Karl ernst von Baer's 'Uber Entwickelungsgeschichte der Thiere II' and its unpublished drawings

In 1828 Karl Ernst von Baer (1792-1876) published his seminal Uber Entwickelungsgeschichte der Thiere. Beobachtung und Reflexion. In the preface he announced that a second volume with one copper plate would be finished 'in a few weeks'. However, it took nine years until the unfinished second volume was released, with four copperplates. In his 'Autobiography', von Baer did not clarify the reasons why he did not finish his research program of comparative embryology. The paper attempts to elucidate them, furnished by archival documents and von Baer's unpublished embryological drawings. Our sketch of a few figures will show that (1) von Baer searched for 'analogies' (homologies) as a unifying principle and (2) explained the mechanisms of embryogenesis by physiological reasoning (electromagnetism). The main objective is to show that technical problems in illustrating and conceptual difficulties impeded von Baer's ambitious research program.     

From eggs to fossils: epigenesis and transformation of species in Pander's biology

Christian Heinrich Pander (1794-1865), a Russian scientist of German culture, is known for his epoch-making work in embryology, as well as for his important contributions to palaeontology. Indeed he viewed embryonic development and the history of the earth as two aspects of one and the same essential phenomenon, namely, a perpetual metamorphosis affecting the living world on different scales. He viewed embryology as a gradual, epigenetic transformation (as opposed to preformation) with an intermediary stage, the formation of simple germ-layers. As early as 1821, he argued more generally that species themselves transform under the influence of certain environmental factors. Pander thus embodies the very close link that existed between the triumph of epigenesis and the expansion of transformist theories in the early 19th century.     

Russian comparative embryology takes form: a conceptual metamorphosis toward “evo‐devo”

This essay recapitulates major paths followed by the Russian tradition of what we refer to today as evolutionary developmental biology (“evo‐devo”). The article addresses several questions regarding the conceptual history of evolutionary embryological thought in its particularly Russian perspective: (1) the assertion by the St. Petersburg academician Wolff regarding the possible connections between environmental modifications during morphogenesis and the “transformation” of species, (2) the discovery of shared “principles” underlying animal development by von Baer, (3) the experimental expression of Baer's principles by Kowalevsky and Mechnikoff, (4) Severtsov's theory of phylembryogenesis, (5) Filatov's approach to the study of evolution using comparative “developmental mechanics”, and (6) Shmalgausen's concept of “stabilizing” selection as an attempt to elucidate the evolution of developmental mechanisms. The focus on comparative evolutionary embryology, which was established by Kowalevsky and Mechnikoff, still continues to be popular in present‐day “evo‐devo” research in Russia.     

中国特有属─—东俄芹属的花粉形态及其分类学意义

利用光学显微镜和扫描电镜观察了伞形科东俄芹属（ＴｏｎｇｏｌｏａＨ．Ｗｏｌｆｆ）７个种的花粉形态,结果表明：除宜昌东俄芹Ｔ．ｄｕｎｎｉｉ（Ｂｏｉｓｓｉｅｕ）Ｈ．Ｗｏｌｆｆ和城口东俄芹Ｔ．ｓｉｌａｉｆｏｌｉａ（Ｂｏｉｓｓｉｅｕ）Ｈ．ｗｏｌｆｆ的花粉为矩形类型外,其它几种的为菱形类型,然而并非都是原始的或典型的菱形,而是处于分化过程中的菱形类型,如纤细东俄芹Ｔ．ｇｒａｃｉｌｉｓＨ．Ｗｏｌｆｆ,大东俄芹Ｔ．ｅｌａｔａＨ．Ｗｏｌｆｆ的花粉形态,表现出近菱形、近椭圆形和近矩形的特征,在我们近期的工作中曾涉及滇芎属ＰｈｙｓｏｓｐｅｒｍｏｐｓｉｓＨ．Ｗｏｌｆｆ类似的花粉形态及分化情况,从花粉资料启示,东俄芹属可能与滇芎属近缘。     

