The genus Campylocheta (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Japan

Seven new species of Campylocheta are described and illustrated from Japan: abdominalis from Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu, flaviceps from Honshu and Tsushima, grisea from Kyushu, argenticeps from Honshu, bisetosa from Hokkaido and Honshu, hirticeps from Hokkaido, Honshu and Tsushima, and suwai from Hokkaido. Campylocheta dentifera Richter and C. umbrinervis Mesnil are redescribed and a key to nine Japanese species is provided.     

Comparative antigenicity of spore coat proteins from Bacillus species using antibody to spore coat proteins of Bacillus megaterium

Spore coat proteins obtained by extraction with sodium dodecylsulfate/dithiothreitol from six Bacillus spores were compared by immunoblot analysis using antibodies to spore coat proteins from two strains of B. megaterium. Although the extract from spores of each strain had heterogenous proteins with various molecular weights, there were some bands which cross-reacted with specific antibodies from B. megaterium spores. Specific antibody to 48K protein from B. megaterium ATCC 12872 cross-reacted with 17K protein from B. megaterium ATCC 19213, 13K protein from B. cereus and 50K protein from B. subtilis 60015 and B. subtilis NRRL B558. Also, specific antibody to 22K protein from the same strain cross-reacted with 22K and 17K proteins from B. megaterium ATCC 19213 and 13K protein from B. cereus T. Specific antibody to 17K protein from B. megaterium ATCC 19213 reacted with 22K and 19K proteins in addition to 17K protein of own strain, and it was cross-reactive with 16K protein from B. megaterium ATCC 12872, 19K and 27K proteins from B. thiaminolyticus, 13K protein from B. cereus.     

New spies and new combinations in Aphelandra (Acanthaceae) from Ecuador and adjacent Peru

Nine new species and a new variety are described: Aphelandra villonacensis from prov. Loja, A. anderssonii from Loja, A. azuayensis from Azuay, A. rumbecensis from Tumbes, Peru, A. zamorensis from Zamora-Chinchipe, A. loxensis from Loja, A. neillii from Zamora-Chinchipe, A. rosulata var. albinotata from Morona-Santiago, A. albinotata from Esmeraldas, and A. mollissima from San Martin, Peru. The new taxa are described, illustrated, and compared with their closest relatives. Two new combinations are made: Aphelandra modesta and A. rosulata .     

Saprophytic fungi isolated from the hair of domestic and laboratory animals with suspected dermatophytosis

Hair samples from domestic and laboratory animals with suspected dermatophytosis were examined for the presence of saprophytic fungi. A nutritionally poor base medium, developed by the author, was used in the isolation and identification of the saprophytes. Three hundred and ninety-four specimens were examined of which 246 were from dogs, 75 from cats, 30 from horses, 19 from cows, 12 from guinea pigs, 5 from rats, 2 from parakeets, 2 from chinchillas and one each from a goat, a mink and a lesser panda (Ailurus fulgens). Moulds classified in 32 genera were isolated. The commonest in order of frequency were members of the genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Mucor, Aureobasidium, Alternaria, Scopulariopsis, Trichoderma and Trichothecium. The yeasts that were isolated were not identified. Aureobasidium pullulans was isolated significantly more often (chi 2 test p less than 0.025) from the dog samples than those from cats, Cladosporium spp. in the samples from dogs than horses, Mucor spp. from the cow samples than horses, Penicillium spp. from the dog samples than those of cats or horses. Skin infections caused by any of the contaminants were not encountered.     

Comparative studies on thymidylate synthetase from P. berghei and mouse reticulocytes

Partially purified thymidylate synthetase from Plasmodium berghei and mouse reticulocytes was characterized. The mol. wt of the enzyme from P. berghei was about twice that from mouse reticulocytes. The optimum pH of the enzyme from P. berghei was found to be 6.5-7.5 while that from the host was 7.0-8.0. The enzyme from P. berghei was more susceptible to pH denaturation than the enzyme from reticulocytes. The enzyme from both sources differed in their Km values for substrates. The enzyme from reticulocytes was less sensitive to inhibition by substrate analogs than that from P. berghei.     

