Paramecium aurelia species complex in the catchment area of the River Raba mountain course (the Carpathians)

In the water bodies of the Beskid Wyspowy Mts three species of the Paramecium aurelia complex have been found, i.e. P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia. P. tetraurelia, which in Europe is a very rare species, was for the first time recorded in this region of the Carpathians.     

The Paramecium aurelia species complex in Ukraine

New habitats of Paramecium biaurelia were found in the Gorgany Mts, Eastern Carpathians.     

Species of the Paramecium aurelia complex in Russia (western region of European Russia) with molecular characteristics of Paramecium novaurelia

The presence of P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. triaurelia, and P. novaurelia of the P. aurelia complex was revealed in the studied region of Russia. RAPD-PCR fingerprints (band patterns) of newly identified P. novaurelia strains from Russia were compared to those characteristic for the other chosen European strains of the species. The strains revealed intraspecific polymorphism as several groups of genotypes confirming the existence of polymorphism within P. novaurelia.     

Species of the Paramecium aurelia complex in the middle Sudeten of Czecho-Slovakia.

On the investigated territory three species of the complex were identified, namely Paramecium biaurelia, P. triaurelia, and P. novaurelia. P. novaurelia dominated over the other species with regard to the number of clones established from nature as well as to habitats.     

Species of the Paramecium aurelia complex (Protozoa, Ciliophora) in the Middle Sudetes of Poland

Four species of the Paramecium aurelia complex were found in the studied territory (Klodzko Basin) of the Middle Sudetes in Poland, i.e. Paramecium primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia . Of these, P. biaurelia and P. novaurelia appeared with greater frequency than P. primaurelia . Both species dominated over P. primaurelia in the number of determined habitats, as well as in the number of examined clones. Paramecium tetraurelia was rare in the area, being found in only one habitat.     

First American stand of Paramecium novaurelia and intra-specific differentiation of the species

A stand of Paramecium novaurelia was found in Boston Massachusetts, USA, the first on this continent. Molecular studies (RAPD and sequencing ofrRNA [3'SSUrRNA-ITS1, 5' LSU rRNA] and COI mtDNA fragments) of P. novaurelia strains show intra-specific polymorphism within the species as strain clusters characterized by variable relationships.     

First European record of Paramecium septaurelia and the discovery of new European habitats of P. pentaurelia and P. sexaurelia in Russia (Astrakhan and Volgograd regions)

The presence of several species of the P. aurelia complex was revealed in the studied regions. In the Volgograd region P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. triaurelia, and P. novaurelia were recorded. In the Astrakhan Nature Reserve P. primaurelia, P. pentaurelia, P. sexaurelia, and P. septaurelia were identified. Among these species, P. septaurelia was recorded for the first time in Europe, known before only from the territory of the USA, P. pentaurelia and P. sexaurelia are species rare in Europe. The studied regions are very rich in species of the P. aurelia complex and worthy of future studies.     

Recent data on the occurrence of species of the Paramecium aurelia complex in Europe

Among 15 species of the Paramecium aurelia complex known world-wide, 10 have been found in Europe, namely: P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. triaurelia, P. tetraurelia, P. pentaurelia, P. sexaurelia, P. septaurelia, P. novaurelia, P. dodecaurelia, and P. tredecaurelia. Recent data on the frequency of occurrence of the species in Europe are given in the paper.     

Distribution of the Paramecium aurelia Species Complex (Protozoa,Ciliophora) in the Carpathian Chain of Poland*

Four species of the Paramecium aurelia complex were found in the Carpathian chain: P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia. However, variation in the frequency of settlement of these species in the region was observed; P. biaurelia and P. novaurelia appeared with the greatest frequency, P. Primaurelia occurred less frequently. while P. tetraurelia was rather rare being found only in the Tatras.     

Metastasis-associated protein Mts1 (S100A4) inhibits CK2-mediated phosphorylation and self-assembly of the heavy chain of nonmuscle myosin

A role for EF-hand calcium-binding protein Mts1 (S100A4) in the phosphorylation and the assembly of myosin filaments was studied. The nonmuscle myosin molecules form bipolar filaments, which interact with actin filaments to produce a contractile force. Phosphorylation of the myosin plays a regulatory role in the myosin assembly. In the presence of calcium, Mts1 binds at the C-terminal end of the myosin heavy chain close to the site of phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2 (Ser1944). In the present study, we have shown that interaction of Mts1 with the human platelet myosin or C-terminal fragment of the myosin heavy chain inhibits phosphorylation of the myosin heavy chain by protein kinase CK2 in vitro. Mts1 might also bind directly the beta subunit of protein kinase CK2, thereby modifying the enzyme activity. Our results indicate that myosin oligomers were disassembled in the presence of Mts1. The short C-terminal fragment of the myosin heavy chain was totally soluble in the presence of an equimolar amount of Mts1 at low ionic conditions (50 mM NaCl). Depolymerization was found to be calcium-dependent and could be blocked by EGTA. Our data suggest that Mts1 can increase myosin solubility and therefore suppress its assembly.     