LOPHOSTEUS SUPERBUS PANDER, EIN TELEOSTOME AUS DEM SILUR OESELS

Numerous scales as well as fragments of spines and bones of Lophosteus superbus Pander 1856, a fish which has not been re-studied since 1893, were found in a rock specimen of Ohesaare Beds (marine Downtonian) from the Isle of Oesel (Estonia). The various remains have been studied morphologically and histologically. The structure of the remains demonstrates the close relationship of L. superbus with Andreolepis hedei Gross 1968. Both genera have been placed in the new family Lophosteidae and the new order Lophosteiformes. The position of this order within the Teleostomi will remain unclear until connected remains or intact fish specimens are found. The scales of both genera indicate a possible connection with the Actinopterygii. In addition, the morphology and histology of some bone fragments covered with small teeth and tubercles are described. These fragments may also belong to L. superbus.
Schuppen und Bruchstücke von Stacheln und Knochen des seit 1893 nicht mehr untersuchten Fisches Lophosteus superbus Pander 1856 wurden zahlreich in einem Handstück der Ohesaare Schichten (marines Downton) der Insel Oesel (Estland) gefunden. Die verschiedenen Reste wurden morphologisch und histologisch untersucht. Intakte Schuppen und der histologische Bau der Reste erwiesen die nahe Verwandschaft von L. superbus mit Andreolepis hedei Gross 1968. Beide Gattungen wurden in der neuen Familie der Lophosteidae und der neuen Ordnung Lophosteiformes vereinigt, deren Stellung innerhalb der Teleostomi (Osteichthyes) unklar bleibt, solange keine zusammenhängenden Fischreste oder intakte Fische gefunden werden. Die Schuppen beider Gattungen weisen auf mögliche Beziehungen zu den Actinopterygiern. – Angefügt wird die morphologische und histologische Beschreibung einiger Knochenreste, die mit zahlreichen konischen Zähnchen und Tuberkeln pflasterförmig besetzt sind. Vielleicht gehören auch diese Reste zu L. superbus.     

Somatic embryogenesis, scanning electron microscopy, histology and biochemical analysis at different developing stages of embryogenesis in six date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars

An efficient somatic embryogenesis system has been established in six date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars (Barhee, Zardai, Khalasah, Muzati, Shishi and Zart). Somatic embryogenesis (SE) was growth regulators and cultivars dependent. Friable embryogenic callus was induced from excised shoot tips on MS medium supplemented with various auxins particularly 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, 1.5 mg 1^−l). Suspension culture increased embryogenesis potentiality. Only a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 0.5 mg 1⁻¹) produced somatic embryos in culture. Somatic embryos germinated and converted into plantlets in N⁶-benzyladenine (BAP, 0.75 mg 1^−l) added medium following a treatment with thidiazuron (TDZ, 1.0 mg 1^−l) for maturation. Scanning electron microscopy showed early stages of somatic embryo particularly, globular types, and was in masses. Different developing stages of embryogenesis (heart, torpedo and cotyledonary) were observed under histological preparation of embryogenic callus. Biochemical screening at various stages of somatic embryogenesis (embryogenic callus, somatic embryos, matured, germinated embryos and converted plantlets) of date palm cultivars has been conducted and discussed in detail. The result discussed in this paper indicates that somatic embryos were produced in numbers and converted plantlets can be used as a good source of alternative propagation. Genetic modification to the embryo precursor cell may improve the fruit quality and yield further.     

LOWER SILURIAN THELODONTS FROM PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Thelodont scales, determined as Thelodus laevis (Pander), Logania martinssoni Gross, and Phlebolepida gen. et sp. indet., and other agnathan remains have been found in the dolomite-limestone sequence of the Transition Beds between the Allen Bay and Read Bay Formations. This thelodont association is typical of the Middle and Lower Upper Silurian of Ösel and Gotland, and its presence therefore provides evidence for the upper age limit of the transition beds.     