Effect of ethanol on activity of the plasma-membrane ATPase in, and accumulation of glycine by, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The pH optimum of the ATPase activity in plasma membranes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC 431 from 8 h cultures was around 6.5 and that in membranes from organisms from 16 h cultures near 6.0. The Km[ATP] of the enzyme was virtually unaffected by the age of the culture from which organisms were harvested, although the Vmax of the enzyme in membranes from organisms from 8 h cultures was higher than that for organisms from 16 h cultures. Ethanol non-competitively inhibited ATPase activity in membranes, although the inhibition constant for the enzyme from organisms from 8 h cultures was lower than that from organisms from 16 h cultures. Glycine accumulation by the general amino acid permease was non-competitively inhibited by ethanol. Inhibition constants were virtually the same for glycine uptake by deenergized organisms from 8 h and 16 h cultures, but under energized conditions the value was greater for organisms from 16 h rather than 8 h cultures. The data indicate that inhibition of plasma-membrane ATPase activity by ethanol could account, at least in part, for inhibition of glycine accumulation by ethanol.     

Seroprevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens in Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Poland, and Vietnam

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging chickens (Gallus domesticus) is a good indicator of the prevalence of the parasite's oocysts in soil because chicken feed from the ground. The prevalence of T. gondii in free-range chickens from Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Poland, and Vietnam was determined using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 41 (64%) of 64 chickens from Ghana, 24 (24.4%) of 98 chickens from Indonesia, 10 (12.5%) of 80 chickens from Italy, 6 (30%) of 20 chickens from Poland, and 81 (24.2%) of 330 chickens from Vietnam. Hearts and brains of chickens were bioassayed for T. gondii. Viable T. gondii was isolated from 2 chickens from Ghana, 1 chicken from Indonesia, 3 chickens from Italy, 2 chickens from Poland, and 1 chicken from Vietnam. Toxoplasma gondii isolates from 9 chickens were genotyped using 10 PCR-RFLP markers including SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. A total of 7 genotypes was identified; the 3 isolates from chickens from Italy were clonal type II, and the others were nonclonal. This is the first report of genetic characterization of T. gondii isolates from animals from these countries.     

Toxigenic Fungi in Food

Forty-five fungal isolates from moldy supermarket foods were tested for toxicity to brine shrimp, and twenty-two of these isolates were subsequently tested for toxicity to chicken embryos. Highly toxigenic fungi were Cladosporium sphaerospermum from a bakery product, Fusarium oxysporum from carrots, F. solani from cabbage, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum from bread, P. cyclopium and P. herguei from corn meal, P. lanosum from onions,P. steckii from chocolate syrup, Penicillium sp. from jelly, and Rhizopus nigricans isolates from sweet potato, applesauce, and strawberries. Approximately one-third of the fungal cultures were moderately to highly toxigenic to brine shrimp and chicken embryos, while several additional cultures were slightly toxigenic.     

Isolation of vegetable wasps and plant worms, Cordyceps nutans, from fruit-body tissue

We isolated Cordyceps nutans from the stipe and abdominal tissues of fruit bodies using a surface sterilization method. Hyphal growth was observed in inocula from both the stipe and abdominal tissue. Some strains from discharged ascospores were obtained and colony characteristics were compared to the strains isolated from the tissues. Colonies of isolates from ascospores grew quite slowly. Isolates of 43 from the 52 examined fruit bodies formed colonies similar to those from ascospores. To confirm the success of isolation, we analyzed by PCR-RFLP of the ITS regions of rDNA samples from fruit bodies, isolates from fruit bodies, and isolates from ascospores. All the isolates obtained from stipe and abdominal tissues presented identical patterns. In this study, we report the first successful isolation of C. nutans from fruit-body tissue using a surface sterilization method.     

Isolation of protoplasts from somatic embryos of carrot

Protoplasts were isolated enzymatically from synchronously induced globular somatic embryos from a carrot suspension culture. Among the macerating enzymes tested, Driselase was the most effective for release of protoplasts from embryos. A higher medium osmolarity was required for the isolation of protoplasts from embryos than from undifferentiated cells. Protoplasts from embryos were smaller than protoplasts from undifferentiated cells. On step gradients of Ficoll, protoplasts from embryos gave one major band. Protoplasts from undifferentiated cells gave two major bands, one lighter and the other heavier than the protoplasts from embryos.     

Aeolid opisthobranch molluscs (Glaucidae) from the Indian Ocean and the south-west Pacific

Eight aeolid opisthobranch molluscs of the subfamilies Facelininae, Favorininae, and Herviellinae are reported from Tanzanian waters, and two species from Northwestern India. New records from Queensland, Australia greatly extend the range of two species reported from Tanzania. Phidiana militaris (Alder & Hancock) and P. indica (Bergh) are shown to be distinct and a species from New Zealand, originally identified as P. militaris , is shown to be new. P. bourailli (Risbec), previously reported only from New Caledonia, is described from Tanzania, as is a new species of Phidiana. Favorinus japonicus Baba is reported from Tanzania, the first published record outside Japan, a new species of Godiva is described from Tanzania and Queensland, and three new species of Sakuraeolis are described, one from India and two from Tanzania. A new species of Herviella is described from Tanzania.     

