New chromosome counts in the subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae, Cardueae) from West Asia, II

Seventeen chromosome counts of nine species of Centaurea , two species of Serratula , one species each of the genera Aetheopappus, Amberboa, Hyalaea, Oligochaeta, Stizolophus and the type of the monospecific genus Callicephalus from Armenia are reported; three of them are new reports, four others are corrections of previous counts and ten are confirmations of very scarce previous data.     

Flavonoids from Serratula komarovii Iljin (the Asteraceae Family)

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - The genus Serratula L. (the Asteraceae family) is represented by two species in the Russia’s Far East: Serratula manshurica Kitag. and Serratula...     

Phylogenetic relationships of the enigmatic species Serratula chinensis and Serratula forrestii (Asteraceae - Cardueae)

The phylogenetic relationships of the Chinese species Serratula forrestii and S. chinensis within the subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae – Cardueae) were investigated based on nuclear ribosomal DNA external and internal transcribed spacer sequences. Results indicated that Serratula s. l. is clearly polyphyletic, none of the two species showing close affinities to either Serratula s. str. or Klasea, a genus traditionally included in Serratula. Serratula forrestii has a basal position within the subtribe and has retained most plesiomorphic character states. Serratula chinensis is related to the genera of the Rhaponticum group. Its chromosome number was determined as 2n = 26, and the relationship between this species and the Rhapon-ticum group is discussed from a morphological and karyological point of view.     

Effect of vitamin D3, arginine, and a biologically active complex from Serratula coronata on free radical oxidation of lipids in vitamin D deficiency

Lipid free-radical oxidation (LFRO) on the D-deficient model with the animal administration per os by vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), specimen from Serratula coronata plant, containing low molecular weight biological sterol--20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone) was investigated. As well influence of arginine as one of the amino acid components of the specimen from Serratula coronata was investigated. The LFRO in the blood serum, liver microsomal and mitochondrial fractions were characterize by measured of the chemiluminescence kinetic parameters. Vitamin D3, the specimen from Serratula coronata plant and arginine displayed some antioxidant (AO) properties as was established. On the basis of the received experimental data the series of their antioxidizing activity: vitamin D3 = drug from Serratula coronata > arginine were offered. The possible mechanism of the 20-hydroxyecdysone and arginine participation on LFRO maybe in free-radical reactions breaking via hydroxy and amino groups in structure of their molecules.     

Phytoecdysteroids: biological effects,application in agriculture and complementary medicine (as presented at the 14-th Ecdysone Workshop,July, 2000, Rapperswil,Switzerland)

Serratula coronata and Serratula inermis (fam. Asteraceae) have been chosen as the most perspective sources for ecdysteroids from the flora of Ukraine. Ecdysterone was the major component in both species (approximately 2%). The minor components have been identified as alpha-ecdysone, polypodine B, integristerone, pterosterone, monoacetonide and diacetonide of ecdysterone, monoacetonide of ajugasterone C (S. coronata); and viticosterone E, 2-desoxyecdysterone, polypodine B, integristerone, 26-hydroxyecdysterone (S. inermis). Antioxidant activity, antiradical and immunomodulators effects, anabolic, adaptogenic, stimulating, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective actions have been found on the variety of model systems in vitro and in vivo (D-hypovitaminosis, hypercholesterolemia, liver intoxication, increased physical loading). Biochemical mechanisms of these findings have been discussed. A number of preparations-biostumulators have been elaborated on the basis of ecdysteroids from Serratula sp.--for poultry-keeping, agricultural entomology and as food supplements for sick or healthy people.     

Pollen studies in subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae): the Jacea group analysed with electron microscopy

Although it has been recognized for many years that the genus Centaurea L. is an artificial assemblage of taxa, its partition into more natural affiliations has been impossible due to its incredible complexity. One of the most reliable characteristics for establishing the phylogeny within this group is the type of pollen. Most of the classification difficulties centre in the Jacea group, which has a characteristic Jacea pollen type. Recent molecular studies indicate that this assemblage is probably polyphyletic. Specifically, previous DNA sequence analyses indicate that Centaurea pulchella and the genera Oligochaeta and Zoegea represent different lineages. This finding prompted an investigation of their pollen types, using scanning electron microscopy, and for some species, transmission microscopy. For a rigorous comparison, the study also included a wide representation of other species across the entire Jacea group. Results showed that both Oligochaeta and Zoegea , but not C. pulchella , can be clearly distinguished from the Jacea group on the basis of pollen morphology. The genus Oligochaeta has a peculiar pollen type that may represent a simplified form of the Serratula pollen type, and the genus Zoegea has Serratula pollen type.     

Phytoecdysteroids of Serratula centauroides Herb from Cisbaikalia

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - Serratula centauroides L. is a plant species of the Asteraceae family common in Cisbaiklia and containing phytoecdysteroids. As a result of chromatographic...     

