Une nouvelle algue Dasycladacee du Portlandien du Jura meridional francais: Montenegrella florifera nov. sp.

New Dasyclad Alga belonging to the genus MontenegrellaSOKAC & NIKLER, 1973, named M. florifera nov.sp. It is the first species of this genus described before the Cretaceous, in the Portlandian limestones of the southern french Jura mountains.     

Campbelliella striata (Carozzi): Algue Dasycladacée? Une nouvelle interprétation de l' “organisme C” Favre et Richard, 1927

The «organisme C Favre et Richard, 1927, frequently named «vaginelle, is a very outspreading fossil during the Upper Jurassic and at the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, around the Mediterranean sea. Numerous authors have noticed it an given various systematic attribution (Pteropods, pallets of Teredinidae-Lamellibranchia, Algae) and various meanings about it, that are synthetized and compared in that article. Moreover, the author sets up to attribute the «organisme C to a Dasyclad Alga whose name is defined: Campbelliella striata (Carozzi). A critical analysis of the stratigraphic distribution, according to the different authors, is undertaken as well as a biotopic study of that organism.     

Some dasyclad algae of the sinemurian from the north-western iberian chains (Spain)

In a section of the Liassic southwest of the village of Préjano (Prov. Logroño) Sinemurian Dasyclad algae were found for the first time in the “Bankkalk-Series” of the “Carniolas-Formation” which is not dated up to that time. Six species,Dissocladella lucasi (Cros & Lemoine),Dissocladella iberica nov. sp.,Dissocladella ebroensis nov. sp.,Sestrosphaera liasina Pia,Gyroporella retica (Zanin) andMacroporella nov. sp. aff. sturi Bystricky are described.     

Medium optimization for the production of cold-active beta amylase by psychrotrophic Streptomyces MIUG 4 alga using response surface methodology

The aim of this work was to optimize the cultural and production parameters using statistical approach to the synthesis of cold-active beta amylase by Streptomyces MIUG 4 Alga in submerged fermentation (SmF). The process parameters influencing the enzyme production were identified using the Plackett-Burman design. Among the various parameters screened, the concentrations of glycerol, starch, and yeast extract were the most significant. The optimum levels of these significant parameters determined employing the response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) were as follows: glycerol (4.00%), starch (2.00%) and yeast extract (0.5%). By using the optimal fermentation medium! the cold-active beta amylase production was increased up to 246.62 AU, an approximate 2.6-fold improvement over the previous production (93.32 AU) with un-optimized medium. This is the first report on production of cold-active beta amylase by psychrotrophic Streptomyces sp. The present study indicates that the cold-adapted extracellular beta amylase of Streptomyces MIUG 4 Alga may have considerable potential for industrial application owing to its properties.     

Précisions morphologiques,structurales et systématiques sur Reptomulticava parviporosa CANU et LECOINTRE (Bryozoa,cyclostomata)

This miocene organism was described as an Alga (Lithophyllym vinassaiPATRINI, 1932 = Neosolenopora patriniiMASTRORILLI, 1955) and as a Bryozoan (Reptomulticava parviporosaCANU et LECOINTRE, 1934). This paper shows several salient features of Cyclostomatous Bryozoans (morphology, microstructure, zoarial brood chamber). The arguments for the classing of this organism among Algae are simultaneously refuted (pseudo-differentiation of the thallus, conceptacles).     

Unella roquellensis nov. gen., nov. sp., dayscladacée Éodévonienne du Massif Armoricain (France) observations sur son ecologie

Fragments from a Dasycladacean Alga were discovered in a biostrome belonging to the Eodevonian of the NE of Massif armoricain. A study of these fragments has enabled us to separate this Dasycladacean Alga from others as a new and distinct genus. An exceptional fact is to be noticed: the lower parts of the thalli are still fixed by means of their rhizoids on the various substrates. These fragments in life position provide us with useful indications on the ecology of this Alga which grew on framebuilders.     

