New, rare and remarkable records of microfungi from the Slovakian Republic

During an excursion to the Slovakian Republic (lower and upper Tatra) of the Botanical Institute of the University of Essen in 2004 we were able to collect about 150 species of microfungi as parasites or saprophytes on cultivated crops and wild plants. Some of them are new for the entire world and a few of them are new for the Slovakian Republic, e.g: Ramularia liliicola N. Ale-Agha, U. Braun & G.B. Feige on Lilium martagon L.; Septoria aegopodii DESM. Ex Kickx. F. on Aegopodium podagaria L.; Puccinia asarina Kunze on Asarum europaeum L.; Puccinia polygoni ALB. & SCHW. and Puccinia polygoni-amphibii PERS. on Bilderdykia convolvulus (L.) Du Mont.; Ramularia chamaenerii Rostr. and Mycosphaerella chamaenerii Saville on Epilobium angustifolium L.; Plasmopara pusilla (de By.) Schroet on Geranium sylvaticum L.; Cercosporidium depressum (Berk. & Br.) Deighta on Angelica sylvestris L. All specimens are located in the Herbarium ESS, Mycotheca Parva collection G.B. Feige & N. Ale-Agha.     

Surveys of new and rare microfungi in the Düsseltal (North Rhine-Westphalia)--Germany

In the years 2003 and 2004 we have observed an about 70 hectare large area in the Düsseltal, the eastern part of the Neandertal in North Rhine-Westphalia. There we collected on trees, bushes and herbs and found about 150 microfungi of which some are new for Germany or the entire world. E.g.: Pseudocercospora populigena N. ALE-AGHA, U. BRAUN & G.B. FEIGE on Populus berolinensis; Vialaea insculpta (FR.) SACC. on Ilex aquifolium L.; Passalora amelopsidis (PECK.) U. BRAUN on Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) PLANCH.: Pleiochaeta setosa (KIRCHN.) HUGHES on Genista angelica L.; Cercospora mercurialis PASS. on Mercurialis perennis L. (new for NRW); Pleurocytospora vestita PETRAK on Ribes aureum PURSH.; Gonatobotrys simplex CORDA on Lolium perenne L.; Phomatospora berckleyi SACC. on Dactylis glomerata L. and so on. All specimens are located in the Herbarium ESS, Mycotheca Parva collection G.B. Feige & N. Ale-Agha.     

Glu375Gln and Asp225Val mutants: about the nature of the covalent linkages between heme group and apo-Protein in bovine lactoperoxidase

In analogy with studies previously reported for myeloperoxidase (Kooter, I. M.; Moguilevsky, N.; Bollen, A.; Van der Veen, L. A.; Otto, C.; Dekker, H. L.; Wever, R. J. Biol. Chem. 1999, 274, 26794), we examined for bovine lactoperoxidase the effect of mutation of Asp225 and Glu375, the residues thought to be responsible for the covalent binding of the heme group to the apoprotein. Starting from the plasmid encoding rbLPO (Watanabe, S.; Varsalona, F.; Yoo, Y.; Guillaume, J. P.; Bollen, A.; Shimazaki, K.; Moguilevsky, N. FEBS Letters 1998, 441, 476), which was engineered to carry mutations in correspondence of those residues, the mutants Asp225Val and Glu375Gln were expressed in CHO cells and their products purified and characterized. Unequivocal evidence about the existence of ester linkages as well as their relative contribution to the specific spectroscopic and catalytic properties of bLPO is here discussed.     

Book Reviews/Buchbesprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: GHISELIN, M. T.: Metaphysics and the Origin of Species BORNMALM, L.: Taxonomy and paleoecology of late Neogene benthic foraminifera from the Caribbean Sea and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean HARVEY, P. H., LEIGH BROWN, A. J., MAYNARD SMITH, J. & NEE, S. (eds) New Uses for New Phylogenies WATANABE, Y.; FUSETANI, N. (eds) 1998: Sponge Science-Multidisciplinary Perspectives HELFMAN, G. S.; COLLETTE, B. B.; FACEY, D. E. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

Book reviewed in this article:
reviews type of article–
M ason , J. L. (ed.): Evolution of domesticated animals . London, New York: Longman 1984.
G riffiths , G. C. D. (ed.): Flies of the Nearctic Region . Vol. VIII: Cyclorrhapha II (Schizophora: Calyptratae), Part 2 Anthomyiidae, Number 1 by G. C. D. G riffiths . Stuttgart: E. Schweitzerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung 1982.
S impson , G. G.: Penguins . Past and Present, Here and There. New Haven and London: Yale University Press 1983.
G ans , E.; P ouch , F. H. (eds.): Biology of the Reptilia . Vol. 12. New York – London: Academic Press 1982. 564 S. DM 353,–. G ans , E. (ed.):
M atsuno , K.; D ose , K.; H arada , K.; R ohlfing , D. L. (eds.): Molecular Evolution and Protobiology . New York, London
F elsenstein , J. (ed.): Numerical Taxonomy . Nato AS1 Series. Series G Ecological Sciencesxs
S meets , W. J. A. J.; N ieuwenhuys , R.; R oberts , B. L.: The Central Nervous System of Cartilaginous Fishes . Structure and Functional Correlations. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer 1983
H echt , M. K.; W allace , B.; P range , G. T. (eds.): Evolutionary Biology . Vol. 18. New York and London     

