal skeleton

This study examines the interspecific variability and phenetic relationships in six southern Adriatic mullet species: Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758), Chelon labrosus (Risso, 1826), Liza aurata (Risso, 1810), Liza ramada (Risso, 1826), Liza saliens (Risso, 1810), and Oedalechilus labeo (Cuvier, 1829). Twenty-three morphometric characteristics of the visceral skeleton and the dermatocranium of mullets were analyzed. The major distinguishing characters were those of the jaws. M. cephalus was clearly separated from the other species; O. labeo differed to a somewhat smaller extent; and C. labrosus was the least distinguished species. The species of the genus Liza were phenetically most similar, while the other species of mullet differed significantly from them. The greatest distances were between M. cephalus and C. labrosus, as well as between M. cephalus and O. labeo. This text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Micro‐morphological characteristics of seed and ovary trichomes of Iranian Glaucium Mill. species (Papaveraceae) and their taxonomic importance

Seeds and trichomes of 15 taxa of the genus Glaucium distributed in Iran were examined by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The seeds are slightly shiny to rather shiny, however, strongly shiny seeds were also observed in some species (G. corniculatum and G. grandiflorum). The basic shape of the seeds is semicircular to reniform, but reniform and elongated reniform seeds were found in G. oxylobum and G. elegans, respectively. The sculpturing of the testa surface are verrucate–rugulate (most frequent type), verrucate–granulate, verrucate–perforate, verrucate–lineolate, rugulate–granulate, rugulate and ocellate. Elongated polygonal epidermal cells dominate in most taxa investigated, but there are polygonal and irregular polygonal cells in a few taxa. The investigated species have two types of trichomes on the ovary: tuberculate and non‐tuberculate. The non‐tuberculate trichomes are of two subtypes: pilose and squamiform. Based on the number of cells, the squamiform trichomes were further divided into two groups (uniseriate and multiseriate) differing in shape, size and cellular structure. The results show that the micro‐morphological characteristics of seed and ovary trichomes provide useful and significant information for separation of species and taxa within species and a diagnostic key to the taxa is provided.     

Phenetic analysis of Anemone coronaria (Ranunculaceae) and related species

This study clarifies the taxonomic status of Anemone coronaria and segregates the species and A. coronaria infraspecific variants using morphological and morphometric analyses. Principal component analysis of the coronaria group was performed on 25 quantitative and qualitative characters, and morphometric analysis of the A. coronaria infraspecific variants was performed on 21 quantitative and qualitative characters. The results showed that the A. coronaria group clustered into four major groups: A. coronaria L., A. biflora DC, A. bucharica (Regel) Juz.ex Komarov, and a final group including A. eranthioides Regel and A. tschernjaewii Regel. The data on the A. coronaria infraspecific variants clustered into six groups: A. coronaria L. var. coronaria L., var. cyanea Ard., var. albiflora Rouy & Fouc., var. parviflora Regel, var. ventreana Ard., and var. rissoana Ard.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 417–438.     

Phenetic and phylogenetic studies based on measurements of Plantago ser. Brasilienses

Numerical taxonomic methods for a programmable pocket calculator are proposed. Operational taxonomic units (OTU's) may be either accepted taxa or single specimens, or a mixture of both. All types of characters are employable. A calculated or estimated common standard deviation and the mean (or reading) define the normal distribution curve for each measurement variable. Similarity between two OTU's is calculated as the overlapping area below their distribution curves. Ninety specimens of Plantago ser. Brasilienses are used as examples. The clusters are finally grouped using both phenetic and several cladistic methods. Results from phylogenetic sys–tematics cannot be used directly in taxonomy because the basic principles are discordant with those in the botanical code.     

Two new species of Russula subgenus Compactae from Indian Himalaya based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic inferences

The identity of blackening Russula (R. subg. Compactae) from Indian Himalaya has since long remained a mystery and they are often called after their European look-alikes. Here, a combined approach including morphology and ITS phylogenetic inference resolved the identification of some of these taxa and revealed the discovery of two novel species. Thus, Russula ashihoi sp. nov., found under Abies in subalpine Himalaya, and R. indonigra sp. nov. occurring under Quercus in subtropical to temperate Himalaya are proposed herein with their morphological details, illustrations and ITS-based phylogeny. Similarities with allied taxa are also discussed.     

Proinflammatory cytokines in bovine colostrum potentiate the mitogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from newborn calves through IL-2 and CD25 expression

Abstract: Bovine colostrum contains high concentrations of cytokines, and colostral cytokines are considered to be an important factor in stimulation of maturation of the immune system in newborns. In this study, 5 proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1ra) present in colostrum were tested for their potential to enhance mitogenic response and to elicit expression of IL-2 mRNA and CD25 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from newborn calves before being fed colostrum. PBMC were pretreated with each recombinant bovine cytokine for 2 hr before stimulation with concanavalin A (ConA). Pretreatment of PBMC from newborn calves with IL-1beta, TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma significantly enhanced the ConA response, whereas IL-1ra inhibited the response. The degree of enhancement or inhibition of mitogenic response by these cytokines was more pronounced in PBMC from newborn calves than in those from adult cows. Although IL-2 mRNA expression in ConA-stimulated PBMC from newborn calves was weaker than that in those from adult cows of ConA-stimulated controls, the expression levels became comparable after pretreatment with IL-1beta, TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma. The CD25 expression in PBMC from newborn calves was also enhanced by pretreatment with IL-1beta, TNF-beta and IFN-gamma. These results suggest that pretreatment of neonatal PBMC with IL-1beta, TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma promotes mitogenic response to ConA through up-regulating the production of IL-2 and the expression of the mature IL-2 receptor.     

