Induction of in vitro flowering in Dendrobium Madame Thong-In (Orchidaceae) seedlings is associated with increase in endogenous N(6)-(Delta (2)-isopentenyl)-adenine (iP) and N (6)-(Delta (2)-isopentenyl)-adenosine (iPA) levels

We analysed the endogenous cytokinin levels of Dendrobium Madame Thong-In seedlings grown in vitro during vegetative and flowering-inductive periods. HPLC was used to fractionate the extracts and radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for assay of zeatin (Z), dihydrozeatin (DZ), N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl)-adenine (iP) and their derivatives. Coconut water used in experiments was found to contain high level (>136 pmol ml(-1)) of zeatin riboside (ZR). Protocorms and seedlings cultured in medium with coconut water were found to contain 0.5-3.9 pmol g(-1) FW of the cytokinins analysed. Seedlings (1.0-1.5 cm) cultured in flowering-inductive liquid medium containing 6-benzyladenine (BA, 4.4 muM) and coconut water (CW, 15%) contained up to 200 and 133 pmol g(-1) FW of iP and iPA, respectively. These levels were significantly higher than all other cytokinins analysed in seedlings of the same stage and were about 80- to 150-folds higher than seedlings cultured in non-inductive medium. During the transitional (vegetative to reproductive) stage, the endogenous levels of iP (178 pmol g(-1) FW) and iPA (63 pmol g(-1) FW) were also significantly higher than cytokinins in the zeatine (Z) and dihydrozeatin (DZ) families in the same seedlings. Seedlings that grew on inductive medium but remained vegetative contained lower levels of iPA. The importance of the profiles of iP and its derivatives in induction of in vitro flowering of D. Madame Thong-In is discussed.     

Linkage of plasminogen (PLG) and apolipoprotein(a) (LPA) in baboons.

Four allelic forms of serum plasminogen (PLG) were detected in baboons (Papio hamadryas Linneaus 1758) by isoelectric focusing and were determined to be inherited as autosomal codominant traits. Linkage analysis of data from 179 progeny and their parents revealed that PLG is tightly linked (lod score = 30.20) to the gene encoding apolipoprotein(a) (LPA), as in humans. No recombinant individuals were identified. This is the first linkage detected between PLG and LPA in any species other than humans and is the first genetic linkage identified in a nonhuman primate species by family studies.     

Chromosome numbers in antlions (Myrmeleontidae) and owlflies (Ascalaphidae) (Insecta,Neuroptera)

A short review of main cytogenetic features of insects belonging to the sister neuropteran families Myrmeleontidae (antlions) and Ascalaphidae (owlflies) is presented, with a particular focus on their chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems. Diploid male chromosome numbers are listed for 37 species, 21 genera from 9 subfamilies of the antlions as well as for seven species and five genera of the owlfly subfamily Ascalaphinae. The list includes data on five species whose karyotypes were studied in the present work. It is shown here that antlions and owlflies share a simple sex chromosome system XY/XX; a similar range of chromosome numbers, 2n = 14-26 and 2n = 18-22 respectively; and a peculiar distant pairing of sex chromosomes in male meiosis. Usually the karyotype is particularly stable within a genus but there are some exceptions in both families (in the genera Palpares and Libelloides respectively). The Myrmeleontidae and Ascalaphidae differ in their modal chromosome numbers. Most antlions exhibit 2n = 14 and 16, and Palparinae are the only subfamily characterized by higher numbers, 2n = 22, 24, and 26. The higher numbers, 2n = 20 and 22, are also found in owlflies. Since the Palparinae represent a basal phylogenetic lineage of the Myrmeleontidae, it is hypothesized that higher chromosome numbers are ancestral for antlions and were inherited from the common ancestor of Myrmeleontidae + Ascalaphidae. They were preserved in the Palparinae (Myrmeleontidae), but changed via chromosomal fusions toward lower numbers in other subfamilies.     

Barbels and related muscles in Mullidae (Perciformes) and Polymixiidae (Polymixiiformes)

Barbels of the Mullidae and Polymixiidae were observed osteologically and myologically. They were considered to be derived from branchiostegal rays. Four muscles, the extensor tentaculi, retractor tentaculi, and two sections of rotator tentaculi, were related to the barbels in both families. These muscles originate from almost all the hyoid bones in mullids, whereas they originate only from the ventral hypohyal and fifth branchiostegal ray in polymixiids. In addition, each muscle related to the barbel of the former is independent from others, but that of the latter is interconnected. These muscular differences indicate that the barbels occurring in the two families are nonhomologous. Received: August 27, 2000 / Revised: April 11, 2001/ Accepted: May 13, 2001     