Book Reviews

Zoophysiology. Coordinating Editor: F arner , D. S. Editors: H einrich , B.; H oar , W. S.; J ohansen , K.; L anger , H.; N euweiler , G.; R andall , D. J. Vol. 17: S mith , R. J. F.: The Control of Fish Migration. .
Systematische Zoologie. Begründet von A dolf R emane , V olker S torch und U lrich W elsch . Fortgeführt von Prof. Dr. V olker S torch , Zoologisches Institut der Universität Heidelberg, und Prof. Dr. Dr. U lrich W elsch , Anatomische Anstalt der Universität München.     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

Book reviews in this articles
H ofbauer , J.; S igmund , K.: Evolutionstheorie and dynamische Systeme. Mathematische Aspekte der Selektion.
S impson , G. G.
O xnard , C h .
M ayr , E.
H entschel , E.; W agner , G.
R enner , M.
G onick , L.; W heelis , M.
R obinson , G. S.
E ldredge , N.; S tanlay , S. M. (eds.)
R emane , A.; S torch , V.; W elsch , U.
A x , P.
Regressive Evolution und Phylogenese.     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

F rost , D. R.; E theridge , R.: A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomy of Iguanian Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata).
C lutton -B rock , T. H. (ed.): Reproductive success. Studies of individual variation in contrasting breeding systems.
H armelin -V ivien , M.; B ourlière , F. (eds.): Vertebrates in Complex Tropical Systems. Ecological Studies
E lsner , N.; S inger , W. (eds.): Dynamics and Plasticity in Neuronal Systems.
G roves , C olin P.: A Theory of Human and Primate Evolution.
E benman , B.; P ersson , L. (eds.): Size structured populations - ecology and evolution.     

Highly potent growth hormone secretagogues

During an effort to search for more potent growth hormone secretagogues, we discovered a class of compounds of which the best compound 8 was 7-fold more active in vitro than the best compound in the series we revealed before [Tata, J. R.; Lu, Z.; Jacks, T. M.; Schleim, K. D.; Cheng, K.; Wei, L.; Chan, W.-S.; Butler, B.; Tsou, N.; Leung, K.; Chiu, S.-H. L.; Hickey, G. J.; Smith, R. G.; Patchett, A. A. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.1997, 7, 2319.]. Animal studies show that compound 8 can stimulate growth hormone release at the oral dose as low as 0.06 mpk. Chemistry and biological studies are discussed.     

Synthesis of 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoro-3'-thioarabinothymidine and its 3'-phosphoramidite derivative

An efficient method for the synthesis of 5'-O-monomethoxytrityl-2',3'-dideoxy-2'-fluoro-3'-thioarabinothymidine [(5'MMT)araF-T(3'SH), (5)] and its 3'-phosphoramidite derivative (6) suitable for automated incorporation into oligonucleotides, is demonstrated. A key step in the synthesis involves reaction of 5'-O-MMT-2,3'-O-anhydrothymidine (4) (Eleuteri, A.; Reese, C.B.; Song, Q. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 1996, 2237 pp.) with sodium thioacetate to give (5'-MMT)araF-T(3'SAc) (5) (Elzagheid, M.I.; Mattila, K.; Oivanen, M.; Jones, B.C.N.M.; Cosstick, L?nnberg, H. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 1987-1991). This nucleoside was then converted to its corresponding phosphoramidite derivative, 6, as described previously ((a) Sun, S.; Yoshida, A.; Piccirilli, J.A. RNA, 1997, 3, 1352-1363; (b) Matulic-Adamic, J.; Beigelman, L. Helvetica Chemica Acta 1999, 82, 2141-2150: (c) Fettes, K.J.; O'Neil, I.; Roberts, S.M.; Cosstick, R. Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucl. Acids 2001, 20, 1351-1354).     

Book Reviews

M argolis , L. and K abata , Z. (Editors): Guide to the Parasites of Fishes of Canada, Part
B one , Q.; M arshall , N. B.: Biologie der Fische.
Grundlagen der Fischpathologie.
Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology.     

