Cambrian Acritarchs from the Col di Foglia (Agordo) southalpine metamorphic basement, Italian Eastern Alps: the oldest biostratigraphic record in the alps

Abstract  The Lower Palaeozoic biostratigraphic records in the Alps are briefly reviewed and the result of a new study of the acritarch assemblage found by Sassi et al. (1984) in the greenschist facies black metapelites of the Southalpine metamorphic basement at Col di Foglia, and studied by Kalvacheva et al. (1986), is presented. The new  taxonomic and biostratigraphic study indicates a late Cambrian age, which is the oldest unquestionable, recently assessed, biostratigraphic dating of the entire Alps, as well as of the Italian peninsular. Keywords Alps, Southalpine metamorphic basement, Eastern Alps, Agordo, Acritarchs, Cambrian Subject codes: G17002     

Gravitational biology within the German Space Program: goals, achievements, and perspectives

Summary. Gravity plays an important role for the evolution, orientation and development of organisms. Most of us, however, tend to overlook its importance because – due to its constant presence from the beginning of evolution some 4 billion years ago – this environmental parameter is almost hardwired into our interpretation of reality. This negligence of gravity is the more surprising as we all have our strong fights with this factor, especially during the very early and again during the late phases of our lives. On the other hand, scientists have been fascinated to observe the effects of gravity especially on plants and microorganisms for more than a hundred years, since Darwin and Sachs demonstrated the role of the root cap for downward growing plants. Different experimental approaches are nowadays available in order to change the influence of gravity and to study the corresponding influences on the physiology of biological systems. With the advent of spaceflight, a long-term nearly nullification of gravity is possible. Utilisation of this so-called “microgravity” condition for research in life sciences thus became an important asset in the space programs of various space agencies around the world. The German Space Life Sciences Program is managed – like all other space programs and activities in Germany – by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in its role as space agency for Germany. Within the current space program, approved by the German government in May 2001, the overall goal for its life sciences part was defined as to gain scientific knowledge and to disclose new application potential by research under space conditions, especially by utilising the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. Three main scientific fields have been identified in collaboration with the scientific community: integrative human physiology, biotechnological applications of the microgravity environment, and fundamental biology of gravity and radiation responses (i.e., gravitational and radiation biology). In the present contribution, specific goals as well as achievements and perspectives of research in gravitational biology are given. In addition, some information is provided on spaceflight opportunities available. Correspondence and reprints: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Space Agency, P.O. Box 300364, 53183 Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany.     

Phylogenetic,Inter, and Intraspecific Sequence Analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">spo0A</Emphasis> Gene of the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Geobacillus</Emphasis>

In this work, the variability of spo0A gene in the genus Geobacillus and applicability of this gene for the taxonomy within this genus were evaluated. The protein Spo0A is the master regulator of the endospore-forming process in the all endospore-forming bacteria. Geobacillus genus-specific primers GEOSPO were designed based on the sequences of Geobacillus spo0A gene available through the public databases. Inter and intraspecific variability of Geobacillus spo0A gene was determined after sequencing of the GEOSPO-PCR products. Geobacillus spo0A sequence analysis showed that three species—Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, G. stearothermophilus, and G. jurassicus—could be easily identified. Similarity between the sequences of these species and the other species were in the range of 83.3%–92.0%. In contrast, intraspecific similarity of G. thermodenitrificans and G. stearothermophilus was high—above 99.0%. Similarity of spo0A sequences of G. subterraneus–G. uzenensis species cluster also matched this interval. Intercluster similarity between G. lituanicus–G. thermoleovorans–G. kaustophilus–G. vulcani and G. thermocatenulatus–G. gargensis–G. caldoxylosilyticus–G. toebii–G. thermoglucosidasius species clusters, as well as interspecific similarity within these two clusters was in the range of the intraspecific similarity determined for G. thermodenitrificans and G. stearothermophilus. It was also determined that spo0A cannot be used as the phylogenetic marker for the genus Geobacillus.     

