Phylogeography of Iurus dufoureius (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones, Iuridae)

Aim  This study uses molecular data in conjunction with palaeogeography to infer the most plausible biogeographical scenario accounting for the current distributional pattern of Iurus dufoureius .
Location  North-eastern Mediterranean region.
Methods  Sequencing of a 441-bp segment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene in seven populations covering the whole distributional range of the species. Phylogenetic analyses performed included neighbour joining, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference.
Results  The molecular phylogeny showed that two Iurus clades are strongly supported. These clades correspond to the two subspecies Iurus dufoureius dufoureius and Iurus dufoureius asiaticus , currently recognized within the genus. The assumption of a clock-like evolution could not be rejected, and this enabled us to estimate an approximation of the local rate of evolution for the I. dufoureius lineages. Based on the estimated evolutionary rate (0.79 ± 0.17 Myr⁻¹), the split between the two Iurus clades occurred c. 8 Ma.
Main conclusions  Contrary to what was believed in the past, the genus Iurus is an old north-eastern Mediterranean genus that has been differentiating in southern Greece and south-west Turkey at least from the middle Miocene. According to the phylogenetic trees obtained and the dating of the divergence times of lineages, the genus dispersed into the Aegean Archipelago when the Aegean was still a uniform land mass. Although the phylogenetic relationships of I. d. dufoureius populations have been shaped by the most recent vicariant events, the phylogenetic relationships of I. d. asiaticus populations are mostly attributable to older palaeoevents occurring in the area.     

First record of Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall (Hymenoptera,Braconidae, Doryctinae) as parasitoid of Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae)

The species Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was reared from the larvae of the xylophagous beetle Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an exotic pest of Ficus and Morus species native to eastern Asia. It was recorded in the north of Italy in September 2005. This discovery is the first report of this species as parasitoids of the yellow spotted longicorn beetle all over the world.     

Helix coil transitions of d (A)n·d(T)n,d(A-T)n·d(A-T)n,and d(A-A-T)n·d(A-T-T)n; evaluation of parameters governing DNA stability

The thermally induced helix-coil transitions of three A-T DNAs, d(A)_n·d(T)_n, d(A-T)_n·d(A-T)_n, and d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n, were studied. Experimental transition curves of the DNAs were analyzed using the loop entropy model of DNA melting. The calculation of the melting curve of d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n is presented using the integral equation formalism of Goel and Montroll. The aim of this work was to evaluate thermodynamic parameters which govern DNA stability and to test the theoretical model employed in the analysis. Our results show (1) an excellent over-all agreement between theory and experiment, (2) a loop entropy exponent k = 1.55 ± 0.05 provided the best fit to all the polymer transition curves, (3) the evaluated stacking free energies reflect the relative stability of the DNAs, and (4) the stacking energies of the ApA·TpT dimer evaluated from d(A)_n·d(T)_n and d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n differ. The last result is consistent with different conformations for the dimer in these two polymers.     

Taxonomy of Electrogena antalyensis (Kazanci & Braasch, 1986) (Ephemeroptera,Heptageniidae)

Female imagines, subimagines, eggs and larvae of Electrogena antalyensis (Kazanci & Braasch) from Turkey are described for the first time. The results of a thorough analysis of larvae, based on the standard set of diagnostic characters for the identification of Electrogena species, are reported. The peculiarity of several characters places E. antalyensis in an isolated position within the genus Electrogena.     

The larva of Oecetis tripunctata (Fabricius, 1793) (Trichoptera,Leptoceridae)

Oecetis tripunctata is a widely distributed leptocerid in Europe, ranging from the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas and the Central and Western European highlands to the plains of Eastern Europe. The long, single-bladed mandibles are indicative for a predacious lifestyle. This paper describes the previously unknown larva of Oecetis tripunctata. Information on the morphology of the 5th larval instar is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. A synoptic key for the European species of Oecetis is also provided. In the context of existing identification keys the larva of Oecetis tripunctata keys together with Oecetis intima and Oecetis notata. Oecetis tripunctata is separated from the other two species by the fact that a double row of long setal fringes is lacking at the hind tibiae and that several long setae are present on the protrochantinus.     

Le « Mégalosaure » (Dinosauria,Sauropoda) de Saint-Agnant (Charente-Maritime,France) : description et origine stratigraphique

The “Megalosaur” remains from Saint-Agnant (Charente-Maritime, France), reported as early as 1881 by Boissellier, are here described and figured for the first time. These bones, as well as a few additional specimens from the nearby locality of Soubise, belong in fact to an indeterminate sauropod. The stratigraphical position of these remains unambiguously indicates an infra-Cenomanian age. However, the presence in this area of continental deposits with Purbeckian and Wealden facies does not allow to decide between an earliest or late Early Cretaceous age.     