Glucose Uptake Activities of Bis (2, 3-Dibromo-4, 5-Dihydroxybenzyl) Ether,a Novel Marine Natural Product from Red Alga Odonthaliacorymbifera with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibition,In Vitro and In Vivo

Background and Aims

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a novel therapeutic target for type-2 diabetes, which negatively regulates the insulin signaling transduction. Bis (2, 3-dibromo-4, 5-dihydroxybenzyl) ether (BDDE), a novel bromophenol isolated from the Red Alga, is a novel PTP1B inhibitor. But the anti-diabetic effects are not clear. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects of BDDE.

Methods

The insulin-resistant HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic effects of BDDE. MTT assay was used to determine the safety concentrations in HepG2 cells. Glucose assay kit was used to check glucose uptake after treated with BDDE. Western blotting assay was used to explore the potent mechanisms. The db/db mice were used to evaluate the in vivo antidiabetic effects of BDDE. Body weight, blood glucose, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, and insulin level were checked at the respective time points. Gastrocnemii were dissected and used to analyze the PTP1B and insulin receptor β (IRβ) expression.

Results

BDDE increased the insulin-resisted glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. BDDE also decreased the expression of PTP1B and activated the substrates and downstream signals in insulin signal pathway, such as IRβ, insulin receptor substrate-1/2 (IRS1/2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). In the db/db mice model, BDDE significantly decreased the blood glucose, HbA1c and triglyceride (TG) levels. BDDE also decreased the expression of PTP1B and activated the phosphorylation of IRβ in gastrocnemii. Moreover, BDDE at high doses downregulated the body weight without affecting food and water intake.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that BDDE as a new PTP1B inhibitor improves glucose metabolism by stimulating the insulin signaling and could be used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus.     

Habitat characteristics and seasonal changes of Laurencia brongniartii (CeramiaIes, Rhodophyta) in Kagoshima, Southern Japan

The seasonal change in size of Laurencia brongniartii was observed for the year 2002 at Banshobana Park, Satsuma Peninsula and Tsuchihama Beach, Amami Oshima, both in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Additionally, the vertical distribution of this species was also studied at Tsuchihama Beach (second site), where the largest populations were found. Maximum lengths were observed in October ‐ November with a size of 100 ± 6 mm at Banshobana Park and 111 ± 5 mm at Tsuchihama Beach. Line‐transects conducted at Tsuchihama Beach, were analyzed to determine the vertical distribution of L. brongniartii due to depth and the slope of the substrate. Alga was found growing in areas restricted to low levels of light.     

Découverte des sables à Mactres de la base du Burdigalien à Martillac (Nord Aquitaine ; SW France) ; données paléontologiques

The Early Burdigalian in the type area of the stage (Gironde, South of Bordeaux) comprises marine deposits with rather various facies, often rich in molluscs. Locally, the very basal Formation of “Sables à Mactres” is present, formerly known in Léognan, but very little studied in litteris. We have discovered first at Martillac deposits allocated to this Formation, and we study their paleontological contents. The macrofauna is more diversified than it was expected from the aspect of sediment; for instance, 210 mollusc species have been inventoried in these grey fine sands, bedded and very carbonatic, where Bivalvia shells are well preserved and dominant among the whole fauna. These shells are either scattered in the layers or accumulated in small beds. Echinoids, Asteroids, Crustacea, Annelida, Scleractinia, Brachiopoda, fishes, Alga Rhodophycea, are present, as well as an abundant microbenthos. Taphonomic observations are made on the sandy sequence, and taxonomic and biostratigraphic remarks concern some mollusc species. From a paleoecologic point of view, the endobiont forms are dominant within the malacofauna, they are accompanied by several epibiont and semi-endobiont taxa, and few pelagic and endolith ones. Concerning the trophics, the suspension-feeders molluscs are dominant in specimens number, notably amongst Bivalvia, and carnivores, detritivores/deposit-feeders, herbivores and commensal/parasites are more or less well represented. On the whole, the soft-substrate species are obviously in a majority. This paleobiofacies with Mactrids – Donax – Capsa – Pitar – Loripes – Ringicula corresponds to a deposit in a coastal tidal area, rather calm, of a shallow embayment type, with very few detritics, and submitted to a moderate hydrodynamism and to a subtropical to tropical climate. The reworking is insignificant in the sequence where shells are dispersed (parautochthonous species), and the transport has been limited to the falun beds (e.g. little channels, tides action). The conditions of settlement of the earliest phases of Burdigalian transgression are thus specified in this type area.     

