A Revision of South American Austroperlidae (Plecoptera)

The South American Austroperlidae are revised. Klapopteryx kuscheli and Penturoperla barbata are redescribed. The male and nymph of K. armillata are described and figured for the first time and the female genitalia redescribed. K. costalis is declared a junior synonym of K. armillata. K. barilochensis is transferred to Andesobius new genus and redescribed. New family and generic diagnoses and keys to genera and species are given.     

Structure of the extraembryonic matrices around the benthic embryos of Patiriella exigua (Asteroidea) and their roles in benthic development: Comparison with the planktonic embryos of Patiriella regularis

The extracellular matrices (ECMs) surrounding the benthic embryos and larvae of the seastar Patiriella exigua and the planktonic embryos of Patiriella regularis were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Three ECMs surround unhatched embryos: An outer jelly coat, a fertilization envelope, and an inner hyaline layer. The ECMs of P. exigua are modified for supporting benthic development. The dense jelly coat attaches the embryo to the substratum, and the fertilization envelope forms a though protective case. In comparison, P. regularis has a less dense jelly coat and a thinner fertilization envelope. The hyaline layer of both species is comprised of three main regions: An intervillous layer overlying the epithelium, a supporting layer, and a coarse meshwork layer. Unhatched P. exigua have an additional outer amorphous layer that adheres to the fertilization envelope. As a result, the hyaline layer forms a continuous ECM that unites the embryonic surface with the fertilization envelope. Embryos of P. exigua removed from their fertilization envelopes lack the outer amorphous region, have a poorly developed hyaline layer, and do not develop beyond gastrulation. It appears that the substantial hyaline layer of P. exigua and its attachment to the fertilization envelope are essential for early development and that this ECM may function as a gelatinous cushioning layer around the benthic embryos. At hatching, the amorphous layer is discarded with the envelope. In contrast, an amorphous layer is absent from the hyaline layer of P. regularis. The demembranated embryos of this species have an ECM similar to that of controls and develop normally to the larval stage. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Les cytochromes des Kluyveromyces: Détermination et implications systématiques

Low temperature spectrophotometric analysis carried out directly on whole cell pastes reveals either similitudes or differences in the cytochromic absorption spectra of the different yeast species belonging to the genus Kluyveromyces. This analysis confirms the division of the genus into two groups, K₁ and K₂, and the existence of five different species in the K₁ group; these systematic divisions have been previously based on physiological and biochemical criteria. Furthermore the spectrophotometric data sustain a division of the K₂ group into three main types, and suggest a phylogenic link between K₁ and K₂ groups through K. africanus and K. aestuarii.     

Remarkable cave-adapted ground beetles of the tribe Pterostichini from China: a new subgenus and three new species (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

A new subgenus, Huaius n. subgen. of the genus Pterostichus, is described to deal with the following three new species of ground beetles which were recently discovered from limestone caves in Central China: Pterostichus (Huaius) caoi n. sp. (Cave Lijia Dong in Yichang, Hubei Province), Pterostichus (Huaius) tiankeng n. sp. (Cave Xigou Dong in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province) and Pterostichus (Huaius) yuae n. sp. (Cave Didonghe Dong in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province). This new subgenus is not closely allied to any lineage of Chinese Pterostichus. The pronotal structure of Huaius has the most peculiar morphological characteristics, lacking lateromarginal borders and without grooves on the portion of basal foveae. All members of Huaius are de-pigmented, almost blind and extremely troglomorphic. This is the first report of cave-adapted pterostichine beetles from Asia.     

Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) as invasive aliens in China – new records,and actual and potential distribution

Kalanchoe daigremontiana and K. delagoensis are reported for the first time from Sichuan and Hainan, China. For K. daigremontiana, a new population located in Chengdu downtown has been found, being the first one in western China and thus representing a significant range extension of this species within the country. For K. delagoensis, a new population has been observed in the Old Quarter of Haikou, being the southernmost population of this species in China. The distribution areas of both species in China are summarized based on a review of the literature, as well as that of their putative hybrid, K. × houghtonii. In addition, the potential range of K. delagoensis is estimated through a niche‐based modelling approach. Finally, a key to taxa of Kalanchoe in China is provided.     

Does hybridization with a widespread congener threaten the long‐term persistence of the Eastern Alpine rare local endemic Knautia carinthiaca?