Phylogeny and zoogeography of three new species of the genus Hexabathynella (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Bathynellacea) from North America

Three new species of the genus Hexabathynella , H. otayana sp. n., H. hessleri sp. n. and H. muliebris sp. n., from North America are described. A comparison with previous studies results in the reevaluation of characters already known and the discovery of new constitutive characters. The distal spine of the mandibular spine row is regarded as a synapomorphy of the three new species and two previously known species, H. knoepffleri , H. minuta , which constitute a monophyletic group within the genus, the knoepffleri-group. The phylogenetic relationships between the five species are depicted with a cladogram. The setation on the uropodal exopod is shown to be not only a new unique character for the genus, but also a significant one in classifying its species. The presence of the ancestor species of the genus before the Triassic and dispersal during Mesozoic continental drift are assumed to explain the transatlantic occurrence of the knoepffleri-group and the distribution pattern of the other species.     

New or rare chromosome counts in the genera Artemisia L. and Mausolea Bunge (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) from Uzbekistan

Seventeen chromosome counts of 14 Artemisia and one Mausolea species are reported from Uzbekistan. Five of them are new reports, two are not consistent with previous counts and the remaining are confirmations of very scarce (one to four) previous data. Two basic chromosome numbers (x = 8 and x = 9) and two ploidy levels (2x and 4x) were found. Some correlations between ploidy level, morphological characters and distribution are noted.     

Systematics and biogeography of Klasea (Asteraceae–Cardueae) and a synopsis of the genus

Klasea , traditionally treated as a section in Serratula , is now widely accepted at the generic level. A classification of the genus is presented here, accommodating the 46 species in ten sections based on nuclear ribosomal DNA external and internal transcribed spacer sequence data and morphology. New combinations for five species and ten subspecies are published, and a new hybrid species is described. The genus ranges from the Iberian Peninsula and north Africa through southern and eastern Europe, west and central Asia to the Himalayas, and the Far East of Russia and China. The ancestral area is in west Asia, most probably eastern Anatolia and northern and western Iran. In this region, representatives of all sections are present. The largest section Klasea diversified most likely in the mountains of central Asia. A key to all Klasea species is provided.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 152 , 435–464.     

Systematic revision of Myristicaceae (Magnoliales) in Madagascar, with four new species of Mauloutchia

The systematics of Malagasy Myristicaceae is revised to take into account new collections made since the work by Capuron in the 1970s, as well as improved knowledge from fieldwork and two scanning electron microscopy studies by the author. Four new species are described: Mauloutchia annickiae Sauquet, M. capuronii Sauquet, M. echinocarpa Capuron ex Sauquet, and M. sambiranensis (Capuron) Sauquet. In addition, basic information is given for each remaining Malagasy species of the family (synonymy, type specimen, updated distribution and main distinctive features). According to this treatment, Malagasy Myristicaceae now consist of four endemic genera and 15 species: Brochoneura Warb. (three species), Doyleanthus Sauquet (one species), Haematodendron Capuron (one species) and Mauloutchia (Baill.) Warb. (ten species). Two identification keys to these species are provided: one based primarily on fruit characters and one based primarily on male flower and inflorescence characters. Putative phylogenetic relationships among these species are also indicated, based on a previous combined morphological and molecular study by the author.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 351–368.     

New earthworm species of the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 from Thailand (Clitellata, Oligochaeta, Megascolecidae)

Four new species of terrestrial earthworms from the zebrus-group in the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867, are described from Nan province, north Thailand: Amynthas phatubensissp. n., from Tham Pha Tub Arboretum, Amynthas tontongsp. n., from Tontong Waterfall, Amynthas borealissp. n., from Chaloemprakiat district, and Amynthas srinansp. n., from Srinan National Park.After comparing with the two closely related Laos species Amynthas chandyi Hong, 2008 and Amynthas namphouinensis Hong, 2008, the four new species show clear morphological differences, and also it is confirmed that there are no previous records of the species described here. Amynthas phatubensissp. n. is the largest (longest) sized of these earthworms and is the only species that lives in limestone habitats. The genital characters are different among them and also from the two Laotian species. Molecular systematics would be a good method for further analysis of the diversity and species boundaries in SE Asian Amynthas.     

Notes of Spirogyra from Guizhou,China

Reported in the present paper are two new species and one new record of Spirogyra. The two new species are Spirogyra subferruginea and S.kweichowensis; the new record for China is Spirogyra brunea Czurda.     

Taxonomic revision of and supplement to the Tectaria Cav. (Aspidiaceae) from Yunnan,China

Tectaria Cav. is a large fern genus of ca. 150 species distributed in the tropic and subtropic regions of the world, of which 27 species and two varieties occur in China. These species are mostly distributed in the southern part to the Yangtze River, mainly concentrated in Yunnan, only two species spreading northwards to Sichuan located in the northern part to the Yangtze River. Based on examination of specimens deposited in KUN and PE, many of which are recent collections, a new species is described, one species and one variety are recognized as new records for China, one species as new record for Yunnan, one species as new record for Guizhou, and four specific names, i. e., T. cosimilis Ching et C. H. Wang, T. decurrenti-alata Ching et C. H. Wang, T. fengii Ching et C. H. Wang, T. simaoensis Ching et C. H. Wang are reduced to synonymies. As a re-suit, 22 species and two varieties are recognized in the genus Tectaria from Yunnan.     