南瓜未受精胚珠的离体培养及植株再生

以南瓜(Cucurbita moschata)品种试验1号为材料, 以未受精胚珠为外植体, 研究了激素种类、外植体发育时期、高温预处理时间和AgNO₃浓度对胚状体诱导的影响。结果表明, 2,4-D、NAA和6-BA组合有利于胚状体的形成, 出胚效果最好的培养基为MS+1.0 mg·L^–12,4-D+0.25 mg·L^–1NAA+0.5 mg·L^–16-BA, 出胚率达31.1%; 雌花开放当天的胚珠出胚率最高(26.7%), 且愈伤组织形成频率低(<5%); 外植体在黑暗、高温(35°C)条件下处理5天有利于胚状体的形成, 出胚率为32.2%。培养基中添加AgNO₃对胚状体形成的抑制作用明显。胚状体转移至成苗培养基后可形成正常小苗, 出苗率最高可达64.3%, 植株再生过程经历了典型的胚胎发育途径。细胞学观察结果表明, 胚状体极有可能起源于胚囊珠孔端的细胞, 即卵细胞或助细胞。     

Induction and improved embryonic development by the nucleus of Pander in associated avian blastoderm parts: influence of delta or gamma ooplasm

After placing in vitro, central subgerminal ooplasm (containing a central nucleus of Pander) from a quail germ disc of a prelaid egg (before symmetrization) on the upper layer of an isolated chicken antisickle, we observed the induction of a radially oriented preneural plate (without interference of chordamesoblast). This observation suggests the primary existence during the period of symmetrization in utero of an until now unknown temporospatially linked "vertical" effect, emanating from the nucleus of Pander, on the parallel (pre)neural plate anlage forming part of the area centralis in the overlying blastoderm. For comparison, we "sandwiched" in vitro a quail sickle endoblast fragment between the deep side of the upper layer of an isolated chicken antisickle region and a central subgerminal ooplasmic mass. This resulted in a colonization of the subgerminal ooplasmic mass by quail sickle endoblast cells followed by improved neurulation and/or gastrulation phenomena. The latter never occurs in the absence of central subgerminal ooplasm. In both types of experiments there seems to exist a common link between the observed induction phenomena: the presence of delta ooplasm in the involved deep structures. Indeed, the nucleus of Pander contains delta ooplasm as well as the structures derived from it, i.e., endophyll with primordial germ cells and sickle endoblast-derived cells after colonization of the neighboring central ooplasm (present study). Therefore, we think that the preneural plate-inducing effect observed after placing a nucleus of Pander on the antisickle region is due to the presence of a factor in the delta ooplasm that diffuses in the neighborhood. The appearance of gastrulation phenomena in the second type of experiment seems to be due to colonization of the more peripheral part of the central subgerminal ooplasm containing the more superficial and peripheral gamma ooplasm in which Rauber's sickle material can develop. This suggests that the kind of involved ooplasm (delta or gamma) can predetermine the inductive activity of the deep structures that contain it: the central part of the nucleus of Pander and/or endophyll for preneurulation phenomena and sickle endoblast (in the presence of central subgerminal ooplasm) for gastrulation and/or neurulation phenomena.     

Leaflet development, induction time, and medium influence somatic embryogenesis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using leaflet explants of seedlings obtained from aseptically germinated embryo axes were evaluated. Somatic embryogenesis was influenced by developmental stage, leaflet size, induction medium, and time on induction medium. Leaflets that were 5–7 mm long had a greater embryogenic response than smaller or larger leaflets. Percent embryogenesis and mean number of embryos were related to the developmental stage of germinating seedlings. A greater response was obtained if leaflets were folded and closely appressed. Preselection of leaflets increased percent embryogenesis from 21% up to 67%. As leaflets unfolded, embryogenesis decreased; open leaflets lost the potential for embryogenesis. The optimal induction conditions were a 7-day incubation period on Murashige and Skoog medium with 136 μm 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.93 μm kinetin. Somatic embryos germinated to form plants that exhibited a normal morphology. Received: 29 December 1997 / Revision received: 9 April 1998 / Accepted: 24 April 1998     

Endogenous Abscisic Acid and Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Somatic Embryogenesis in Cultured Leaf Explants of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. : Effects in Vivo and in Vitro of Glyphosate, Fluridone, and Paclobutrazol