Distribution of Aeromonas hydrophila hybridization groups and their virulence properties in Australasian clinical and environmental strains

A total of 182 Aeromonas hydrophila strains isolated from environmental (food and water) and clinical (stool and other sources) samples taken in mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand were assigned to one of three DNA/DNA hybridization groups (HGs) on the basis of biochemical characteristics, and tested with regard to their ability to produce virulence factors. Strains from HG2 were rarely isolated; strains from HG1 were most commonly isolated from clinical sources; and strains from HG3 formed the majority of environmental strains. There was no correlation of HG to geographic source. Strains from HG2 infrequently produced virulence factors. Strains from HG1 were more likely to produce virulence factors if they came from a clinical source. Overall, strains from mainland Australia produced virulence factors more frequently than those from Tasmania or New Zealand. Strains from HG1 may be of more clinical significance than strains from the other two HGs.     

Rabbit collagenase. Immunological identity of the enzymes released from cells and tissues in normal and pathological conditions.

1. The immunological cross-reactivity between rabbit collagenases from a variety of normal and pathological sources was examined. The specific antibody raised against collagenase secreted from normal rabbit synovial fibroblasts gave reactions of complete identity with collagenases secreted from fibroblasts derived from rabbit skin, and from synovium from experimentally arthritic rabbits. 2. The rabbit fibroblast collagenase was immunologically identical with collagenases obtained from the organ culture medium of normal rabbit skin, synovium, ear fibrocartilage and subchondral bone. 3. Collagenases from the culture media of normal rabbit synovium and from hyperplastic synovium of rabbits made experimentally arthritic were identical. 4. The collagenase secreted from rabbit fibroblasts gave a reaction completely identical with that of a collagenase extracted directly from a rabbit carcinoma. 5. IgG (immunoglobulin G) from a specific antiserum to rabbit fibroblast collagenase was a potent inhibitor of the collagenases obtained from the culture media of the various rabbit cells and tissues. 6. Collagenases from human synovium and from mouse macrophages and bone were neither precipitated nor inhibited by antibodies to rabbit collagenase. 7. No immunoreactive material was found in lysates of rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocyte granules with the specific antisera to rabbit fibroblast collagenase. No evidence for inactive forms of rabbit collagenase in lysates of the rabbit synovial fibroblasts could be found, either by double immunodiffusion against the specific collagenase, or by displacement of active enzyme from inhibition by the IgG.     

GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN SKULL MORPHOLOGY OF ADULT STELLER SEA LIONS (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS)

Data from cranial specimens of adult E. jubatus were analyzed to compare intraspecific morphology of skulls. Males and females were grouped separately to avoid bias from sexual dimorphism. Geographic variation was observed in adult male E. jubutus , indicating the potential presence of three morphologically disparate groups: those from Alaska, those from California, and those from Japan and Russia. Although sample sizes were small, results from cluster and discriminant function analyses indicated that specimens from eastern and western Alaska were morphologically similar, and that the most divergent specimens for the species appeared to be those from Japan. Skulls from Alaska possessed a typically longer, less robust skull, whereas those from Japan appeared smaller, yet most robust. Skulls from California were intermediate.     

不同群体鳙的生长性能与遗传分析

1982至1986年,在上海与广东两地精养鱼池中,对来源于不同繁殖群体的鳙,即长江水系天然繁殖的鳙和人工繁殖的鳙,珠江水系天然繁殖和人工繁殖的鳙,用随机区组成试验法观察比较了2龄和3龄阶段的生长速度,结果一致表明：在同一环境里,天然繁殖鳙比人工繁殖鳙长得快,长江天然繁殖鳙比珠江天然繁殖鳙长得快,长江人工繁殖鳙比珠江人工殖鳙长得快,差距约5％左右,方差组分和遗传相关分析进一步揭示,遗传因子在不同繁殖群体鳙的生长差异上起有重要作用。     

Influence of Indigenous Microbiota on Amount of Protein and Activities of Alkaline Phosphatase and Disaccharidases in Extracts of Intestinal Mucosa in Mice