Revision of the Lacinipolia vicina (Grote) complex (Noctuidae,Noctuinae, Eriopygini)

The Lacinipolia vicina (Grote) species complex, previously consisting of Lacinipolia vicina, Lacinipolia teligera (Morrison), Lacinipolia pensilis (Grote), and Lacinipolia subalba Mustelin is revised to six species: Lacinipolia vicina (eastern USA), Lacinipolia teligera (southern Great Plains), Lacinipolia pensilis (Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains), Lacinipolia acutipennis (Grote), stat. rev. (= Lacinipolia subalba syn. n.) (western North America), Lacinipolia sareta (Smith), stat. rev. (Canada and western USA) and Lacinipolia dimocki, sp. n. (California and Pacific Northwest). Lectotypes are designated for Lacinipolia vicina, Lacinipolia teligera and Lacinipolia pensilis.     

Les Oppeliidae (Ammonitina) de l'horizon à Collotiformis (Callovien supérieur, zone à Athleta) de la région dijonnaise (Côte-d'Or, France)

In the Dijon area, the top of the Athleta zone contains rich ammonite fauna dominated quantitatively by two families: Perisphinctidae and Oppeliidae. The Oppeliidae are diversified and make up a numerically larger proportion of the ammonite fauna than in the underlying strata (up to 57 %). The exceptional state of preservation of the ammonites has permitted a precise study to be made of ontogenesis and intraspecific variability. Four sub-families are found (Oppeliinae, Hecticoceratinae, Distichoceratinae and Taramelliceratinae), within which sexual dimorphs have been recognised. One small form, characterized by lappets and a body chamber with ellipticoidal-trending coiling, is interpreted as the microconch dimorph of the Paralcidia genus which was unknown until now. One specimen of Creniceras, the oldest collected in Côte-d'Or, can be interpreted as the microconch dimorph of Taramelliceras.

Résumé

Dans la région dijonnaise, le sommet de la zone à Athleta renferme une riche faune ammonitique, quantitativement dominée par deux familles : Perisphinctidae et Oppeliidae. Par rapport aux niveaux sous-jacents, la famille des Oppeliidae est diversifiée et représente une part numériquement plus importante de la faune ammonitique (jusqu'à 57 %). L'excellente conservation des ammonites a autorisé une étude précise de l'ontogenèse et de la variabilité intraspécifique au sein de la famille. Quatre sous-familles sont représentées (Oppeliinae, Hecticoceratinae, Distichoceratinae et Taramelliceratinae), au sein desquelles les dimorphes sexuels ont été reconnus. Une petite forme, caractérisée par des apophyses jugales et une chambre d'habitation à enroulement à tendance ellipticoïde, est interprétée comme le dimorphe microconque, inconnu jusqu'à présent, du genre Paralcidia. Un spécimen de Creniceras, le plus ancien récolté en Côte-d'Or, pourrait correspondre au dimorphe microconque des Taramelliceras.     

An enzymatically produced novel cyclomaltopentaose cyclized from amylose by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}

A bacterial strain AM7, isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus circulans, produced two kinds of novel cyclic oligosaccharides. The cyclic oligosaccharides were produced from amylose using a culture supernatant of the strain as the enzyme preparation. The major product was a cyclomaltopentaose cyclized by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}. The other minor product was cyclomaltohexaose cyclized by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}. We propose the names isocyclomaltopentaose (ICG5) and isocyclomaltohexaose (ICG6) for these novel cyclic maltooligosaccharides having one alpha-(1-->6)-linkage. ICG5 was digested by alpha-amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae, cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus stearothermophilus, and maltogenic alpha-amylase. On the other hand, ICG6 was digested by CGTase from B. stearothermophilus and B. circulans, and maltogenic alpha-amylase. This is the first report of enzymatically produced cyclomaltopentaose and cyclomaltohexaose, which have an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage in their molecules.     

Nouveau matériel de Leptobos (Smertiobos) crassus (Artiodactyla, Mammalia) du Pléistocène inférieur à Renzidong (Chine de l’Est)

New remains of Leptobos (Smertiobos) crassus have been identified among the fossils excavated from a new early Pleistocene site at the Renzidong in Anhui Province, Eastern China. It is a Leptobos bearing frontal appendices with a simple curvature and its distal part turns higher than the other species of the subgenus. The present study shows that the first appearance of Leptobos in China is in the zone equivalent to the European MNQ 16b, later than its first appearance in Western Europe (MNQ 16a); and the genus Leptobos can serve as index fossil of the lower Pleistocene in China (2.5-0.78 Ma, Chinese definition).     