New names inPhanerogamae 5

103 new nomenclatural combinations are proposed for taxa of European flora, 95 for species, 8 for subspecies. Most of them have resulted from a more natural delimitation of genera. The majority of new combinations are made in the segregants ofCentourea (Acosta—16,Colymbada— 8),Hieracium (Pilosella—16),Scabiosa (Trochocephalus—14),Serratula (Klasea—13) andLeontodon (Scorzoneroides—8). Taxonomie or nomenclatural problems of some taxa (Arum orientale, Colobium taraxacoides, Klasea, Leucanthemopsis alpina agg.,Psyllium, Scorzoneroides, Tephroseris cantabrica) are discussed. Names omitted from the Index Kewensis and corrections of publication places are added (17 names).     

New Coleoptera records from New Brunswick, Canada: Anthribidae, Brentidae, Dryophthoridae, Brachyceridae, and Curculionidae, with additions to the fauna of Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

We report 63 species of Curculionoidea that are new to New Brunswick (three species of Anthribidae, four species of Brentidae, three species of Dryophthoridae, three species of Brachyceridae, 50 species of Curculionidae). Among these are 27 species (two Anthribidae, two Brenthidae, one Brachyceridae, 22 Curculionidae) that are also newly recorded for the Maritime provinces, and one species, Plesiobaris disjuncta Casey (Curculionidae) that is newly recorded for Canada from New Brunswick and Quebec. Bagous planatus LeConte is reinstated to the faunal list of New Brunswick. Two species of Curculionidae are newly recorded from Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces, and two others are reported for the first time for Prince Edward Island.     

A synopsis of the sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) of America south of the United States: introduction, Xyelidae, Pamphiliidae, Cimbicidae, Diprionidae, Xiphydriidae, Siricidae, Orussidae, Cephidae

Abstract Eight families of Symphyta for the Western Hemisphere south of the United States are reviewed: Xyelidae (one genus, two species), Pamphiliidae (one genus, four species), Cimbicidae (five genera, nine species), Diprionidae (three genera, thirteen species), Xiphydriidae (four genera, seventeen species), Siricidae (six genera, nine species), Orussidae (five genera, twelve species), and Cephidae (one genus, one species). New taxa are Acantholyda nigrostigmata (Pamphiliidae); Zadiprionfalsus, Neodiprion bicolor, N.equalis, N.omosus (Diprionidae); Derecyrta circularis, Steirocephala lateralba (Xiphydriidae); Sirotremex, S.flammeus (Siricidae); and Ophrynopus depressatus, O.plaumanni (Orussidae). Lopesiana is a new name for Lopesia Conde (Cimbicidae). Three new combinations and six new synonyms are proposed. The Xyelidae, Pamphiliidae, Diprionidae, Siricidae and Cephidae are primarily northern groups with southern extensions into Mexico, Central America and/or Cuba. The Cimbicidae, Xiphydriidae and Orussidae are more generally distributed throughout the neotropics. Keys to families, genera and species are provided.     

云南临沧晚中新世邦卖组植物群

云南临沧中寨晚中新世邦卖组植物群总计37科59属71种（含37新种）。其中,蕨类植物仅有1科1属1种（新种）;裸子植物有2科2属2种;被子植物有34科55属67种[其中双子叶植物32科53属65种（含35新种）和单子叶植物2科2属2种];另有分类位置不明的果实1属1种（新种）。这个植物群属于常绿和落叶阔叶混交林植被,它...     

The role of leaf lobation in elongation responses to shade in the rosette-forming forb Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lobed leaves are considered selectively advantageous in conditions of high irradiance. However, most studies have involved woody species, with only a few considering the role of leaf lobation in herbaceous rosette species. In this study, it is hypothesized that, in addition to its adaptive value in high light, leaf lobation may add to the function of petioles as vertical spacers in herbaceous species in conditions of strong competition for light. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, leaf development was examined under seasonally changing natural light conditions and a field experiment was conducted in which light climate was manipulated in a wooded meadow population of Serratula tinctoria. KEY RESULTS: No changes in leaf lobation were observed in response to experimental shading or different natural light conditions. However, in tall herbaceous vegetation, plants with highly lobed leaves achieved significantly greater vertical elongation than plants with less-lobed leaves. In contrast to herbaceous shade, tree shade had no effect on leaf elongation, suggesting differential responsiveness to competition from neighbouring herbs versus overhead shade. In shading treatments, imposed shade could only be responded to by the elongation of leaves that were produced late in development. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that extensive leaf lobation can enable greater leaf elongation in response to shade from surrounding herbaceous vegetation. The different morphological responses displayed by Serratula tinctoria to different types of shade demonstrate the importance of critically assessing experimental designs when investigating phenotypic plasticity in response to shade.