<Emphasis Type="Italic">Barleria compacta</Emphasis>: a new species in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barleria</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prionitis</Emphasis> (Acanthaceae) from Somalia

Following a re-examination of the material treated under Barleria brevispina (Fiori) Hedrén in the recent Flora of Somalia account of the Acanthaceae, it is concluded that two distinct species are involved and Barleria compacta Malombe & I. Darbysh. is described here from north-eastern Somalia. Its affinities and conservation status are discussed.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia</Emphasis> infochemicals on functional traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis</Emphasis> strains (Cyanobacteria)

We conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate the influence of Daphnia infochemicals on growth rate, microcystin production, colony formation and cell size of eight Microcystis strains isolated from two lakes. The strains were characterized genetically by their 16S-23S rDNA ITS sequence. The experiment was composed of four treatments: (1) a control using filtered WC medium, (2) addition of Scenedesmus obliquus culture medium filtrate, (3) addition of Daphnia magna culture medium filtrate and (4) addition of sodium octyl sulphate, a commercially available Daphnia infochemical. Our results showed that sympatric strains differed strongly for the measured functional traits, while no correlations between traits were found. Between-strain differences in growth rate, microcystin production, colony formation and cell size were generally larger than the differences in phenotypes observed between treatments. Despite this, several strains reacted to the infochemicals by changing functional trait values. Daphnia culture medium filtrate and, to a lesser extent, sodium octyl sulphate had a negative influence on the growth rate of half of the strains and stimulated microcystin production in one strain, but the latter effect was not Daphnia-specific as Scenedesmus culture medium filtrate had the same effect. Daphnia culture medium filtrate also induced colony formation in one strain. Our data suggest that Daphnia infochemicals generally have a weak influence on growth rate, microcystin production and colony formation of Microcystis strains as compared to the inter-strain variability, while existing inducible effects are highly strain-specific.     

Structural characteristics of the chloroplast <Emphasis Type="Italic">rpS16</Emphasis> intron in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium sativum</Emphasis> and related <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium</Emphasis> species

The intron sequence of chloroplast rpS16 and the secondary structure of its pre-mRNA were characterized for the first time in 26 Allium sativum accessions of different ecologo-geographical origins and seven related Allium species. The boundaries and main stem-loop consensus sequences were identified for all six domains of the intron. Polymorphism was estimated for the total intron and its regions. The structural regions of the rpS16 intron proved to be heterogeneous for mutation rate and spectrum. Mutations were most abundant in domains II and IV, and transition predominated in domains I, III, V, and VI. In addition to structural elements and motifs typical for group IIB introns, several Allium-specific micro- and macrostructural mutations were revealed. A 290-bp deletion involving domains III and IV and part of domain V was observed in A. altaicum, A. fistulosum, and A. schoenoprasum. Several indels and nucleotide substitutions were found to cause a deviation of the pre-mRNA secondary structure from the consensus model of group II introns.     

Mapping species differences for adventitious rooting in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corymbia torelliana</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corymbia citriodora</Emphasis> subspecies <Emphasis Type="Italic">variegata</Emphasis> hybrid

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection was carried out for adventitious rooting and associated propagation traits in a second-generation outbred Corymbia torelliana × Corymbia citriodora subspecies variegata hybrid family (n = 186). The parental species of this cross are divergent in their capacity to develop roots adventitiously on stem cuttings and their propensity to form lignotubers. For the ten traits studied, there was one or two QTL detected, with some QTL explaining large amounts of phenotypic variation (e.g. 66% for one QTL for percentage rooting), suggesting that major effects influence rooting in this cross. Collocation of QTL for many strongly genetically correlated rooting traits to a single region on linkage group 12 suggested pleiotropy. A three locus model was most parsimonious for linkage group 12, however, as differences in QTL position and lower genetic correlations suggested separate loci for each of the traits of shoot production and root initiation. Species differences were thought to be the major source of phenotypic variation for some rooting rate and root quality traits because of the major QTL effects and up to 59-fold larger homospecific deviations (attributed to species differences) relative to heterospecific deviations (attributed to standing variation within species) evident at some QTL for these traits. A large homospecific/heterospecific ratio at major QTL suggested that the gene action evident in one cross may be indicative of gene action more broadly in hybrids between these species for some traits.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus anthracis</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Francisella tularensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yersinia pestis</Emphasis>. The most important bacterial warfare agents — <Emphasis Type="Italic">review</Emphasis>

There are three most important bacterial causative agents of serious infections that could be misused for warfare purposes: Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax) is the most frequently mentioned one; however, Fracisella tularensis (causing tularemia) and Yersinia pestis (the causative agent of plague) are further bacterial agents enlisted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into the category A of potential biological weapons. This review intends to summarize basic information about these bacterial agents. Military aspects of their pathogenesis and the detection techniques suitable for field use are discussed.     

Interaction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus</Emphasis> with bacteria <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter jejuni</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis>

Interaction of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 100NCJB with bacteria Campylobacter jejuni (strains 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and Helicobacter pylori, strain TX30a, was confirmed. The results indicate that lytic activity of bdellovibrios both in liquid media and cells attached to a surface was observed. The potential use of the antimicrobial activity of predatory bacteria for environmental bioprotection and public health is discussed.     