An American Anthropologist in Melanesia: A. B. Lewis and the Joseph N. Field South Pacific Expedition, 1909–1913

An American Anthropologist in Melanesia: A. B. Lewis and the Joseph N. Field South Pacific Expedition, 1909–1913. Robert L. Welsch. ed. and annotator. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. 1998. Vol. l, xxi. 632pp.; Vol.2,268pp.     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

Book reviewed in this article:
U nsöld , A.: Evolution kosmischer, biologischer und geistiger Strukturen. Stuttgart: Wissenschaftliche Verlagsges.
S tarck , D.: Vergleichende Anatomie der Wirbeltiere auf evolutionsbiologischer Grundlage. Bd. 3.: Organe des aktiven Bewegungsapparates, der Koordination, der Umwelt-beziehung, des Stoffwechsels und der Fortpflanzung.
B ergström , J.; D ohle , W.; L auterbach , K.-E.; W eygoldt , P.: Arthropoden-Phylogenie. Abh. Nat. Ver. Hamburg (NF) 23. Hamburg u. Berlin
P opper , A. N.; F ay , R. R. (eds.): Comparative Studies of Hearing in Vertebrates.
M ac P hee , R. D. E.: Auditory Regions of Primates and Eutherian Insectivores
Die Praxis der Wildtierimmobilisation
Stammesgeschichte der Chordaten Forstchritte in der zoologischen Systematik und Evolutionsforschung
Zeitsdirift für zoologische Systematik und Evolutionsforschung
Wissenschaftliche Autoren und Kopierrecht
INHALT
Zeitschrift für zoologische Systematik und Evolutionsforschung
Inhalt/Contents
Unter Mitwirkung von/Editorial Board     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

N ei , M.: Molecular Evolutionary Genetics .
B radbury , J. W.; A ndersson , M. B. (Eds.): Sexual Selection: Testing the Alternatives .
B otosaneanu , L. (Ed.): Stygofauna Mundi . A Faunistic, Distributional and Ecological Synthesis of the World Fauna inhabiting Subterranean Waters (including the Marine Interstitial).
E ndler , J. A.: Natural Selection in the Wild . Monographs in Population Biology 21.
R uttner , F.: Biogeography and taxonomy of honeybees . Berlin–Heidelberg–New York–London–Paris–Tokyo
M engel , K.: Einführung in die Biochemie . 3., vollst. bearb. u. erweit. Aufl., Giessen: Verlag der Ferber'schen Universitätsbuchhandlung 1988.
K ämpfe , C.; K ittel , R.; K lapperstück , J.: Leitfaden der Anatomie der Wirbeltiere.     

A revision of the genus Lasianthus (Rubiaceae) in Africa, excluding Madagascar

23 species, one subspecies and three varieties have been described or named for the pan-tropical genus Lasianthus Jack (Rubiaceae) in continental Africa. In the present revision thirteen species, five subspecies and one variety are recognized; additionally two hybrids are proposed. Of the previously named taxa, the subspecies is raised to species rank whereas two species are degraded to subspecies and variety status, respectively. Five species are synonymised including two varieties, and four are left with uncertain status, including one variety. The distribution of the genus in Africa consists of two distinct elements: one component is found in the Guineo-Congolian regional centre of endemism and one in the eastern part of Afiomontane Archipelago-like regional centre of endemism. A centre of species diversity is found in Eastern Arc Mts., where six endemic species occur together with L. laxinervis and the more widespread L. kilimandscharicus. Four of the species are strict endemics of the Uluguru Mts. In addition to the presentation of the new section: Lasianthus Sectio Membranacei, sect. nov., this revision contain two hybrids from Uluguru Mts.: L. macrocalyx × pedunculatus and L. cereifizorus × pedunculatus, and following new taxa and new combinations: L. africanus ssp. biokoensis, subsp. nov.; L. africanus ssp. mayumbensis, comb. et stat. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. glabrescens, ssp. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. glabrescens var. xanthospermus, comb. et stat. nov.; L. kilimandscharicus ssp. hirsutus, ssp. nov.; L. laxinervis, stat. nov.; L. pedunculatus ssp. angustisepalus, ssp. nov.     

Biochemical and immunological approaches to the study of gap junctional communication

Studies on gap junctions isolated from rat liver by a procedure that avoids exogenous proteolysis (Hertzberg, E. L.; Gilula. N. B.; J. Biol. Chem. 254: 2138-2147; 1979) are described. The original isolation procedure was modified to increase the yield and has been extended to the preparation of gap junctions from mouse and bovine liver. Peptide map studies showed that the 27,000-dalton polypeptides present in liver gap junction preparations from all three sources are homologous and are not derived from other polypeptides of higher molecular weight that are observed in cruder preparations. Similar studies with lens fiber junctions demonstrated no homology between liver and lens junction polypeptides. Antibodies to the lens junction polypeptides did not cross-react with the liver gap junction polypeptide, further supporting this conclusion.     