DIGESTION SURVIVAL OF ALGAE: SOME ECOLOGICAL COMPARISIONS BETWEEN FREE SPORES AND PROPAGULES IN FECAL PELLETS1

Benthic algae survive passage through the digestive tract of different types of grazers, either regenerating new tissues or releasing protoplasts and swarmers which act as accessory means of reproduction to generate new individuals. The ecological importance of this phenomenon is evaluated here by studying spores and fecal pellets. Alga fragments egested alive inside fecal pellets have some ecological advantages over free propagules. In intertidal habitats, the sticky nature of the pellets permits attachment to the substratum while protecting the contained algae from desiccation. In subtidal habitats, the pellets sink 8–22 times faster than the fastest sinking algal propagule. Quantification of swarmers and protoplasts released from algal fragments in the fecal pellets indicates densities of about 217 germlings·cm^?2 and values of 300–700 propagules per pellet. Extrapolation of these results to field conditions based on number of grazers and pellets suggest production figures varying from 0.5–3.5 × 10⁵to 1.3–1.5 × 10⁶ propagules·m^?2·12 h^?1. These values are within known density ranges of settling spores in the field. The ecological significance of the phenomenon may be especially important at seasons when the density of grazers increases and the normal reproductive activity of the algae being consumed decreases.     

Growth and hydrocarbon production ofBotryococcus braunii immobilized in calcium alginate gel

Summary The colonial microalgaB. braunii, immobilized in calcium alginate beads, shows active photoautotrophic growth. Nevertheless, the rates of increase in cell number and, to a lesser extent, in biomass are substantially lower when compared to free cultures. Such features are related to steric contraints which occasion also the formation of large spherical colonies in the gel, showing an unsual mulberry organization. Some cracks due to the development of underlying colonies appear at the surface of the beads. Alga release remains low, however, during the cultures. EntrappedB. braunii retain the ability to produce extracellular hydrocarbons; the structure of the latter is not affected by immobilization but their relative abundances can undergo some variations. Entrapment leads to marked improvements in hydrocarbon production; decrease in growth rates is therefore associated, in alginate gel, with a still more pronounced diversion ofB. braunii metabolic activity towards hydrocarbon generation. It appears also that the improvements in hydrocarbon production, due to strain selection and to culture condition adjustment, obtained in free cultures, can be directly applied toB. braunii immobilized in alginate beads.     

贵州台江凯里动物群中的非钙质藻类化石

贵州台江凯里组的非钙质藻类化石在我国中寒武统尚属首次发现。国外主要见于北美。描述的非钙质藻类化石Ｍａｒｐｏｌｉａ ｓｐｉｓｓａ． Ｂｏｓｗｏｒｔｈｉａ ｓｉｍｕｌａｎｓ ,Ａｌｇａ ｇｅｎ． ｅｔ ｓｐ． ｉｎｄｅｔ, Ａ,Ａｌｇａ ｅｔｓｐ． ｉｎｄｅｔ, Ｂ等常见于北美布尔吉斯页岩动物群。当前中武寒武非钙质藻类化石的发现不仅填补了我国中寒武统非钙质藻类的空白,而且对于凯里动物群与布尔吉斯页斯     

Trade-offs between ontogenetic changes and food consumption in Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis from two tropical estuaries