A novel association of a polymorphism in the first intron of adiponectin gene with type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypoadiponectinemia in Asian Indians

Adiponectin is an adipose tissue specific protein that is decreased in subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The objective of the present study was to examine whether variants in the regulatory regions of the adiponectin gene contribute to type 2 diabetes in Asian Indians. The study comprised of 2,000 normal glucose tolerant (NGT) and 2,000 type 2 diabetic, unrelated subjects randomly selected from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES), in southern India. Fasting serum adiponectin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. We identified two proximal promoter SNPs (−11377C→G and −11282T→C), one intronic SNP (+10211T→G) and one exonic SNP (+45T→G) by SSCP and direct sequencing in a pilot study (n = 500). The +10211T→G SNP alone was genotyped using PCR-RFLP in 4,000 study subjects. Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects with TG genotype of +10211T→G had significantly higher risk for diabetes compared to TT genotype [Odds ratio 1.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.07–1.54; P = 0.008]. However, no association with diabetes was observed with GG genotype (P = 0.22). Stratification of the study subjects based on BMI showed that the odds ratio for obesity for the TG genotype was 1.53 (95%CI 1.3–1.8; P < 10⁻⁷) and that for GG genotype, 2.10 (95% CI 1.3–3.3; P = 0.002). Among NGT subjects, the mean serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower among the GG (P = 0.007) and TG (P = 0.001) genotypes compared to TT genotype. Among Asian Indians there is an association of +10211T→G polymorphism in the first intron of the adiponectin gene with type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypoadiponectinemia.     

ONIOM DFT/PM3 calculation on the interaction between STI-571 and abelson tyrosine kinase

The ONIOM2 (B3LYP/6–31G (d, p): PM3) and B3LYP/6–31G (d, p) methods were applied to investigate the interaction between STI-571 and abelson tyrosine kinase binding site. The complex of N-[4-methyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)- phenyl]-benzamide (part of STI-571) and related 16 amino acid residues were found at B3LYP/6–31G (d, p) level to have hydrogen bonds and π....π stacking interaction, their binding energy via HAF optimization was −20.4 kcal mol⁻¹. The results derived from this study agreed well with the reported observation. Figure Optimized structure of STI-571 and Thr315 in abelson tyrosine kinase based on ONIOM2 method     

Responses of CO2 Exchange and Primary Production of the Ecosystem Components to Environmental Changes in a Mountain Peatland

The complexity of natural ecological systems presents challenges for predicting the impact of global environmental changes on ecosystem structure and function. Grouping of plants into functional types, that is, groups of species sharing traits that govern their mechanisms of response to environmental perturbations, reduce the complexity of species diversity to a few key plant types for better understanding of ecosystem responses. Chambers were used to measure CO₂ exchange in grass and moss growing together in a mountain peatland in southern Germany to assess variations in their response to environmental changes and how they influence ecosystem CO₂ exchange. Parameter fits and comparison for net ecosystem exchange (NEE) in two ecosystem components were conducted using an empirical hyperbolic light response model. Annual green biomass production was 320 and 210 g dwt m ⁻², whereas mean maximum NEE was –10.0 and –5.0 μmol m ⁻² s ⁻¹ for grass and moss, respectively. Grass exhibited higher light use efficiency (α) and maximum gross primary production [(β+γ)₂₀₀₀]. Leaf area index explained 93% of light use and 83% of overall production by the grass. Peat temperature at 10-cm depth explained more than 80% of the fluctuations in ecosystem respiration (R _eco). Compared to grass, moss NEE was more sensitive to ground water level (GWL) draw-down and hence could be more vulnerable to changes in precipitation that result in GWL decline and may be potentially replaced by grass and other vegetation that are less sensitive. Author’s Contribution  Werner Borken conceived the study. Ai Nishiwaki, Margerete Wartinger, G. Lischeid and Zaman Hussain conducted measurements. Jan Muhr helped with the methodologies and result discussion. Dennis O. Otieno designed and conducted measurements and wrote the paper.     