Effects of application in vivo of glyphosate, fluridone, and paclobutrazol to glasshouse-grown donor plants of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. on endogenous levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in young leaves and on somatic embryogenesis in cultured leaf explants were studied. Treatment of plants with glyphosate (100 milligrams per liter) resulted in elevated levels of endogenous ABA and IAA in young leaves. In contrast, paclobutrazol (50% active ingredient; 200 milligrams per liter) did not alter the endogenous levels of ABA and IAA. Fluridone (100 milligrams per liter) markedly inhibited synthesis of ABA and leaf explants from fluridone-treated plants lost the capacity for somatic embryogenesis. Explants from glyphosate- or paclobutrazol-treated plants did not show any reduction in embryogenic capacity when compared with untreated control plants. Glyphosate and fluridone were also incorporated into the culture media at various concentrations (0 to 20 milligrams per liter) to study their effects in vitro on somatic embryogenesis in leaf explants from untreated, field-grown plants. Glyphosate was inhibitory to somatic embryogenesis but only at concentrations above 5 milligrams per liter. Fluridone inhibited somatic embryogenesis at all concentrations tested. Inhibition of somatic embryogenesis by fluridone, by either in vivo or in vitro application, could be overcome partially by (±)-ABA added to the culture medium. Exogenous application of (±)-ABA enhanced somatic embryogenesis and reduced the formation of nonembryogenic callus. Application of IAA or gibberellic acid (GA₃; >5 milligrams per liter) was inhibitory to somatic embryogenesis. These results indicate that endogenous ABA is one of the important factors controlling the embryogenic capacity of leaf explants in Napier grass.     

Nouvelles recherches sur l’identité culturelle et stylistique de la grotte Chauvet et sur sa datation par la méthode du C

The discovery of Chauvet cave, at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (Ardèche), in 1994, was an important event for our knowledge of palaeolithic parietal art as a whole. Its painted and engraved figures, thanks to their number (425 graphic units), and their excellent state of preservation, provide a documentary thesaurus comparable to that of the greatest sites known, and far beyond what had already been found in the group of Rhône valley caves (Ardèche and Gard). But its study – when one places it in its natural regional, cultural and thematic framework – makes it impossible to see it as an isolated entity of astonishing precocity. This needs to be reconsidered, and the affinities that our research has brought to light are clearly incompatible with the very early age which has been attributed to it. And if one extends this examination to the whole of the Franco-Cantabrian domain, the conclusion is inescapable: although Chauvet cave displays some unique characteristics (like every decorated cave), it belongs to an evolved phase of parietal art that is far removed from the motifs of its origins (known from art on blocks and on shelter walls dated by stratigraphy to the Aurignacian, in France and Cantabrian Spain). The majority of its works are therefore to be placed, quite normally, within the framework of the well-defined artistic creations of the Gravettian and Solutrean. Moreover, this phase of the Middle Upper Palaeolithic (26,000–18,000) coincides with a particularly intensive and diversified local human occupation, unknown in earlier periods and far less dense afterwards in the Magdalenian. A detailed critique of the treatment of the samples subjected to AMS radiocarbon dating makes it impossible to retain the very early age (36,000 cal BP) attributed by some authors to the painted and engraved figures of Chauvet cave.     

Biochemical and molecular characterization of a thermostable chitosanase produced by the strain Paenibacillus sp. 1794 newly isolated from compost