Frequencies of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">DRB1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQA1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQB1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TNFA</Emphasis> alleles in immigrant population of west Siberia

Based on population analysis of the DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and TNFA allele frequency distribution patterns, regional features of immunogenetic structure of the population of West Siberia were investigated. Statistically significant linkage disequilibrium within the HLA class II region, as well as between the TNFA and DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 was demonstrated. Population frequency distribution patterns of two- and multilocus haplotypes were examined.     

Life cycle of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aylax hypecoi</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Insecta: Hymenoptera: Cynipidae</Emphasis>), a gall inducer on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypecoum</Emphasis> ssp. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaveraceae</Emphasis>)

The life cycle and developmental stages of Aylax hypecoi (Trotter, 1913, Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Aylacini) were studied in detail. Aylax hypecoi is known to induce galls in fruits of two Hypecoum species — H. imberbe and H. geslini (Papaveraceae) and the larva develops in host plant fruits. The morphology and development of egg, larva and pupa were investigated, which has previously not been done. The shape and size of terminal-instar larvae and associated galls are sex-specific. Overwintering stage, adult emergence and flying periods, and egg productivity were studied also.     

Revision of “<Emphasis Type="Italic">Septonema ochraceum</Emphasis>” revealed three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Venturiaceae</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Herpotrichiellaceae</Emphasis>

Survey of seven strains determined as Septonema ochraceum (Dothideomycetes, inc. sed.) isolated from pine litter or obtained from public collections revealed three new species, Fusicladium cordae, F. sicilianum (Venturiaceae), Cladophialophora matsushimae (Herpotrichiellaceae) and a cryptic species morphologically identical to Devriesia americana (Teratosphaeriaceae), but phylogenetically distinct. Morphological survey and phylogenetic analysis using nucleotide sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal subunit genes indicate a close relationship within three species colonising pine litter needles, F. cordae, F. pini and F. ramoconidii. F. sicilianum is most related to F. rhodense. C. matsushimae represents a species belonging to one of the lineages of the polyphyletic genus Cladophialophora. None of the strains observed can be classified morphologically as S. ochraceum, of which the type material does not exist.     

Stable coexistence of two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caldicellulosiruptor</Emphasis> species in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">de novo</Emphasis> constructed hydrogen-producing co-culture

Background  

Mixed culture enrichments have been used frequently for biohydrogen production from different feedstock. In spite of the several advantages offered by those cultures, they suffer poor H₂ yield. Constructing defined co-cultures of known H₂ producers may offer a better performance than mixed-population enrichments, while overcoming some of the limitations of pure cultures based on synergies among the microorganisms involved.     

Overexpression of the Chitosanase Gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium solani</Emphasis> via <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">tumefaciens</Emphasis>-Mediated Transformation

To overexpress the chitosanase gene (csn) in F. solani, a vector based on pCAMBIA 1300 was constructed. The csn gene, which is under control of the Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter and A. nidulans trpC terminator, was introduced back into the F. solani genome by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and the herbicide-resistance gene bar from Streptomyces hygroscopicus was used as the selection marker. Transformants which showed a significant increase in chitosanase production (~2.1-fold than control) were obtained. Southern blot analysis indicated that most transformants had a single-copy T-DNA integration.     

Isolation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">madA</Emphasis> homologs in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pilobolus crystallinus</Emphasis>

Pilobolus crystallinus shows unique photoresponses at various growing stages. cDNAs for putative photoreceptors were cloned from this fungus. Three genes named pcmada1, pcmada2, and pcmada3 were identified from the PCR fragments, and amplified with degenerated primers for the LOV domain, which is conserved in many blue-light receptors. Deduced amino acid sequences for PCMADA1, PCMADA2, and PCMADA3 had one light-oxygen-voltage (LOV)-sensing and two PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) domains. A zinc finger DNA-binding motif was conserved in the C-terminals of PCMADA1 and PCMADA3. However, PCMADA2 lacked the zinc finger motif. Expression of pcmada1 was suppressed by blue light whereas that of pcmada3 was promoted by blue-light irradiation.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gagea robusta</Emphasis> (Liliaceae), a new species from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flora Iranica</Emphasis> area

A new species, endemic to the Flora Iranica area, Gagea robusta (Liliaceae) is described and illustrated. It differs from G. reticulata (Pall.) Schult. & Schult. f. in having a puberulent indumentum on the basal leaf and from G. setifolia Baker ex Aitch. in having a long neck (up to 12 cm long). Its ecology, distribution and conservation status are discussed.     