Salinity variation in estuarine environments influences the distribution of fish species as well as the availability of food resources to be used by them. This study examines the effect of the range of salinity on the trade-off between growth and feeding intensity of Atherinella brasiliensis from two tropical estuaries (positive and hypersaline). To investigate the effects of salinity, we hypothesized that hypersalinity negatively affects foraging intensity, consumption and prey selection by the Brazilian silverside, leading to differences in body condition. Sampling was carried out using the beach seine method in two areas of the estuaries (upper and lower zone) during rainy and dry periods. A total of 2549 stomachs (1124 for the positive estuary and 1425 for the hypersaline estuary) were examined, and the results indicated a dissimilarity of 92.7% of the diet between environments. In the positive estuary, there was more predation on Calanoida, Gastropoda, Hymenoptera, Ceratopogonidae larvae and Decapoda larvae, while Alga and plant-material characterized the diet in the hypersaline estuary. Significant correlations between the volume of food and salinity were observed in both estuaries. The vacuity index indicated that hypersaline environments presented higher contributions of semifull stomachs, indicating an intense consumption of algae. On the other hand,in the positive estuary, these values were less intense, but the stomachs were always with animal items. The variation found for both environments reinforces the effect of salinity on the physiological mechanism of the populations once the higher proportions of filled stomachs in the hypersaline environment indicate the need for constant and high ingestion of prey to guarantee the pronounced energy expenditure with osmoregulation.     

Fixation probabilities and effective population numbers in diploid populations with overlapping generations

A finite diploid population, observed at times t = 0, 1, 2,…, is studied. An individual is said to be in age group i at time t if its age is between i and i + 1 units at that time, where i ? 1. It is assumed that the number of individuals in a particular age-sex class is the same for every t and that the probability that a male offspring was produced by a mating of a male in age group i and a female in age group j is p_ij^m (with a corresponding probability p^f_ij for a female offspring), regardless of when the individual is born. The probability of ultimate fixation of an allele A₁ and the inbreeding effective number, for large populations, is calculated under the further assumptions that A₁ is neutral and that mating is random, given the ages of the mates.     

硫酸铜控藻对浮游植物群落的影响

硫酸铜广泛的用于水华藻类的去除和控制。本文测定了不同藻类对Cu2+的敏感性,几种常见水华藻类对Cu2+的敏感性顺序为：铜绿微囊藻>水华鱼腥藻>小环藻>莱哈衣藻>斜生栅藻。在某城市的富营养化湖泊中用CuSO4•5H2O（102µg/L Cu2+）作为杀藻剂控制蓝藻水华的试验结果表明：在用硫酸铜控制蓝藻水华的过程中,水体透明度有明显改善;总氮总磷无显著变化;浮游植物总数在试验初期下降,但在试验后期则有所回升,在试验初期蓝藻门数量有所下降,绿藻门和硅藻门数量增加,这与不同藻类对Cu2+ 敏感性差异相关;试验后期,蓝藻门种类快速生长,并成为优势种;水柱中微囊藻毒素的浓度随藻类数量的减少在4d内大幅降低。     

The rate of allelism of lethal genes in a geographically structured population

The expected rate of allelism, E[I(x)], of lethal genes between two colonies with distance x in a structured population is studied by using one- and two-dimensional stepping-stone models. It is shown that E[I(x)] depends on the magnitude of selection in heterozygous condition (h), the rate of migration among adjacent colonies (m), the number of loci which produce lethal mutations (n) and the effective population size of each colony (N).——E[I(x)] always decreases with distance x. The rate of decrease is affected strongly by the magnitude of m. The rate of decrease is faster when m is small. E[I(x)] also decreases with increasing N and n. The effect of h on E[I(x)] is somewhat complicated. However, E[I(0)] is always smaller when h is small than when it is large.——For large x, the following approximate formulae may be obtained: (see PDF) where q and Var (q) are the mean and the variance of gene frequencies in each colony, t is approximated as t=h, (see PDF), -h for the partially recessive, completely recessive, and overdominant lethals, respectively, and C₀ is a function of m and t. It is clear that E[I(x)] declines exponentially with x in a one-dimensional habitat. The decrease E[I(x)] is faster in a two-dimensional habitat than in a one-dimensional habitat. The present result is applied to some of the existing data and the estimation of population parameters is also discussed.     