Interspecific hybridization, especially when regularly followed by backcrossing (i.e., introgressive hybridization), conveys a substantial risk for many endangered organisms. This is particularly true for narrow endemics occurring within distributional ranges of widespread congeners. An excellent example is provided by the plant genus Knautia (Caprifoliaceae): Locally endemic K. carinthiaca is reported from two isolated populations in southern Austria situated within an area predominantly occupied by widespread K. arvensis. While K. carinthiaca usually inhabits low‐competition communities on rocky outcrops, K. arvensis occurs mainly in dry to mesic managed grasslands, yet both species can coexist in marginal environments and were suspected to hybridize. Flow cytometry revealed that diploid K. carinthiaca only occurs at its locus classicus, whereas the second locality is inhabited by the morphologically similar but tetraploid K. norica. In the, therefore, single population of K. carinthiaca, flow cytometry and AFLP fingerprinting showed signs of introgressive hybridization with diploid K. arvensis. Hybridization patterns were also reflected in intermediate habitat preferences and morphology of the hybrids. Environmental barriers to gene flow seem to prevent genetic erosion of K. carinthiaca individuals from the core ecological niches, restricting most introgressed individuals to peripheral habitats. Efficient conservation of K. carinthiaca will require strict protection of its habitat and ban on forest clear cuts in a buffer zone to prevent invasion of K. arvensis. We demonstrate the large potential of multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular, cytometric, and ecological tools for a reliable inventory and threat assessment of rare species.     

Klebsiella pneumoniae survives within macrophages by avoiding delivery to lysosomes

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of community‐acquired and nosocomial pneumonia. Evidence indicates that Klebsiella might be able to persist intracellularly within a vacuolar compartment. This study was designed to investigate the interaction between Klebsiella and macrophages. Engulfment of K. pneumoniae was dependent on host cytoskeleton, cell plasma membrane lipid rafts and the activation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K). Microscopy studies revealed that K. pneumoniae resides within a vacuolar compartment, the Klebsiella‐containing vacuole (KCV), which traffics within vacuoles associated with the endocytic pathway. In contrast to UV‐killed bacteria, the majority of live bacteria did not co‐localize with markers of the lysosomal compartment. Our data suggest that K. pneumoniae triggers a programmed cell death in macrophages displaying features of apoptosis. Our efforts to identify the mechanism(s) whereby K. pneumoniae prevents the fusion of the lysosomes to the KCV uncovered the central role of the PI3K–Akt–Rab14 axis to control the phagosome maturation. Our data revealed that the capsule is dispensable for Klebsiella intracellular survival if bacteria were not opsonized. Furthermore, the environment found by Klebsiella within the KCV triggered the down‐regulation of the expression of cps. Altogether, this study proves evidence that K. pneumoniae survives killing by macrophages by manipulating phagosome maturation that may contribute to Klebsiella pathogenesis.     

New genus of Phycitinae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with description of a new species from Cambodia

Samkosia gen. n. and its type species, Samkosia cambodiensis sp. n. , are described and illustrated from Cambodia. The new combination S. rufimaculella (Yamanaka, 1993) comb. n. , is suggested. The adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated.     

Karyotypic differences and evolutionary tendencies of some species from the subgenusObliquodesmus Mlad. of genusScenedesmus Meyen (Chlorophyta, Chlorococcales)

Karyotype structures ofScenedesmus acuminatus (Lagerch.) Chod. andScenedesmus pectinatus Meyen are compared. The karyotype ofS. acuminatus (n = 5) is described for the first time. It reveals four large metacentric and one large submetacentric chromosomes (4M + 1SM). The established karyotype differences have been helpful in clarifying the taxonomic position of these two species. The cytological analyses of other related clonal cultures suggest an evolutionary transition fromS. pectinatus towardsS. regularis throughS. pectinatus f.regularis, which correlates with the morphological data about their variability. These results are discussed from the cytogenetic, morphological and evolutionary point of view. On the basis of the karyotypic analysis, it was confirmed that from a taxonomic point of viewS. pectinatus, S. acuminatus andS. regularis are separate biological species.     

Biotyping,virulotyping and biofilm formation ability of ESBL-Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from nosocomial infections

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, molecular characterization, virulence genes, resistance genes and antimicrobial profile of nosocomial extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella species. A total of 22 (12.2%) K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from 180 clinical samples collected from hospitalized patients in Egypt. K. pneumoniae biotypes were B1 (72.8%), B3 (13.6%) and B4 (13.6%). The isolates were classified for the capsular serotypes, 86.4% (20/22) were of K1 serotype, while only two isolates (13.64%) were of K2 serotype. Hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae isolates accounted for 68.2%. Biofilm formation ability of K. pneumoniae was determined by microtitre plate method. The majority of the isolates (40.9%) were moderate biofilm producers, while 27.3% were strong biofilm producers. All K. pneumoniae strains were positive for fimH and traT genes, while magA was identified in only 63.6% of the isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates (n = 22) was determined by the disc diffusion technique using 23 different antibiotics. Streptomycin and imipenem are the most effective antibiotics against 22 tested K. pneumoniae isolates with sensitivity rates of 63.64% and 54.54% respectively. All tested K. pneumoniae isolates showed high resistance to amoxicillin∕clavulanate (100%), cefuroxime (100%) and ceftazidime (95.45%). Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) production and the presence of ESBL-related genes were tested in the isolates. All the isolates tested positive for blaVIM, NDM1 and blaTEM, while only 81.8 %tested positive for the blaSHV gene. Increasing antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae causing nosocomial infections limits the use of antimicrobial agents for treatment. Furthermore, the spread of biofilm, multiple drug resistant and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates is a public threat for hospitalized patients.     