Four new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crinipellis </Emphasis>and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marasmius </Emphasis>in eastern Honshu,Japan

 Four new species of Crinipellis and Marasmius (Agaricales, Basidiomycetes) in eastern Honshu, Japan, are described and illustrated: (1) Crinipellis conchata sp. nov. (section Excentricinae), forming a conchate pileus and a strongly excentric, short stipe, was found on a dead twig of Trachelospermum asiaticum in Mt. Takao, Tokyo; (2) Marasmius funalis sp. nov. (section Androsacei), forming a densely white-hispid, dark brown stipe bearing numerous setiform caulocystidia, was found on a dead twig of Cryptomeria japonica or on leaf litter in Tokyo and Kanagawa; (3) Marasmius maculosus sp. nov. (section Sicci), having a relatively large, reddish-brown pileus distinctly mottled with pale colored spots and Siccus-type cheilocystidia and pileipellis cells with relatively long setulae, was found on leaf litter in the lowland forest of Kanagawa and Chiba; and (4) Marasmius sasicola sp. nov. (section Marasmius), having a small, plicate-sulcate pileus, a filiform, wiry, blackish stipe, collariate lamellae, and Siccus-type cheilocystidia and pileipellis elements, was found on fallen dead leaves of grass bamboo in Kanagawa. Received: January 30, 2002 / Accepted: May 24, 2002     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriocaulon epedunculatum</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriocaulaceae</Emphasis> from the Western Ghats,India

Summary  A new species of Eriocaulon, E. epedunculatum (Eriocaulaceae) is described and illustrated from the Western Ghats, India.     

Photosynthetic characteristics in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza</Emphasis> species

Photosynthetic rate (P _N), SPAD value, specific leaf area (SLA), flag leaf area (FLA), and nitrogen content (LN) of genus Oryza were investigated and their correlation was analyzed to assess some of the main photosynthetic traits among different species in the genus Oryza. The results revealed wide variation in these traits. The species O. rufipogon and O. australiensis exhibited maximum photosynthetic rate. Comparison of different types of genomes (diploid: 2n=2x=24; tetraploid: 2n=4x=48) and growth habit (shade- or sun-grown) showed the species of diploid (with genome symbol EE; 2n=2x=24) genomes, with perennial and sun-grown species, had high apparent photosynthesis compared to others. The species with BB/BBCC, shade-grown and the tetraploids showed high SPAD value, and the flag leaf in sun-grown species and diploids were thicker (low SLA) compared with others. However, no significant difference could be noticed among the different types of genomes. Higher leaf area was noticed among the species of CC/CCDD genome, perennial shade-grown species and tetraploids than in others. The variety IR 36 exhibited highest leaf nitrogen concentration. Correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between P _N and leaf nitrogen concentration while no marked relationships were observed among other characteristics. It implies that the species with thick and small leaves with high nitrogen concentration and high photosynthesis evolved better than others. O. rufipogon, with the same genome as O. sativa, could be one of the wild rice resources for elite crop improvement.     

Variability of esterase patterns in adult flies of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">saltans</Emphasis> species group of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> (subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sophophora</Emphasis>)

Esterases are known for their involvement in several physiological processes and high degree of polymorphism, in many organisms. Such polymorphism has been used to characterize species and species groups and to study genetic changes occurred in their evolutionary history. In the present study, the esterase patterns of 19 strains from 10 species representative of the five subgroups of the saltans species group were analyzed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and α- and β- naphthyl acetates as substrates. Fifty-one esterase bands were detected and classified as 31 α-esterases, 18 β-esterases and two α/β-esterases. On the basis of the inhibition patterns using Malathion and eserine sulfate, 34 bands were classified as carboxylesterases, 14 as acethylesterases and three as cholinesterases. Ten gene loci were tentatively established on the basis of data on band position in the gel, substrate preference and inhibition pattern. Twenty bands were species-specific, the remaining being shared by species from the same or different subgroups. Bands detected exclusively in males and bands with a different frequency or degree of expression between sexes were also detected. In the gels prepared for analysis of gene expression in the body parts (head, thorax and abdomen), the degree of expression of the β-esterases was higher in the thorax, while the α-esterases were expressed predominantly in the abdomen and thorax. A global view of the data available at present on the esterases of the species from the saltans group and their degree of polymorphism are presented, as well as the possibility of using some β-esterases, because of their characteristics in the gels, as markers for species identification.     

Presence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. albidus</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. laurentii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. uniguttulatus</Emphasis> in Crop and Droppings of Pigeon Lofts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Columba livia</Emphasis>)

Columba livia is an important reservoir and carrier of Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. Upper digestive tract of this species is also known as a habitat for Cryptococcus neoformans. Given the increasing clinical interest of this microorganism, 331 swabs from crop and 174 dropping samples from pigeon lofts in Grand Canary Island have been studied. The obtained results show an extensive presence samples 81 positive (24.47%) of Cryptococcus spp. in analysed crops: 32 (9.66%) for C. neoformans, 24 (7.2%) for C. uniguttulatus, 23 (6.9%) for C. albidus and 2 (0.6%) for C. laurentii. In the same way, Cryptococcus spp was also isolated in 82 (47.13%), dropping samples: C. neoformans in 59 (33.9%), C. uniguttulatus, in 9 (5.17%), C. laurentii in 8 (4.59%) and C. albidus in 6 (3.44%) of the investigated samples, respectively. The cryptococcosis produced by species of cryptococci other than C. neoformans has become more important during the last decade, supporting the study on the role of pigeon in the epidemiology of this disease.