Mitochondria-rich cells in the astigmatic mites,Diplaegidia columbae (Buchholz) (Analgidae) and Falculifer rostratus (Buchholz) (Falculiferidae) (Acari: Astigmata)

Mitochondria are well-characterized intracellular organelles usually concentrated in locations of high energy consumption. Light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic observations of the internal anatomy of the feather mites Diplaegidia columbae and Falculifer rostratus were conducted. In the anterior half of the bodies of the mites, we found several dozen of distinctive mitochondria-rich (MR) cells filled with abundant, large mitochondria. Mitochondria are placed individually or enclosed in small groups within an elaborated lamellar system forming a mitochondria–lamellae complex (MLC). The role of the MLC as well as the MR cells is not clear at present, but their involvement in heat generation is hypothesized and briefly discussed.     

侧柏雌球果及其胚珠的发育

Seed cone in Platycladus orientalis (L.) France consists of four or five pairs of decussate bracts. Usually, two pairs of the fertile bracts in the middle of the cone subtend six ovules, which initiate in an acropetal manner. Only one ovule presents on each of the upper fertile bract, while two ovules initiate from a common primordium in the axil of lower bracts. In Beijing, most female cones initiated in July. All parts of the cone formed before dormancy, which occurred during November to the next January. After pollination in March, bract morphology changed dramatically; intercalary growth of the bract base formed a conspicuous protuberance, in which inverted vascular system developed. Furthermore, ovules on different pairs of bracts initiated in an acropetal manner and two ovules in each lower fertile bract initiated from a common primordium, which was different from the basipetal initiation of ovules and independently formed single ovule as reported by Takaso in Calltris.     

fra(1) (p11), fra(1) (q22) and r(1) (p11q22) in a retarded girl.

A mentally retarded girl with a 46,XX/47, XX+r(1) (p11q22q22p11)/47, XX+r(1) (p11q22) fra(1) (p31) fra(1) (p11) fra(1) (q22) karyotype who inherited the fragile sites from the normal mother was studied. The conicidence of fra(1) (p11) and fra(1) (q22) with the ring chromosome breakpoints strongly suggests a cause-effect relationship. This finding agrees with other reported associations between fragile sites and structural chromosome abnormalities and constitutes the fourth reported of a de novo structurally abnormal chromosome as a consequence of presumed in vivo fragile sites instability. Although risk figures for chromosome anomalies and cancer associated with fragile sites are lacking, carriers of fra (1) (p11) may have a higher risk for abnormalities of chromosome 1 in somatic and gonadal cells than the general population.     

Metabolism of (3-(14)C)tryptophan and (2-(14)C)alanine in cattle tissues

In the experiments involving incubation of the liver, brain cortex, muscle and adipose tissues homogenates with [3-14C] tryptophan for an hour 43.2-89.3% of the label was found in proteins, 7.2-47.2%--in lipids, 2.6-9.4%--in CO2. Following incubation of the above-mentioned tissue homogenates with [2-14C] alanine, proteins, lipids and CO2 contain 28.8-49.3%; 22.6-31.9% and 21.6-49.3% of radioactive label, respectively. Radioactivity of lipids synthesized by the homogenates of the investigated tissues from [3-14C] tryptophan and [2-14C] alanine is 23.5-63.5 and 21.1-56.0%, respectively, the radioactivity of CO2 being 1.4-5.1 and 9.3-11.8% of the above-mentioned compounds synthesized from [1-14C] acetate. The results obtained testify to the considerable contribution of [3-14C] tryptophan and [2-14C] alanine to protein synthesis as well as to their involvement in the substrate supply of lipogenesis and energetic processes in various organs and tissues of cattle.     

Role of tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) gene modules in catabolism of 3-chlorobenzoate by Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4)

The enzymes chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase, chloromuconate cycloisomerase, dienelactone hydrolase, and maleylacetate reductase allow Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4) to degrade chlorocatechols formed during growth in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate or 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB). There are two gene modules located in plasmid pJP4, tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) (module I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) (module II), putatively encoding these enzymes. To assess the role of both tfd modules in the degradation of chloroaromatics, each module was cloned into the medium-copy-number plasmid vector pBBR1MCS-2 under the control of the tfdR regulatory gene. These constructs were introduced into R. eutropha JMP222 (a JMP134 derivative lacking pJP4) and Pseudomonas putida KT2442, two strains able to transform 3-CB into chlorocatechols. Specific activities in cell extracts of chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase (tfdC), chloromuconate cycloisomerase (tfdD), and dienelactone hydrolase (tfdE) were 2 to 50 times higher for microorganisms containing module I compared to those containing module II. In contrast, a significantly (50-fold) higher activity of maleylacetate reductase (tfdF) was observed in cell extracts of microorganisms containing module II compared to module I. The R. eutropha JMP222 derivative containing tfdR-tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) grew four times faster in liquid cultures with 3-CB as a sole carbon and energy source than in cultures containing tfdR-tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II). In the case of P. putida KT2442, only the derivative containing module I was able to grow in liquid cultures of 3-CB. These results indicate that efficient degradation of 3-CB by R. eutropha JMP134(pJP4) requires the two tfd modules such that TfdCDE is likely supplied primarily by module I, while TfdF is likely supplied by module II.     