Studies on peptides. LXXXI. Application of a new arginine derivative, NG-mesitylene-2-sulfonylarginine, to the synthesis of substance P and neurotensin.

A new devised arginine derivative, NG-mesitylene-2-sulfonylarginine, Arg(Mts), was employed for the synthesis of hypothalamic substance P and neurotensin. The former was obtained in 74% yield by treatment of the protected undecapeptide amide, Z - Arg(Mts) - Pro - Lys(Z) - Pro - Gln - Gln - Phe - Phe - Gly - Leu - Met(O)-NH2, with methanesulfonic acid in the presence of anisole followed by reduction of the sulfoxide with 2-mercaptoethanol. The latter was obtained in 54% yield by the similar treatment of the protected tridecapeptide ester, Z - Pyr - Leu - Tyr - Glu(OBzl) - Asn - Lys(Z) - Pro - Arg(Mts) - Arg(Mts) - Pro - Tyr - Ile - Leu - OBzl, with methanesulfonic acid. As scavenger, a mixture of anisole-thioanisole-o-cresol (1:1:1, by vol.) was employed to suppress the side reaction, O-mesitylene-2-sulfonation of the Tyr residue.     

黑龙江小兴安岭东部的木生真菌

本文首次对黑龙江省小兴安岭东部的大亮子河、凉水自然保护区及鹤北联营林场的木生真菌进行了报道。根据对采集的416号木材腐朽真菌的野外调查及室内鉴定研究,共发现多孔菌105种,革菌19种。其中光滑尖齿菌Mucronella calva为我国齿状木生真菌新记录种。根据采集的标本,对该种进行了详细的描述及显微结构绘图。并分别列出了这124种木生真菌的名称,同时给出了每种的采集信息。     

Notes on the ecology of germination inMyrrhis odorata

Germination of the achenes inMyrrhis odorata (L.)Scop. has been examined both in the laboratory and in the experimental plot at Pr?honice. Seven samples of achenes collected in the period 1967 to 1974 in montane and submontane regions of the Orlické Mts., Krkono?e Mts. and Jizerské Mts., Czechoslovakia, were used in experiments examining the impact of different stratification. The seeds of this species pass through a dormancy stage which is caused by an underdeveloped embryo. The dormancy could be broken by cold stratification only. The germination started after a period of 59 to 65 days in the variant stratified at ?1 to +5°C, and after 63 to 82 days in the variant stratified at +3 to +5°C. The majority of seeds germinated after 70 to 90 days in the former and after 80 to 110 days in the latter variant.     

The divergence of two independent lineages of an endemic Chinese gecko,Gekko swinhonis,launched by the Qinling orogenic belt

The genetic structure and demographic history of an endemic Chinese gecko, Gekko swinhonis, were investigated by analysing the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 10 microsatellite loci for samples collected from 27 localities. Mitochondrial DNA data provided a detailed distribution of two highly divergent evolutionary lineages, between which the average pairwise distance achieved was 0.14. The geographic division of the two lineages coincided with a plate boundary consisting of the Qinling and Taihang Mts, suggesting a historical vicariant pattern. The orogeny of the Qinling Mts, a dispersal and major climatic barrier of the region, may have launched the independent lineage divergence. Both lineages have experienced recent expansion, and the current sympatric localities comprised the region of contact between the lineages. Individual‐based phylogenetic analyses of nucDNA and Bayesian‐clustering approaches revealed a deep genetic structure analogous to mtDNA. Incongruence between nucDNA and mtDNA at the individual level at localities outside of the contact region can be explained by the different inheritance patterns and male‐biased dispersal in this species. High genetic divergence, long‐term isolation and ecological adaptation, as well as the morphological differences, suggest the presence of a cryptic species.     

Allopatric distribution,ecology and conservation status of the Pilosella alpicola group (Asteraceae)

The Pilosella alpicola group comprises four morphologically distinct and geographically vicariant alpine taxa. We performed a thorough herbarium revision and literature survey to infer their distributional pattern(s). Pilosella alpicola s.s. occurs in the Alps in two disjunct areas: the Swiss Valais Alps and the Italian Dolomites. Historical records come also from the Austrian Alps (Gurktaler Alps and Hohe Tauern) and from one site from the Alpes Maritimes (Col de Larche), but the localities have not been recently confirmed. Pilosella rhodopea, a Balkan subendemic taxon, is quite widespread in Bulgaria (Stara planina Mts, Rila Mts and Pirin Mts), but is more rare in Albania, Greece and Macedonia. Interestingly, this species has also been recorded at two isolated sites in the Romanian southern Carpathians (the C?p??înii and Cozia Mts). This occurrence underlines the floristic affinities of this part of the Carpathians to the Balkan flora. Only two localities of P. serbica, based on voucher specimens, have been recorded so far; Kopaonik Mts in Serbia and the Prokletije Mts in Montenegro. The records from other ranges are related to P. rhodopea. Pilosella ullepitschii, the detailed distribution of which has already been published, is a Carpathian endemic with its core area of distribution in the western Carpathians (Slovakia and Poland). Three isolated localities are also known in the eastern Carpathians (Nemira Mts) and one locality in the southern Carpathians (Bucegi Mts). The possible causes of disjunctions between and within species ranges are briefly discussed. Based on the distributional data, population sizes and ecology, we evaluate the conservation status of the P. alpicola taxa and propose their inclusion in national Red Lists.     