Protozoan epibionts on Mysis relicta Loven, 1862 (Crustacea, Mysidacea) from Lake Lüšiai (Lithuania)

Protozoan epibionts were found on specimens of the mysid Mysis relicta collected in Lake Lü?iai (Lithuania). These protozoans belong to three genera of ciliates: Vorticella, Dendrosoma and Tokophrya, and were located on the antennae, carapace, appendages and abdomen of the basibiont. The ciliates of the genus Vorticella had a bell‐shaped body, with concave‐type striations and a very long contractile stalk. The stalk joined the body via a truncated and overlapping zone. The macronucleus was J‐shaped, and the contractile vacuole was anterolateral. Only one ciliate species of Vorticella has been found on mysids, although on species other than M. relicta, and this is therefore the first record of Vorticella on M. relicta, and the second on the order Mysidacea. The ciliates of the genus Dendrosoma had an irregular body directly attached to the substrate. Finger‐like actinophores arose from the body, with a bundle of tentacles at their ends. The macronucleus ramified into branches that followed the actinophores. These ciliates were included in the species D. astaci. The presence of this ciliate represents the first record of this genus on Mysis relicta. The ciliates of the genus Tokophrya had a pyramidal body, the apical surface of which showed two conspicuous actinophores, with a short, longitudinally striated stalk joining to the body via a narrow unstriated band. The macronucleus was spherical or ovoid, centrally located, and there was an apical contractile vacuole. Only one previous study has referred to the presence of this genus on Mysis relicta, and the data contained in it were compared with those of the present study. The biometrical data and taxonomical position of the ciliate epibionts was considered.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kailasius autocrator</Emphasis> (Avinov, 1913) (Lepidoptera,Papilionidae) found in the alai mountain ridge (the Pamir-Alai)

A new subspecies, Kailasius autocrator murun Korb, ssp. n., of the species Kailasius autocrator (Avinov, 1913) from the eastern part of the Alai Mountain Ridge is described. This subspecies differs from the other known ones in the smaller size (the fore-wing length is less than 23 mm) and in the presence of 5 black rounded spots in the submarginal area of the hind-wing upper side (4 spots in the nominotypical subspecies and K. a. pshartanus). The new subspecies is shown to be the most archaic one among the subspecies of the genus Kailasius by the wing pattern. Possible ways for the origin of local and small populations of morphologically different subspecies of the genus are discussed.     

Taxonomie du grand canidé de la grotte du Vallonnet (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes, France)

The large canid of Vallonnet cave belongs to Xenocyon lycaonoides. Its remains are similar to the Xenocyon from Untermassfeld in Germany. X. Lycaonoides, and evoluated form of the Xenocyon genus, is characteristic of the second half of the Lower Pleistocene. The genus Xenocyon may be the ancestor of both Cuon and Lycaon.     

Isotopes stables (C,N) du collagène des mammouths de Mezhyrich (Epigravettien,Ukraine) : implications paléoécologiques

The mammoth steppe ecosystem was characterized by a high diversity in large mammals species distributed on a vast geographical range. The isotopic analyses of the collagen of the faunal remains from this context testified the niche partitioning among large herbivores with a specialization in the types of consumed plants. In the case of the mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), systematic higher abundances in ¹⁵N are found for this species compared to those of other grazers in Eurasia and Alaska during the Upper Palaeolithic. This distinct isotopic signature reflects a specific ecological niche. The analyses of mammoth remains at the Epigravettian site of Mezhyrich (15,000–14,300 conv BP) reveal low abundances in ¹⁵N that are equivalent to those of the associated horses. Thus, the mammoth of Mezhyrich experienced a significant change in their environment and diet that probably led to the loss of their ecological niche. A likely direct competition with other large herbivores and the possible predation by wolves and human populations should be considered for the mammoth of the Ukrainian plains, long before their extirpation from the region.     

Paroniceratinae (Ammonoidea, Hildoceratidae) del Toarciense en las Cordilleras Ibérica y Cantábrica (España)