Enrico Fermi: a guiding light in a troubled century

Abstract  We recall first the progress of human knowledge in the first twenty years of our 20^th century. In the years 1920–1935 we had the advent of quantum mechanics, which changed and advanced our understanding of physics. This progress is due to a group of scientists who were born at the beginning of the last century. Enrico Fermi made a fundamental contribution to the new era with his theoretical original ideas (the Fermi Statistics and the theory of weak interactions), and with the experimental discovery of the properties of neutrons and their use in the development of nuclear energy for civil purposes. Some comments follow on the positive influence of Fermi on the development of Italy, and on our present shortage of energy resources. Keywords Enrico Fermi, Ecdysis, Weak interactions, Theoretical Physics, Atomic pile Subject codes: O27000 – P23010 – P29000     

Physics,biology and sociology: II. Suggestion for a synthesis

In continuation of previous studies (Bull. Math. Biophysics,28, 283–308; 655–661, 1966;29, 139–152, 1967) it is shown that the difference between the “metric” aspects of physics and the “relational” aspects of biological and social sciences disappear by accepting the broader definition of “relation”, such as that given in mathematics and logic. A conceptual superstructure then becomes possible from which all three branches of knowledge may be derived, though none of them can be derived from the others.     

A common variant on chromosome 9p21 affects the risk of early-onset coronary artery disease

Background Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs10757278 and rs2383207) on chromosome 9p21 have been proved to be associated with myocardial infarction. We investigated whether these two genetic markers are determinants of early-onset coronary artery disease. Methods and results A total of 444 consecutive patients were studied including 212 cases with coronary stenosis ≥50% or previous myocardial infarction and 232 controls without documented coronary artery disease. Ligase detection reaction was performed to detect two SNPs. After adjustment of clinical parameters, significant associations were identified for the rs2383207 and rs10757278 SNPs, with A/G and G/G genetypes at rs10757278 and G/G genetype carriers at rs2383207 having a higher risk of early-onset coronary artery disease than carriers of A/A genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.207, 95% CI: 1.069–4.394, P = 0.028; OR 3.051, 95% CI: 1.086–8.567, P = 0.004; OR 2.964, 95% CI: 1.063–8.265, P = 0.038, respectively). There were no associations between rs10757278 and rs2383207 genotypes and the severity of coronary artery disease (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The rs10757278 and rs2383207 variants are determinants for early-onset coronary artery disease. These markers may help the identification of patients at increased risk for early-onset coronary artery disease. Zhong Chen and Qi Qian contributed equally to this paper.     

Boronated phosphonium salts containing arylboronic acid, closo-carborane, or nido-carborane: synthesis, X-ray diffraction, in vitro cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake

The preparation of boronated triaryl and tetraaryl phosphonium salts of the type [PPh₃CH₂R]Br [R is 4-boronophenyl (1), 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (2), 3-boronophenyl (3), 3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (4), 2-boronophenyl (5), 2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (6), and closo-1,2-carboran-1-yl (7)] is described. These compounds were prepared by the reaction of triphenylphosphine with benzylic bromides or 1-bromomethyl-closo-1,2-carborane in acetonitrile solution at 85 °C. The zwitterionic nido-7,8-carborane derivative PPh₃CH₂C₂B₉H₁₁ (8) was prepared by treatment of 7 with cesium fluoride in refluxing ethanol. All compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, and ³¹P) 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray structures were determined for compounds 1, 3, 7, and 8. The cytotoxicities and boron uptake of selected derivatives were investigated in vitro using human glioblastoma (T98G) and canine kidney tubule (MDCK II) cells. The zwitterionic species 8 was found to be the least cytotoxic agent while also delivering the greatest amount of boron to the T98G cells, peaking at 9.15 ± 2.65 μg B/mg protein.     