Patterns of growth and heterochrony in moundbuilders (Megapodiidae) and fowl (Phasianidae)

Megapode hatchlings are "superprecocial" compared to hatchlings of other Galliformes. In this paper, we examine patterns of growth and inquire about evolutionary processes that led to different degrees of precocity at hatching in Galliformes. The postnatal development of body mass and that of seven morphometric parameters of wing and leg of Brush Turkey Alectura lathami , Peacock Pavo cristatus , Pheasant Phasianus colchicus and Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica was characterized by the ratio of exponential growth rate ( EGR ) to relative size (ln  ( W / A) ; W =size at a given age; A =asymptote) at a given age. From that relationship, we derived developmental trajectories as the slopes of a least squares regression of EGR on relative size. The slopes of the developmental trajectories are indicative of the degree of precocity of development. We found that Brush Turkey, Peacock, and Pheasant follow the same developmental trajectory. However, the Brush Turkey hatches heterochronically delayed on that trajectory and consequently, its hatchlings are superprecocial. The Quail follows a significantly steeper developmental trajectory and hatches with a high degree of embryonic function ( EGR ). From a comparative phylogenetic analysis we reconstruct the ancestral galliform developmental trajectory and infer that hypermorphosis of Brush Turkey embryos led to the superprecocial hatchlings. The steeper developmental trajectory of Quail is evolutionary derived from ancestral patterns of growth by somatic paedomorphosis. Using a multivariate approach we show that development of different parts of the body is coherent, i.e., that patterns of development of wing and leg do not vary independently of each other. Consequently, selection for changed development of any part of the wing or the leg will cause the other parts to change too.     

Copper (II) and cobalt (II) complexes of chiral tetrathiafulvalene-oxazoline (TTF-OX) and tetrathiafulvalene-thiomethyl-oxazoline (TTF-SMe-OX) derivatives

Synthesis and single crystal X-ray structures of the first paramagnetic transition metal complexes containing chiral ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene-oxazoline (EDT-TTF-OX) 1a-c and ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene-thiomethyloxazoline 2 (EDT-TTF-(SMe)OX) ligands based on copper (II) and cobalt (II) are described. The racemic [EDT-TTF-OX][Cu(hfac)₂] complex 3a crystallizes in the triclinic centrosymmetric space group , whereas the enantiopure counterparts 3b-c crystallize in the triclinic non-centrosymmetric space group P1. Cu(II) adopts a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry, a much weaker Cu?S_TTF interaction also being identified. The same coordination pattern around Cu(II) is observed in the complex [(rac)-EDT-TTF-(SMe)OX][Cu(hfac)₂] (4) in spite of the bidentate nature of the redox active ligand. DFT theoretical calculations afforded two equilibrium configurations for a corresponding model complex, in which the metal centre establishes secondary coordination either with one S_TTF or with the SMe group. The same ligand coordinates the cobalt (II) to afford the octahedral complex [(rac)-EDT-TTF-(SMe)OX][Co(hfac)₂] (5). In all these novel complexes, the paramagnetic centres are structurally and magnetically isolated. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show the stability of the radical cation species.     

Dy(3+) and Mn(2+) emission in fluoride- and chloride-based Na(3) (SO(4) )X (X = F or Cl) phosphors

In the present study, Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) halosulphate phosphors have been synthesized by the solid‐state diffusion method. The phase formation of the compounds Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl were confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectrum measurement of Na₃(SO₄)F:Ce³⁺ and Na₃(SO₄)Cl:Ce³⁺ shows this phosphor can be efficiently excited by near‐ultraviolet (UV) light and presents a dominant luminescence band centred at 341 nm for Ce³⁺, which is responsible for energy transfer to Dy³⁺and Mn²⁺ ions. The efficient Ce³⁺ → Dy³⁺ energy transfer in Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl under UV wavelength was observed due to ⁴ F_9/2 to ⁶H_15/2 and ⁶H_13/2 level, while Ce³⁺ → Mn²⁺ was observed due to ⁴ T₁ state to ⁶A₁. The purpose of the present study is to develop and understanding the photoluminescence properties of Ce³⁺‐, Dy³⁺‐ and Mn²⁺‐doped fluoride and chloride Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) luminescent material, which can be the efficient phosphors in many applications, such as scintillation applications, TL dosimetry and the lamp industry, etc. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Floral nectaries and nectar production in brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and white mustard (Sinapis alba) (Brassicaceae)