The protein content and the activities of alkaline phosphatase, maltase, and sucrase were measured at 0800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 in saline extracts of the proximal small bowels of germfree and of ex-germfree mice colonized with an indigenous microbiota. In extracts prepared from germfree mice, the total activities of all of the enzymes were relatively constant throughout the sampling period. Likewise, the total activity of alkaline phosphatase in extracts prepared from associated mice varied little as a function of time. By contrast, the total activities of maltase and sucrase in the extracts from these latter animals varied significantly from sample to sample. The total activity levels in extracts from germfree mice were approximately twofold greater than the levels in extracts from associated mice. The specific activities of alkaline phosphatase and sucrase did not vary from sample to sample in extracts prepared from either type of mouse. In contrast, the specific activity of maltase in extracts prepared from both germfree and associated mice differed significantly from sample to sample. The specific activities of all three enzymes were greater in extracts from germfree animals than in those from associated animals. The protein content of extracts prepared from germfree mice also was greater than that of extracts prepared from associated animals at every sampling time. The amount of protein extractable from the mucosa of the small bowels of the former animals varied significantly at different sampling times during the day, whereas the amount of protein extractable from the tracts of associated animals remained relatively constant throughout the day. The indigenous microbiota apparently stabilizes in some way the amount of protein extractable from the mucosa of the mouse small bowel.     

Microbes from apiarian sources: Bacillus spp. in frass of the greater wax moth

Frass from the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, obtained from feral colonies of honey bees, Apis mellifera; from managed honey bee colonies; and from a laboratory culture of the wax moth was sampled for aerobic Gram-positive spore-forming rods. One hundred eighty-five strains belonging to the genus Bacillus were isolated, and most were identified. One hundred and three of the isolates were from frass from the wax moth culture, 61 were from frass from managed honey bee colonies, and 21 were from frass from feral honey bee colonies. The species most frequently isolated varied with the source. Fifty-eight isolates from frass from managed honey bee colonies were B. cereus which was isolated from this source only, but B. sphaericus was the most frequent isolate from frass from the wax moth culture. Bacillus megaterium and organisms belonging to the B. alvei-B. thiaminolyticus spectrum were the most frequent isolates from frass from feral honey bee colonies. Most strains isolated produced caprylate esterase-lipase, leucine aminopeptidase, and phosphoamidase. The numbers of isolates, the species, and the enzymatic activity of the strains varied with the source of the frass. In fact, the complete microbial complement varied with the source. These results are discussed in relation to possible roles of Bacillus spp. in the nutrition of the wax moth as well as the microbial ecology of the honey bee colony.     

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from Hawaii's Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae: Myrtales), a model species for ecology and evolution

We developed 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Hawaiian tree Metrosideros polymorpha. These loci were screened against two varieties from several populations and from 23 individuals from one mid-elevation population on Hawaii Island. Loci were variable with the number of alleles per locus ranging from three to 24. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.222 to 0.941, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.261 to 0.955.     

Differences in molybdenum uptake by micro-organisms from the rhizosphere ofraphanus sativus L. grown in two soils of similar origin

Summary Differences have been shown in molybdenum uptake by microorganisms from the rhizosphere and soil sampled away from the roots, of the radish,Raphanus sativus L., grown in market garden soils from Napier and Hastings (New Zealand).The organisms from the rhizosphere of plants in Hastings soil concentrated up to 55 ppm of molybdenum dry weight when grown in a liquid medium made from Hastings soil extract and supplemented with carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulphur and molybdenum. The growth from an inoculum of pooled fungal isolates from the rhizosphere has been shown to contain a higher concentration of molybdenum than growth from pooled bacterial or streptomycete isolates. The growth from a combined bacterial and streptomycete inoculum contained a higher concentration of molybdenum than the growth from either group alone.Organisms from the rhizosphere and soil sampled away from the roots of radishes grown in Napier soil did not contain such high concentrations of molybdenum.No significant differences in the frequency of morphological types were found in the isolates from either soil.     

New and noteworthy species of Indigofera (Leguminosae) from NE Africa

Six new species of Indigofera are described: I. eremophila Thulin from E Ethiopia, I. mooneyi Thulin from the highlands of SW Ethiopia, I. boranica Thulin from SE Ethiopia and NE Kenya, I. gyrata Thulin and I. ammophila Thulin from NE Kenya, and I. cana Thulin from north–central Ethiopia. I. cavallii Chiov., previously known only from the type from S Somalia, is reported also from NE Kenya.