DNA binding property, nuclease activity and cytotoxicity of Zn(II) complexes of terpyridine derivatives

Two zinc(II) terpyridine complexes Zn(atpy)₂(PF₆)₂ (1) (atpy = 4′-p-N9′-adeninylmethylphenyl-2,2′:6,2′′-terpyridine) and Zn(ttpy)₂(PF₆)₂ (2) (ttpy = 4′-p-tolyl-2,2′:6,2′′-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR and electrospray mass spectroscopy. The structure of complex 2 was also determined by X-ray crystallography, which revealed a ZnN₆ coordination in an octahedral geometry with two terpyridine acting as equatorial ligands. The circular dichroism data showed that complex 1 exhibited an ICD signal at around 300 nm and induced more evident disturbances on DNA base stacking than complex 2, reflecting the impact of the adenine moiety on DNA binding modes. Complex 1 exhibited higher cleavage activity to supercoiled pUC 19 DNA than complex 2 under aerobic conditions, suggesting a promotional effect of adenine moiety in DNA nuclease ability. Interestingly, both complexes demonstrated potent in vitro cytotoxicity against a series human tumor cell lines such as human cervix carcinoma cell line (HeLa), human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human galactophore carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and human prostate carcinoma cell line (pc-3). The cytotoxicity is averagely 10 times more active than the anticancer drug cisplatin. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Thymidylate synthase and methionine synthase polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Kurdish population from Western Iran

In order to determine the influence of polymorphism in thymidylate synthase (TS 28-bp repeat) and methionine synthase (MS A2756G) genes on the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 73 children with ALL and 128 age and sex matched unrelated healthy individuals from the Kermanshah Province of Iran were screened. The genotyping of TS 28-bp repeat and MS A2756G polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR–RFLP, respectively. The frequency of TS 2R allele in patients and controls were 41.5 and 38%, respectively (Odds ratios (OR) = 1.13, 95%CI 0.73–1.74, P = 0.56). The allelic frequency of G allele of MS was higher (25%) in patients compared with healthy subjects (23%) (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 0.67–1.75, P = 0.71). Considering MS AA and TS 3R3R genotypes as reference indicated that individuals with MS GG + TS 2R2R genotypes have 1.3-fold increase in the risk of ALL (OR = 1.3, 95%CI 0.6–2.7, P = 0.5). Our results showed that neither TS 28-bp repeat nor MS A2756G polymorphisms are risk factors for susceptibility to ALL in Western Iran.     

Association between the XRCC3 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk: meta-analysis based on case–control studies

The previous published data on the association between X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3) T241M, A4541G, and A17893G polymorphisms and breast cancer risk remained controversial. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between breast cancer and XRCC3 T241M (21,910 cases and 23,961 controls), A4541G (9,633 cases and 10,994 controls), and A17893G polymorphisms (10,761 cases and 12,235 controls) in different inheritance models. When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis of XRCC3 T241M polymorphism, significantly increased risk of breast cancer was observed in recessive model (odds' ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.16) and in additive model (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03–1.16). No significant association was found between A4541G polymorphism and breast cancer risk. When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis of XRCC3 A17893G polymorphism, no significant association was found in any genetic model. Additionally, when one study was deleted in the sensitive analysis, the results of XRCC3 A17893G were changed in the additive model (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82–0.99) and dominant model (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99). In summary, this meta-analysis indicates that T241M polymorphism show an increased breast cancer risk and A17893G polymorphism may be associated with decreased breast cancer risk. A study with the larger sample size is needed to further evaluated gene-environment interaction on XRCC3 T241M, A4541G, and A17893G polymorphisms and breast cancer risk.     