 The dynamics and abundance of nectar secretion as well as sugar productivity were studied in flowers of brown mustard (Brassica juncea) cv. Małopolska and white mustard (Sinapis alba) cv. Borowska. Moreover, floral nectaries were examined under LM and SEM. In both cultivars lateral and median pairs of nectaries secreted nectar. However, differences were found in morphology and activity of these pairs. The lateral nectaries produced more nectar than the median ones. Nectar secretion started at loose bud and peaked during anther dehiscence. Average amount of nectarsecreted by 100 flowers of cv. Małopolska and cv. Borowska were 119.9 mg and 134 mg. Mean concentration of nectar was 26.7% and 23.4%, respectively. One hundred flowers of cv. Małopolska and cv. Borowska secreted 28.4 mg and 24.9 mg of sugars in nectar. Estimated sugar productivity per 1 ha of crop was 65.5 kg and 71.2 kg, respectively. Received August 28, 2002; accepted November 2, 2002 Published online: June 2, 2003     

Cylicospirura species (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) and stomach nodules in cougars (Puma concolor) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in Oregon

The stomachs and proximal duodena of 160 cougars (Puma concolor) and 17 bobcats (Lynx rufus), obtained throughout Oregon during 7 yr, were examined for Cylicospirura spp. and associated lesions. Prevalence in cougars was 73%, with a range in intensity of 1-562 worms. The mean diameter of nodules was 1.2 cm (SD=0.5), and many extended through the submucosa to the muscularis. About 83% of cougars had nodules; most nodules contained worms, but 14% of the smaller nodules (<0.2 cm) contained porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) quills. A mean of 12.4 worms/nodule (SD=34.1) was observed, with a maximum of 340 worms/nodule. Prevalence in bobcats was 53%, with an intensity of 1-25 worms. About 65% of bobcats had nodules, which were slightly smaller than those in cougars but appeared to involve similar layers of gastrointestinal tissue. One to 25 Cylicospirura sp. were found in all but two small nodules in bobcats. Cougars killed for livestock damage or safety concerns had a significantly higher median worm intensity than did those that died of other causes. Also, the median worm intensity of older cougars was higher than that of younger lions. There were more males than females killed for livestock damage or safety concerns. The cylicospirurid from cougars was Cylicospirura subaequalis, and that of bobcats was Cylicospirura felineus. These two similar species were separated morphologically by differences in tooth and sex organ morphology. They were also differentiated by DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Worm sequences from cougars differed from those from bobcats by 11%, whereas essentially no difference was found among worms from the same host. Phylogenetic analysis showed that within the order Spirurida, both cylicospirurids were most closely related to Spirocerca lupi, based on this gene sequence.     

Behaviour and dispersal in adult Taeniopteryx nebulosa (Linnaeus, 1758) and Perlodes microcephalus (Pictet, 1833) (Plecoptera) in Denmark

Adult Taeniopteryx nebulosa (Linnaeus, 1758 Linnaeus, C. (1758), Systema Naturae (10th ed.), Tom 1, Holmiae. [Google Scholar]) and Perlodes microcephalus (Pictet, 1833 Pictet, J., (1833), ‘Memoire sur la Metamorphoses des Perles’, Annales des Sciences Naturelles, XXVII, 44–55. [Google Scholar]) emerge late winter to early spring in Danish streams. Based on 13 years of study, we have provided new data and discussed little-known aspects of biology of these two species. Taeniopteryx nebulosa male deposits a spermatophore on the female gonopore. Both species are poor fliers and seek high posts for take-off, where they thermoregulate by basking in a pre-flight sun posture for heating flight muscles. Oviposition flight is erratic and short. The females skim back to land. Taeniopteryx nebulosa eggs drift a long distance as single eggs before adhering to vegetation. Perlodes microcephalus eggs drift a short distance as intact eggpackets before they fasten and disintegrate on the bottom. Perlodes microcephalus females select oviposition sites on or close to upstream a riffle. This is critical in ensuring that eggs fasten on stable gravel and stone bottoms. The fast recolonisation of P. microcephalus in Danish streams following restoration measures indicates efficient dispersal ability despite poor flight performance. Adults of both species adhere to clothes, feather and fur. Taeniopteryx nebulosa tarsomeres have many hooked setae, P. microcephalus tarsomeres have some hooked setae and a dense cover of microtrichia. They may disperse by hitchhiking on birds and mammals.