The Paroniceratinae constitute a group widely recorded in the Tethys realm. However, they represent alone a small part, less than 1%, of the ammonoidea obtained in Toarcian sediments from the regions located at the east of the Iberian Plateau (Iberian Range). The values are yet smaller in the northern regions (Cantabrian Range) and in the west (Portugal), and show a sporadic presence in the Betics Ranges. In this study, the biostratigraphical distribution and the biochronostratigraphical position of the recorded species in the more representative expanded sections of Spain are checked and compared with those of other areas of the NW Europe bioprovinces and of the Tethys. The obtained specimens from Frechiella: F. subcarinata (Young and Bird), F. helenae Renz, F. venantii (Catullo), F. kammerkarensis (Stolley) and F. cf. octaviae Renz are described and figured, all of them proceeding from sediments of the Bifrons Zone in the Iberian Range, as well as those of Paroniceras: P.sternale (d’Orbigny) and P.helveticum Renz, and Oxyparoniceras: O. (O.) cf. telemachi (Renz), O. (O.) buckmani (Bonarelli), O. (N.) cf. undulosum (Monestier), O. (N.) cf. morbiense (Renz) and O. (N.) cf. brocardi Rulleau, Bécaud and Neige, proceeding from sediments of the interval between the Bifrons Zone (Semipolitum Subzone) and the Insigne Zone (Insigne Subzone), in the Iberian and Cantabrian Ranges. The Frechiella and Oxyparoniceras species are developed and recorded in the Iberian Plateau margins during the Bifrons Zone and the Insigne Zone, respectively, during the same intervals than the transgressive maxima of the LJ3 and LJ4 second order cycles recognized in all the studied area, while Paroniceras species make it during the Variabilis Zone, that concur with the final regressive stage of the LJ3 cycle.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Siderocelis irregularis</Emphasis> (Chlorophyta,Trebouxiophyceae) in Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

Siderocelis irregularis Hindák, representing a genus Siderocelis (Naumann) Fott that is known from European temperate waters, was identified as a common phytoplankter in Lake Tanganyika. It was found aposymbiotic as well as ingested (possibly endosymbiotic) in lake heterotrophs, mainly Strombidium sp. and Vorticella spp. The morphology and ultrastructure of the species, studied with LM, SEM and TEM, are described with emphasis on the structure of the cell wall and the pyrenoid. Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia.     

A Turner patient with a 45,X,t(1;2) (q41;p11.2) karyotype

The most common chromosomal anomaly is 45,X in the Turner syndrome. In addition to this, anomaly, mosaicism such as structural 46,X,i(Xq), 46,X,del(Xp), 46,X,r(X), 46,X,t(X;Y) and numerical 46XO/46,XX/47XXX are seen rather frequently. An infant with the Turner syndrome was found to have a karyotype 45X,t(1;2) (q41;p16) using high resolution banding. Based on our knowledge, we present the first case of 45X,t(1;2) (q41;p11.2), a karyotype in Turner's syndrome in the literature.     

Etude Cytologique, Systématique et Pathologique d'Ichtyobodo necator (Henneguy, 1883) Pinto, 1928 (Zooflagelle)

SYNOPSIS. The free form of Ichtyobodo necator is typically quadrangular, with rounded corners, and flattened dorso-ventrally. Its dorsal surface is strongly convex and its ventral surface somewhat concave. A longitudinal groove traverses the posterior 2/3 of the ventral surface near its right margin. The part of the organism anterior to the groove is rather thick; that containing the depression thins out progressively toward the posterior end. Most of the organelles are in the major part of the cytoplasm to the left of the groove. Anteriorly this depression continues into a rather short canal. Two (4 in predivision stages) flagella originate near the anterior end of the canal, from which they run posteriorly. The cytostome is also near the anterior part of the canal. The cytostome, canal, and cell membrane are reinforced by microtubules. The chondriome, undoubtedly represented by a single very elongated mitochondrion, contains numerous dilated areas rich in deoxyribonucleic acid. The fixed form of the flagellate is highly modified. Its anterior part becomes attached to the host cell by forming a plate. A type of sucking organelle that contains the cytostome forms from the plate and penetrates the host cell. I. necator belongs in the family Bodonidae. RESUME La forme libre d'Ichtyobodo necator est quadrangulaire avec des angles arrondis, et présente un aplatissement dorsoventral. Sa surface dorsale est fortement convexe et sa surface ventrale légèrement concave. Une gouttiére longitudinale traverse les 2/3 postérieurs de la face ventrale sur le bord droit. La région cellulaire antérieure à, la gouttiére est plus épaisse que celle qui contient la dépression et s'amincit progressivement vers la partie terminale. La plupart des organites cellulaires occupent la partie gauche de la cellule. Dans la région antérieure la gouttiére se prolonge par un canal assez court. Deux (quatre dans les stades de prédivision) flagelles partent de ce canal et se dirigent vers la région postérieure. Le cytostome est également localisé près de la région antérieure du canal. Le cytostome, le canal et la membrane cellulaire sont jouxtés de microtubules. Le chondriome, sans doute représenté par une seule mitochondrie très allongée, présente de nombreuses dilatations riches en acide désoxyribonucléique. La forme fixée du flagellé est très modifiée. Sa partie antérieure adhère à la cellule hǒte par l'intermédiaire d'un plateau. Une sorte de suçoir, qui contient le cytostome, se forme à partir de ce plateau et pénètre dans la cellule hǒte. Ichtyobodo necator appartient à la famille des Bodonidae.