THE KINETICS OF THE BACTERIUM-BACTERIOPHAGE REACTION

The above data relating to the reaction between 16 hour cultures of S. aureus and antistaphylococcus bacteriophage in nutrient broth of pH 7.6 at 36°C. and with mechanical shaking to maintain a uniform B suspension, bring out the following points: (a) B growth in P-B mixtures does not differ from growth in controls without P except in the case of a very high initial P/B ratio as noted below. There is no evidence that lytic destruction of B begins shortly after mixing P and B nor that B growth is stimulated by P, for the B growth curves in the presence of ordinary [P]''s and in controls are identical. Only at the sudden onset of the rapid lytic process does the B curve of a P-B mixture deviate from the control curve. (b) B growth is an essential conditioning factor for P formation. (c) Both B growth and P production exhibit short lags. During this time P diffuses into or becomes adsorbed to B so rapidly that by the end of the lag period only 10 to 30 per cent of the total P present is extracellular, the remainder being associated with the B. (d) During the logarithmic B growth phase, P formation is also logarithmic but proceeds at a much faster rate. That is, d P/d t is proportional to a power of d B/d t. Consequently the statement that each time a B divides a certain amount of P is formed is not correct. (e) As B growth enters the phase of positive acceleration equilibrium between the extracellular and intracellular P fractions becomes established and is maintained up to the onset of lysis, extracellular [P] representing a small constant percentage of total [P]. The distribution of P on a constant percentage basis suggests the manner in which a relatively simple chemical compound would be distributed and is not at all typical of the distribution one would expect if P were a complex organized parasite. (f) When the value of log P/B = 2.1 lysis begins. Obviously, this limiting value for any initial [B] is reached sooner the higher the initial [P]. When log P/B at the time of mixing P and B is already 2.1 or greater, there is no growth of B and lysis soon occurs. (g) While there is good evidence that lysis is brought about by the attainment of a particular [P] per B and not by a certain [P] per ml., it is not clear at this time which of the ratios intracellular P/B, extracellular P/B or total P/B is the major conditioning factor for B lysis. (h) Experimentally the maximal [P]''s of lysates made by mixing a constant initial [B] with widely varying Po''s fall within a relatively narrow range. This fact is explained by the large value of d log P/d t as compared to d log B/d t. That is, the loci of points at which log P = 2.1 + log B (maxima-lysis begins) on the curves of log P against t originating in various [Po]''s will lie at a nearly constant level above the abscissa. Because of this same relationship the maximal [P]''s of such a series will be in the reverse order of magnitude of the Po''s, i.e., the larger the Po the smaller will be the maximal [P] attained during the reaction (cf. Fig, 16). (i) The lytic destruction of B is logarithmic with time, in this respect being similar to most death rate processes. The value -d log B/d t for a particular initial [B] is constant for various initial values of [P]. There is good evidence that cells need not be growing in order to undergo lysis. (j) During B lysis a considerable percentage of the total maximal P formed is destroyed, the chief loss probably occurring in the intracellular fraction. The major portion (70 to 90 per cent) of the final P present after the completion of bacteriophagy is set free during the brief phase of bacterial dissolution. (k) When the entire process of bacteriophagy is completed the lysates are left with certain [P]''s determined by the foregone P-B reaction. The destruction of P during lysis is sufficiently regular to maintain the relationship established at the maximal [P]''s. Therefore the final [P]''s have the same points in common that were noted in "h" as applying to the maximal [P]''s. That is, they all are grouped within a narrow range of [P] values, those having been made with high Po''s being of lower titre than those made with low initial [P]''s. (1) There is a significant difference in the temperature coefficients of P and B formation. Further, the temperature coefficients of P and B destruction during lysis differ in almost the same ratio. Consequently, while all experimental evidence postulates B growth as an essential conditioning factor for P formation, the temperature coefficient data suggest that the two processes are basically separate reactions. A similar interpretation holds in the case of B dissolution and P inactivation. (m) The major events in the complete process of "bacteriophagy" are mathematically predictable. The [B] at which lysis occurs under certain standard conditions for given values of Bo and Po may be calculated from the equation: See PDF for Equation Substitution of this value for log B in the equation: See PDF for Equation gives satisfactory agreement with observed values for t _(lysis). (n) The kinetic analysis of the P-B reaction predicts that the values of log Po plotted against t _(lysis) for a constant Bo will give a straight line. This plot is employed in a method for the quantitative estimation of P described in an earlier paper on the basis of experimental observation alone. Its use is made more rational by the facts given above.     