Characterisation of soil potassium supply as derived from sorption–desorption experiments

PlantK uptake depends on soil K supply and this can be modelled using the K concentration in the soil solution (C _K), the soil K buffer power (S _K) and the effective K diffusion coefficient. With the appropriate sorption–desorption curve, the parameters C _K and S _K can be estimated from the equilibrium K concentration (C _K,0) and from the slope of the curve at C _K,0 (S _K,0). However, buffer power is frequently estimated by the ratio of the soil exchangeable K content (E _K) to C _K. Up to now, S _K,0 had not been compared with this ratio, nor had C _K,0 been compared with any C _K estimate from soil solution extract measurements. To address this question, we collected 45 soil samples from 15 K fertilisation trials in France. The soils differed widely in their physicochemical characteristics, soil solution K concentration and buffer power. For each soil sample, a sorption–desorption curve was established from 16-h experiments performed at the estimated Ca concentration of the soil solution. The C _K,0 estimates were compared with the K concentrations measured in the soil solution obtained either by direct centrifugation (^C C _K) or by centrifugation with 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (^TFE C _K). On average, ^C C _K values were 16% higher than ^TFE C _K values, whereas C _K,0 values were intermediate between the two. The K buffer power increased when CEC increased and when C _K decreased. Multiple linear regressions using either CEC at the soil pH and ^TFE C _K ^–1 or E _K and ^TFE C _K ^–1 as independent variables accounted for more than 98 or 95% of the variability of S _K,0. The buffer power estimated by the ratio of E _K to ^TFE C _K overestimated by 100% the S _K,0 value obtained from the sorption–desorption curves.     

New data and taxa for Orthoptera Tettigoniidae and Acrididae from tropical Africa

The results of a long-term study on the Orthoptera collected in tropical Africa and preserved in different European natural history museums are reported. Horatosphaga bazeletae n. sp. is described from South Africa, Dapanera falxcercata n. sp. from Cameroon, Eurycorypha specularia n. sp. from Zambia (Tettigoniidae Phaneropterinae), and Eucoptacra popovi n. sp. (Acrididae Coptacrinae) from the Gabon. Furthermore, the new genus Pigalua n. gen. is described for Eulioptera insularis Ragge, 1980 from Annobón Is. (Equatorial Guinea). The new tribe Kevaniellini n. trib. is proposed for Kevaniella bipunctata Chopard, 1954. Besides, the hitherto unknown males of Eurycorypha flavescens (Walker, 1869) and Eurycorypha klaptoczi Karny, 1917 from West Africa are described. In addition, new records or unknown taxonomical characters are reported for five species of Horatosphaga, Peronura clavigera Karsch, 1889, Prosphaga splendens Ragge, 1960, Kevaniella bipunctata Chopard, 1954, Eurycorypha prasinata Stål, 1874, Poreuomena lamottei Chopard, 1954, Tylopsis fissa Ragge, 1964, Catoptropteryx extensipes Karsch, 1896 and Mangomaloba latipennis Chopard, 1954 (Tettigoniidae Phaneropterinae).     

DNA data and morphology reveal the existence of Kentrochrysalis streckeri Staudinger, 1880 (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) instead of K. consimilis in South Korea

In the present study, we determined that specimens of Kentrochrysalis consimilis collected from South Korea were K. streckeri, rather than K. consimilis, based on morphology, DNA barcodes and nuclear elongation factor 1 alpha (EF‐1α) sequences. The major morphological differences between K. streckeri and K. consimilis include the shape of forewing and hind‐wing pattern elements and male and female genitalia. The DNA barcode analysis of the South Korean specimens and the Russia‐originated K. streckeri showed a maximum sequence divergence of only 0.659% (4 bp), whereas that of the South Korean specimens and Japan‐originated K. consimilis showed a minimum sequence divergence of 2.965% (18 bp), indicating that the Korean specimens are, in fact, K. streckeri and not K. consimilis. Phylogenetic analyses both by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods strongly clustered the South Korean specimens and Russian K. streckeri into one group, excluding K. consimilis. The EF‐1α‐based sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the two species also supported data from the DNA barcode, indicating the distribution of K. streckeri in South Korea, instead of K. consimilis.     