A comparison of the antigenic characteristics of three geographical isolates of Trichinella

The antigenic characteristics of isolates of Trichinella from Alaska, Canada and Kenya (arctic, north temperate and tropical, respectively) were compared using two dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis. It was found that there were some differences in the antigenic components of the three isolates but little difference in the number of antigens. The usefulness of serology in taxonomy is discussed in relation to these three isolates.     

Effects of Citrus unshiu Powder on the Cytokine Balance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis to Pollen

We evaluated the effects of a 50% methanol extract of Citrus unshiu powder (MEC) on cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis to cedar pollen. The levels of cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, and GM-CSF, produced by pollen-stimulated PBMC were measured. We found that MEC suppressed pollen-induced TNF-α release and increased IFN-γ release from PBMCs. The results suggest that Citrus unshiu powder has an immunomodulatory effect in vitro and that its use could improve seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms.     

Re-examination of some species of the genus Geotrichum Link: Fr

The nutritional physiology and the growth rate of thirty-four strains representing species of Geotrichum without known teleomorph states were examined. From twenty-seven strains the mol% G+C were calculated from the DNA melting curves. The first derivatives of the melting curves of seven strains, including the type strain of Geotrichum clavatum, demonstrated the presence of two peaks, 12% away from each other; the remaining strains showed only a single broad peak. DNA homology values among strains of the former group were high, indicating their conspecificity. The strains of the latter group could be subdivided into six DNA homology groups, four of which could be identified with recognized species and two may represent novel taxa. A combined key of Geotrichum and its teleomorph states Galactomyces and Dipodascus is presented.     

核糖体转录间隔子2应用于鱼类种属的鉴别

为了防止珍稀鱼类的非法捕捞和销售, 鱼类种属的鉴别就成为非常关键的问题, 特别是形态学方法无法区分的样品(如鱼苗、鱼鳞、鱼卵、鱼肉及其加工产品等)。为了帮助珍稀鱼类资源的管理和保护, 文章报道了一种利用核糖体基因的转录间隔子2鉴别鱼类种属的分子遗传学方法: (1) 利用同一目鱼类5.8S rRNA和28S rRNA基因的保守性, 设计出扩增鲤形目鱼类这两个基因间转录间隔子2 DNA片段, 测序获得它们的碱基排列顺序; (2) 再根据不同鱼类转录间隔子2序列的差异, 设计出每种鱼的种属特异引物、种属鉴别标准物, 构建鱼类分子分类图谱, 利用PCR复合扩增技术鉴别鱼类种属。通过对国内不同地方采集的5种鲤形目鱼类的210个单一品种样本和40个混合样本的鉴别检验, 该方法能够准确、灵敏和快速鉴别这5种鱼, 可用于鱼类资源保护和评估、管理和开发, 特别是在渔业管理人员渔业执法、海关打击珍稀鱼类走私、防止商业欺诈和外来有害生物入侵等方面非常有用     

食线虫真菌资源研究概况

食线虫真菌是指寄生、捕捉、定殖和毒害线虫的一类真菌,这类真菌是自然界中线虫种群控制的重要因子,也是动植物病害生物防治的重要研究材料,具有特殊的研究意义和经济价值。目前全世界共报道700余种食线虫真菌,包括捕食线虫真菌380余种,线虫内寄生真菌120余种,产毒真菌270余种和大量机会真菌。针对丰富的食线虫真菌资源,近年来世界各国尤其是中国科学家对其进行了广泛研究,在捕食线虫真菌资源的分类、系统进化、生态分布、有性无性联系等方面的研究取得了重要进展,在线虫内寄生真菌侵染宿主的方式及产毒真菌的次生代谢产物挖掘等方面也进行了广泛研究,文章综述了以上研究进展并简述了食线虫真菌资源的生物防治应用概况。     

Phylogeny of five Prosopium species with comparisons with other Coregonine fishes based on isozyme electrophoresis*

Phylogenetic relationships of Prosopium gemmifer, P. spilonotus, P. williamsoni, P. cylindraceum and P. coulteri species were determined based on variation at 37 allozyme loci, and compared with Stenodus and nine species of Coregonus. Of the three genera, Prosopium was the most distinct with Nei genetic distances to Coregonus of D=0·55—1·05 and to Stenodus of D=0·58—0·92. Stenodus and Coregonus were closely related but grouped as sister taxa with a mean genetic distance of 0·31 (range 0·22—0·40). These results agree with the degree of morphological differentiation among the genera as well as with observations concerning hybridization, e.g. many Coregonus species hybridize with Stenodus, but no natural hybrids are known between Prosopium and other coregonines. Within Prosopium, P. coulteri was the most divergent species branching out at D=0·51 from the others and followed by P. cylindraceum at D=0·28. The three remaining species are closely related. Among them P. williamsoni joins P. gemmifer and P. spilonotus at 0·04, and the distance between the two Bear Lake endemics is only 0·004. The distance between P. cylindraceum and the remaining Prosopium species is similar to distances between Stenodus and Coregonus. The small genetic distance between P. spilonotus and P. gemmifer suggests their recent divergence. Even though no fixed differences were found between them, diVerent alleles were present at two loci at large enough frequencies to indicate reproductive isolation. This confirms that P. gemmifer and P. spilonotus are good biological species as indicated by their distinct morphology and ecology.     

中国尺蛾科新纪录属——离顶尺蛾属及其一新纪录种记述（鳞翅目：尺蛾科：姬尺蛾亚科）

首次报道姬尺蛾亚科离顶尺蛾属Apostegania Prout,1932和离顶尺蛾A.crina(Swinhoe,1892)在中国分布,给出了形态描述和特征图。