Chitosan raises a great interest among biotechnologists due to its potential for applications in biomedical or environmental fields. Enzymatic hydrolysis of chitosan is a recognized method allowing control of its molecular size, making possible its optimization for a given application. During the industrial hydrolysis process of chitosan, viscosity is a major problem; which can be circumvented by raising the temperature of the chitosan solution. A thermostable chitosanase is compatible with enzymatic hydrolysis at higher temperatures thus allowing chitosan to be dissolved at higher concentrations. Following an extensive micro-plate screening of microbial isolates from various batches of shrimp shells compost, the strain 1794 was characterized and shown to produce a thermostable chitosanase. The isolate was identified as a novel member of the genus Paenibacillus, based on partial 16S rDNA and rpoB gene sequences. Using the chitosanase (Csn1794) produced by this strain, a linear time course of chitosan hydrolysis has been observed for at least 6 h at 70 °C. Csn1794 was purified and its molecular weight was estimated at 40 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Optimum pH was about 4.8, the apparent K _m and the catalytic constant k_cat were 0.042 mg/ml and 7,588 min^?1, respectively. The half-life of Csn1794 at 70 °C in the presence of chitosan substrate was >20 h. The activity of chitosanase 1794 varied little with the degree of N-acetylation of chitosan. The enzyme also hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose but not chitin. Chitosan or cellulose-derived hexasaccharides were cleaved preferentially in a symmetrical way (“3?+?3”) but hydrolysis rate was much faster for (GlcN)₆ than (Glc)₆. Gene cloning and sequencing revealed that Csn1794 belongs to family 8 of glycoside hydrolases. The enzyme should be useful in biotechnological applications of chitosan hydrolysis, dealing with concentrated chitosan solutions at high temperatures.     

LOPHOSTEUS SUPERBUS PANDER: ZÄHNE, ZAHNKNOCHEN UND BESONDERE SCHUPPENFORMEN

Morphological and histological studies of numerous remains of Lophosteus superbus Pander from erratic boulders of Beyrichia Limestone prove that the peculiar teeth recently brought to notice by Gross (1969) belong to Lophosteus and are not of acanthodian origin. The structure of these teeth as well as that of some tooth-bearing bones and scales is described. The investigation was extended to cover the teeth of smaller Devonian actinopterygians and cross-opterygians to establish whether Lophosteus is an actinopterygian, a crossopterygian, or even a member of a hitherto unknown group of Osteichthyes. Results unfortunately proved negative, as the very small teeth of various species offer too few distinct and symptomatic histological characteristics. A solution of this question must await the discovery of determinable skull and lower jaw bones of the genus Lophosteus.
Die morphologische und histologische LTntersuchung zahlreicher in nordwest-deutschen Geschieben des Beyrichienkalkes gefundener Reste von Lophosteus superbus Pander beweist, daß die kürzlich von Gross (1969) erwähnten, eigenartigen und nicht von Acanthodiern stammenden Zähne zu Lophosteus gehören. Der Bau der Zähne und einiger Zahnknochen und Schuppen wird beschrieben. Um die Fragen zu klaren, ob Lophosteus zu den Actinopterygiern oder zu den Crossopterygiern gehört oder gar zu einer bisher unbekannten Gruppe der Osteichthyes, wurde die Untersuchung auch auf die Zähne kleiner devonischer Actinopterygier und Crossopterygier ausgedehnt. Das Ergebnis war leider negativ: die sehr kleinen Zähne der verschiedenen untersuchten Arten bieten zu wenig kennzeichnende und unterscheidende histologische Merkmale. Nur von der Entdeckung bestimmbarer Schädel- und Unterkiefer-Knochen der Gattung Lophosteus kann die Entscheidung dieser Frage erhofft werden.     

Review of the species of Michotamia from China with a description of a new species (Diptera, Asilidae)

Three species of Michotamia are recorded from China. Of these Michotamia aurata (Fabricius, 1794) was previously reported from Hainan and Taiwan. Michotamia assamensis Joseph & Parui, 1995 is recorded from China and Laos for the first time, and Michotamia yunnanensissp. n., is described and figured. A key to the known species from China is provided. A new name, Michotamia subnigra, is given to Michotamia nigra Scarbrough & Hill, 2000, which is preoccupied by Michotamia nigra (Meijere, 1911).     

Microwave assisted Wolff rearrangement: A facile method for the synthesis of Fmoc-β-amino acids

Summary The Wolff rearrangement of α-diazoketones, derived from Fmoc-α-amino acids, under no base conditions on exposure to microwave irradiation for 40 to 60 sec to Fmoc-β-amino acids with retention of configuration in good yield (91–95%) is described.