Effect of microgravity and hypergravity on deposition of 0.5-to 3-m-diameter aerosol in the human lung

Darquenne, Chantal, Manuel Paiva, John B. West, and G. KimPrisk. Effect of microgravity and hypergravity on deposition of0.5- to 3-µm-diameter aerosol in the human lung. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(6): 2029-2036, 1997.Wemeasured intrapulmonary deposition of 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-µm-diameterparticles in four subjects on the ground (1 G) and during parabolicflights both in microgravity (µG) and at ~1.6 G. Subjects breathed aerosols at a constant flow rate (0.4 l/s) and tidalvolume (0.75 liter). At 1 G and ~1.6 G, deposition increased withincreasing particle size. In µG, differences in deposition as afunction of particle size were almost abolished. Deposition was anearly linear function of the G level for 2- and 3-µm-diameterparticles, whereas for 0.5- and 1.0-µm-diameter particles, depositionincreased less between µG and 1 G than between 1 G and ~1.6 G. Comparison with numerical predictions showed good agreement for 1-, 2-, and 3-µm-diameter particles at 1 and ~1.6 G, whereas the modelconsistently underestimated deposition in µG. The higher depositionobserved in µG compared with model predictions might be explained bya larger deposition by diffusion because of a higher alveolarconcentration of aerosol in µG and to the nonreversibility of theflow, causing additional mixing of the aerosols.

     

New SNP of the porcine Perilipin 2 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">PLIN2</Emphasis>) gene,association with carcass traits and expression analysis in skeletal muscle

PLIN2 (perilipin 2) is a cytosolic protein that promotes the formation and stabilization of the intracellular lipid droplets, organelles involved in the storage of lipid depots. Porcine PLIN2 gene represents a biological and positional candidate for fat deposition, a polygenic trait that affects carcass and meat quality. The aim of the present study was to screen PLIN2 gene for polymorphisms, to evaluate the association with carcass quality traits, and to investigate the gene expression in skeletal muscle. Six new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were detected by sequencing 32 samples from five pig breeds (Italian Large White, Italian Duroc, Italian Landrace, Belgian Landrace, Pietrain). Two SNP localized in introns, two in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR), and two missense SNP were found in exons. A 3′-UTR mutation (GU461317:g.98G>A), genotyped in 290 Italian Duroc pigs by High Resolution Melting, resulted significantly associated (P < 0.01) with average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, lean cuts and hams weight estimated breeding values. PLIN2 gene expression analysis in skeletal muscle of Italian Large White and Italian Duroc pigs divergent for backfat thickness and visible intermuscular fat showed a trend of higher expression level in pigs with higher intermuscular fat. These results suggest that PLIN2 can be a marker for carcass quality in pigs. Further investigation at both gene and protein level could elucidate its role on fat deposition.     

2-(3,5-Dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>][1,10]phenanthrolinoruthenium(II) complexes: synthesis,characterization, cytotoxicity,apoptosis, DNA-binding and antioxidant activity

A new ligand DBHIP and its two ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmb)₂(DBHIP)](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Ru(dmp)₂(DBHIP)](ClO₄)₂ (2) have been synthesized and characterized. The cytotoxicity of DBHIP and complexes 1 and 2 has been assessed by MTT assay. The apoptosis studies were carried out with acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining methods. The binding behaviors of these complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were studied by absorption titration, viscosity measurements, thermal denaturation and photoactivated cleavage. The DNA-binding constants of complexes 1 and 2 were determined to be 8.64 ± 0.16 × 10⁴ (s = 1.34) and 2.79 ± 0.21 × 10⁴ (s = 2.17) M⁻¹. The results suggest that these complexes interact with DNA through intercalative mode. The studies on the mechanism of photocleavage demonstrate that superoxide anion radical (O₂ ^•–) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) may play an important role in the DNA cleavage. The experiments on antioxidant activity show that these compounds also exhibit good antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical (OH^•).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Grias angustipetala</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">G. ecuadorica</Emphasis>, two new species of Lecythidaceae from western Ecuador

Grias angustipetala and G. ecuadorica, two new species from the wet forests of western Ecuador are described. Grias angustipetala occurs in the Awá Indígenous Territory and Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas in the Esmeraldas and adjacent Carchi Provinces between 50–1800 m elevation. Grias ecuadorica is found in the Los Ríos and Bolívar Provinces between 70–600 m elevation. The new species are illustrated and their relationships with related species are discussed.     