Holocene dynamics of the alpine timberline in the High Sudetes

The study focuses on the High Sudetes that represent the most distinctive islands of alpine forest-free area among hercynian mid-mountains of Central Europe. Based on data from newly taken cores and previously published pollen profiles, comparison of the development of the alpine timberline position is carried out. The first of the analysed pollen profiles — the Labsky důl core in the Krkonoše Mts spans the whole period of the Holocene, the Keprník and Mezikotlí profiles in the Hruby Jeseník Mts bring information from the Subboreal/older Subatlanticum turn to the present. An exceptional position of the Krkonoše Mts in terms of permanent presence of the alpine belt throughout the Holocene was confirmed. Three oscillations of the alpine timberline during the Lower Holocene were detected in the profile from the Labsky důl site. In the Hruby Jeseník Mts a temperature dependent forest-free area existed at least since Subboreal to the present.     

新疆阿尔泰山曲尾藓科2个中国新记录种

阿尔泰山是欧亚大陆最为宏伟的山脉之一,其中段的西南坡坐落于中国新疆境内,众多具温带性质的藓类植物分布于此。作者在对阿尔泰山进行苔藓植物区系调查过程中,发现了分布于阿尔泰山的喀纳斯自然保护区及布尔津县禾木乡的2个藓类植物中国新记录种——隶属曲尾藓科的短叶曲尾藓[Dicranum brevifolium(Lindb.)Lindb.]和卷叶小曲尾藓[Dicranella crispa(Hedw.)Schimp.]。由地理分布可知,短叶曲尾藓和卷叶小曲尾藓在中国皆为稀有种类。     

Two New Species of Caddisflies of the Genus Lepidostoma Rambur (Trichoptera: Lepidostomatidae) from the Great Basin

Two new species of Caddisflies from the Great Basin region in California and Nevada are described. Lepidostoma castalianum sp. nov., collected at a spring in the White Mts. of Mono Co., California, is closely related to L. verodum Ross. L. ojanum sp. nov., collected at three separate springs in the White Mts. of Inyo Co., California, and one spring in Mineral Co., Nevada, is a member of the unicolor species group, similar to L. frosti (Milne) and L. unicolor (Banks).     

Helminth infections in faecal samples of wolves Canis lupus L. from the western Beskidy Mountains in southern Poland

Eighty-nine samples of grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) faeces were collected between 2002 and 2004 from two areas in the western Beskidy Mts (south Poland). Helminth eggs were observed in 56.2% of faeces examined. These included: Alaria alata (2.2%), taeniid eggs (11.2%), Toxocara canis (5.6%), Toxascaris leonina (1.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (14.6%), Ancylostoma caninum (12.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (37%) and unidentified roundworm eggs of the family Strongyloididae (1.1%). Eucoleus aerophilus is recorded for the first time from Poland. The results are compared with the helminth fauna of other wolf populations in Europe.     

大仓鼠的核型与B染色体研究

采用骨髓细胞染色体制片法,对分布于山东济南、泰山、东北长白山和陕西西安的大仓鼠的染色体组型、Ｇ－带、Ｃ－带和银染核型进行了分析研究。济南、西安和长白山的标本的二倍体数目和核型相似,２ｎ＝２８,２２ｔ＋４ｍ＋ＸＹ（ｓｔ,ｍ）。泰山标本的二倍体数目为２ｎ＝２８～２９,即在６７５％的中期相中多出了一条形态最小的端着丝粒染色体,这条染色体为Ｂ染色体,可能起源于Ｘ染色体。泰山标本的Ａ染色体组与上述３地标本相同。４地标本的Ｇ－带、Ｃ－带和银染核型相似。除Ｂ染色体外,每个端着丝粒染色体都具有着丝粒异染色质,ＡｇＮＯＲｓ较恒定地出现在Ｎｏｓ２,４,８,９,１３染色体上。也就是说大仓鼠的Ｂ染色体为Ｃ－带阴性,不携带核仁组织者。这种Ｂ染色体Ｃ－带阴性的特征在赤狐、黑家鼠和大林姬鼠朝鲜亚种中亦有报道。