Rinvenimenti floristici in Piemonte

Abstract

New discoveries concerning the Piedmont Flora. – The Author's research on the Piedmont Flora – corried on from 1969 up to 1974 – led to the discovery of new stations of the following entities, that are to be considered of special interest for the Flora in Piedmont. Here they are: Cyperus strigosus L.; Scirpus atrovirens Willd.; Platanus orientalis L.; Ulmus levis Pall.; Rumex paluster Sm. (= Rumex maritimus L. var. limosus (Thuill.); Mollugo verticillata L.; Cardamine flexuosa Wth.; Diplotaxis erucoides DC.; Spiraea japonica L.; Physocarpus opulifolius (L.); Potentilla supina L.; Acer saccarinus L.; Impatiens glandulifera Royle; Euphorbia prostrata Ait.; Euphorbia humifusa W.; Sicyos angulatus L.; Cyclamen hederifolium Aiton; Erigeron karwinskyanus DC. var. mucronalus DC.; Artemisia annua L.; Siegesbekia orientalis L.; Bidens frondosa L.; Ambrosia trifida L.

On the ground of the present contribution it results that some species – considered as rare or at least not very numerous in Piedmont – are probably more frequent than it was known in the past.

The Author's assumption that some of them – seen along the streams – are more widely distributed should proverright.     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

Book reviewed in this article: Schneider , H.: Hypothese, Experiment, Theorie. Zum Selbstverständnis der Naturwissenschaft. Krsi? , R. V.: Die Gewebe des Menschen und der Säugetiere. Ein Atlas zum Studium für Mediziner und Biologen. Cardozo , A.: Bibliografia de los Camelidos Sudamericanos. Chivers , D. J.; Joysey , K. A. (Eds.): Recent Advances in Primatology. Senglaub , K.: Wildhunde Haushunde. Mit 40 Farbtafeln von Reiner Zieger . Evolution of Insect Migration and Diapause. Ed. H. Dingle . With contributions by H. Dingle , M. H. Hoy , C. A. Istock , J. Lumme , S. Masaki , R. C. Rainey , M. A. Rankin , C. Solbreck , T. R. E. Southwood , C. A. Tauber , M. J. Tauber , K. Vepsäläinen , G. P. Waldbauer . Higgins , L. G.; Riley , N. D.: Die Tagfalter Europas und Nordafrikas. Ein Taschenbuch für Biologen und Naturfreunde. Übers. u. bearb. von W. Forster . 2. neubearb. und ergänzte Auflage. Sambraus , H. H. (Hrsg.): Nutztierethologie. Das Verhalten landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere. Eine angewandte Verhaltenskunde für die Praxis. Unter Mitarbeit von H. Brummer ; G. van Putten ; M. Schäfer ; G. Wennrich. Apfelbach , R.; Döhl , J.: Verhaltensforschung. Eine Einführung. Limnofauna Europaea. Ed. by J. Illies . Peters , G.: Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Lautgebung einiger Feliden (Mammalia, Felidae). Myriapoda. III. Internationaler Kongreß für Myriapodologie, Hamburg, 3.-9. April 1975. Editor: Prof. Dr. Otto Kraus . Brodal , A.; Hild , W.; Limborgh , J. van ; Ortmann , R.; Schiebler , T. H.; Töndury , G.; Wolff , E. (Eds.): Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology. Vol. 54, Part 6: Internal Ear Angioarchitectonic of Serpents. By M. Lüdicke . Precht , W.: Neuronal Operations in the Vestibular System. Piiper , J. (Ed.): Proceedings in Life Sciences. Handbook of Sensory Physiology. Ed. Board: H. Autrum , R. Jung , W. R. Loewenstein , D. M. Mac Kay and H. L. Teuber . Vol. 7, Part 5: The Visual System in vertebrates. By A. Hughes , F. Crescitelli , D. J. Eder , A. M. Granada , D. I. Hamasaki , K. Holmberg , N. A. Locket , W. N. Mc Farland , D. B. Meyer and W. R. A. Muntz . Ed. by F. Crescitelli . Bateson , P. P. G.; Klopfer , P. H. (Eds.)     

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN

S tephan , H.; B aron , G.; F rahm , H. D.: Comparative Brain Research in Mammals.
S uzuki , D. T.; G riffiths , A. J. F.; M iller , J. H.; L ewontin , R. C.: G enetik. Übersetzt von S. A chten und P. B öhm .
K ämpfe , L othar (ed.): Evolution und Stammesgeschichte der Organismen. Bearbeitet von 5 Fachwissenschaftlem. 3., neubearbeitete und erweiterte Auflage.