A century of oceanographic and fisheries exploration on the continental shelf off Argentina

A detailed analysis is presented of the main contributions, both local and international, to the fields of oceanography and fishery sciences resulting from exploratory cruises carried out on the continental shelf off Argentina over the last 100 years. The end of the 19th century is chosen as a starting point for this analysis as it marks the beginning of active marine research by Argentinian scientists and an accumulation of information on Antarctic and Subantarctic organisms in foreign journals. Mention is also made of previous contributions derived from the classic expeditions and global circumnavigational voyages during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the aims of those were not always strictly oceanographic, they rendered significant information to this field of knowledge. In the early years, references arose mainly from the particular geographic situation of the Argentinian shelf, a necessary passage in the navigation routes to the Pacific Ocean, and later on the way to Antarctica. Sources of information are divided into four categories: (a) foreign scientific projects in the area; (b) investigation by Argentinian scientists and research vessels; (c) joint projects between Argentinian and foreign institutions; and (d) contributions from sources other than oceanographic cruises (commercial navigation, maritime weather reports, satellite images, etc.). The analysis includes an updated and classified bibliographical list of the main contributions to the fields of oceanography and fishery sciences derived from those sources, published either in international or local journals or appearing as technical and internal reports. The motivations, objectives and main achievements of foreign surveys and programmes in the area and their impact on local scientific progress are discussed. The early sixties mark a turning point in the evolution of international research in the area. The creation of biological stations along the Argentinian coast, and the support given to the pooling of human resources set the basis for the development of bilateral programmes. Similar progress in Brazil and Uruguay led to the outgrowth of regional activities. Joint scientific efforts described in this analysis include the programmes carried out by the research vessels of Germany (“Walther Herwig”, “Meteor”), Japan (“Kaiyo Maru”, “Orient Maru”, “Shinkai Maru”), Poland (“Professor Siedlecki”), Russia (“Evrika”, “Dimitry Stefanov”) and the USA (“Vema”, “Atlantis II”), the achievements of which are a landmark in the evolution of marine science in the aea.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glyptothorax dikrongensis</Emphasis>, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Arunachal Pradesh,northeastern India

Glyptothorax dikrongensis, a new species of sisorid catfish from the Dikrong River in northeastern India, is described. Glyptothorax dikrongensis can be differentiated from all congeners, except G. indicus, G. rugimentum and G. obliquimaculatus, by the presence of an unculiferous patch on the posterior region of the lower lip, in between the inner mandibular-barbel bases, and unculiferous striae of the thoracic adhesive apparatus extending anteriorly onto the gular region. Glyptothorax dikrongensis is distinguished from G. indicus by the following combination of characters: equal distance between the posterior end of the pectoral-fin base and the pelvic-fin origin and between the pelvic-fin and the anal-fin origin (vs. distance between posterior end of pectoral-fin base and pelvic-fin origin greater than between pelvic-fin origin and anal-fin origin), and the pelvic-fin origin anterior to or almost at a vertical through the posterior end of the dorsal-fin base (vs. posterior to the dorsal-fin base). Glyptothorax dikrongensis is distinguished from G. rugimentum in lacking vertical bars on the body and caudal peduncle, and having a deeper caudal peduncle (8.4–9.2 vs. 6.1–7.6% SL) and a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.1–11.1 vs. 15.2–18.6% SL). It is distinguished from G. obliquimaculatus in lacking dark, oblique blotches on the body, and in having a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.1–11.1 vs. 13.4–16.4% SL).