A revision of the continental species of Copa Simon, 1885 (Araneae,Corinnidae) in the Afrotropical Region

The cryptic ground-dwelling castianeirine genus Copa Simon, 1885 (Araneae: Corinnidae) is revised in the continental Afrotropical Region. The type species of the genus, Copa flavoplumosa Simon, 1885, is redescribed and considered a senior synonym of Copa benina Strand, 1916 syn. n. and Copa benina nigra Lessert, 1933 syn. n. It is widespread throughout the Afrotropical Region but has not been introduced to any of the associated regional islands. A new species, Copa kei sp. n., is described from South Africa. Copa agelenina Simon, 1910, originally described from a subadult female from southern Botswana, is considered a nomen dubium. Copa flavoplumosa is a characteristic species of leaf litter spider assemblages and is particularly prevalent in savanna habitats on the continent, but also occurs in various forest types, grasslands, fynbos and semi-arid Nama Karoo habitats. In contrast, Copa kei sp. n. has only been recorded from Afromontane and coastal forests in south-eastern South Africa.     

Re-establishment of Carabus (Cathoplius) aliai Escalera, 1944 as a separate valid species (Coleoptera,Carabidae)

Carabus (Cathoplius) aliai was described as a separate species by Escalera in 1944 but since the 1950–60s it has been considered as a subspecies of Carabus (Cathoplius) stenocephalus Lucas, 1866. This downgrading was adopted after examining only a few specimens, due to their rarity in collections. In recent years, an important population of this taxon was rediscovered in the Tan-Tan area in southern Morocco. By combining field observations with laboratory breeding experiments including hybridization trials, and through the morphological examination of a representative number of individuals, it is confirmed that Carabus aliai is indeed a valid species. Despite close geographic distribution, the morphological and biological characteristics of Carabus aliai and Carabus stenocephalus ifniensis Zarco, 1941, its northern substitutive taxon, are very different. Carabus aliai adults are characterized by a smaller size, a slender silhouette, a more brilliant aspect, a narrower pronotum, a coarser elytral sculpture, longer legs, and a wider and a little more curved apex of the median lobe of the aedeagus. Carabus aliai larvae are also characterized by a much smaller size and the Carabus aliai pupa has a narrower thoracic area and a different chaetotaxy compared to that of Carabus stenocephalus ifniensis. Contrary to this, Carabus aliai has a life cycle belonging to the annual univoltine winter semelparous type. Moreover, the duration of its development cycle is shorter. Carabus aliai is a sabulicolous steppe-wandering species with an intensive running activity, while Carabus stenocephalus ifniensis is a more sedentary taxon. Crossbreeding experiments showed a marked reproductive isolation between Carabus aliai and Carabus stenocephalus ifniensis. When F1 hybrids were crossed with one another, a very high mortality rate during embryonic, larval and pupal development was evident and no vital F2 neo-adults were obtained. Morphological and biological differences, together with the reproductive failure in Carabus aliai × Carabus stenocephalus ifniensis hybrids, clearly indicate that Carabus aliai is a separate Cathoplius species that is distributed in an area south of the Anti-Atlas chain, from Plage Blanche (Guelmim) to Lemsid and Bou Kra (south of Laâyoune). Carabus aliai is therefore both a Saharan desert endemic and an Atlantic resident. Moreover, it is the southernmost Carabus species of the western Palaearctic region.