A new genus and a new subgenus of cavernicolous beetles from Furong Jiang valley,southwestern China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

A new genus and a new subgenus of semi-aphaenopsian trechine beetles are described from Furong Jiang valley in the bordering areas of Chongqing Shi (Municipality) and Guizhou Province, southwestern China: Deuveaphaenops Tian & Huang, n. gen. (type species: Deuveaphaenops qimenxicus Tian & Huang, n. sp. from Qimenxia Cave II, Wulong Xian, Chongqing) and Furongius Tian & Huang, n. subgen. (type species: Deuveaphaenops (Furongius) gelaophilus Tian & Huang, n. sp. from cave Xianmi Dong, Daozhen Xian, Guizhou). Deuveaphaenops probably belongs to the complex of Cathaiaphaenops, Qianotrechus, Guizhaphaenops and Sinotroglodytes.     

New data on the Merodon Meigen 1803 fauna (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Turkey including description of a new species and changes in the nomenclatural status of several taxa

Abstract

The Old World syrphid genus Merodon Meigen 1803 is highly species-diverse and has a significant number of endemic species in the circum-Mediterranean area. The present study reports on taxonomic changes resulting from the examination of adult Merodon specimens collected in 15 Turkish provinces during the period 1992 to 2002, and provides new faunistic data. Merodon ilgazense n. sp. is described. Four species of Merodon new to Turkey are recorded: M. armipes Rondani 1843, M. auronites Hurkmans 1993, M. bessarabicus Paramonov 1924 and M. chalybeatus Sack 1913. Lectotypes are designated for two taxa: M. chalybeatus Sack 1913 and M. clunipes Sack 1913. Merodon italicus Rondani 1845 rev. stat. is reinstated as a valid species. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of 10 taxa is revised and five new synonymies are proposed: M. albonigrum Vuji Radenkovi &; S?imi 1996 n. syn. (=junior synonym of M. chalybeatus Sack 1913); M. alexeji Paramonov 1925 n. syn. (=junior synonym of M. serrulatus Wiedemann in Meigen 1822); M. aureotibia Hurkmans 1993 n. syn. (=junior synonym of M. vandergooti Hurkmans 1993); M. kaloceros Hurkmans 1993 n. syn. (=junior synonym of M. erivanicus Paramonov 1925); M. longicornis Sack 1913 n. syn. (=junior synonym of M. italicus Rondani 1845).     

The species of the genus Micrambe Thomson 1863, from South Africa (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae)

The 22 species of the genus Micrambe Thomson known from South Africa are analyzed and revised. Micrambe danielssoni sp. nov is described. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of two taxa is revised and two new synonymies are proposed: Micrambe kolbei Grouvelle 1908, syn. nov. for Micrambe minuta Grouvelle 1908, and Micrambe similis Bruce 1957, syn. nov. for Micrambe peringueyi Grouvelle 1908. A lectotypus is designated for one taxon: Micrambe capensis (Redtenbacher 1867). A key to all the species occurring in South Africa is presented.     

Inhibition of Porphobilinogen Synthase Activity by 4,5-Dioxovalerate

The effect of 4,5-dioxovaleric acid on the activity of porphobilinogen(PBG) synthase (formerly 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase,EC 4.2.1.24 [EC] ) of the porphyrin synthetic pathway was studiedwith the enzyme purified from Chlorella regularis. 4,5-Dioxovalericacid, a metabolite of 5-aminolevulinic acid, competitively inhibitedPBG synthase with a K_i value of 1.4 mM. The concentration forthe half inhibition of 4,5-dioxovaleric acid (7 mM) was slightlylower than that for the known competitive inhibitor, levulinicacid (12 mM). (Received October 8, 1984; Accepted December 13, 1984)     

A New Strategy for High‐Voltage Cathodes for K‐Ion Batteries: Stoichiometric KVPO4F

The exploration of high‐energy‐density cathode materials is vital to the practical use of K‐ion batteries. Layered K‐metal oxides have too high a voltage slope due to their large K⁺–K⁺ interaction, resulting in low specific capacity and average voltage. In contrast, the 3D arrangement of K⁺, with polyanions separating them, reduces the strength of the effective K⁺‐K⁺ repulsion, which in turn increases specific capacity and voltage. Here, stoichiometric KVPO₄F for use as a high‐energy‐density K‐ion cathode is developed. The KVPO₄F cathode delivers a reversible capacity of ≈105 mAh g^?1 with an average voltage of ≈4.3 V (vs K/K⁺), resulting in a gravimetric energy density of ≈450 Wh kg^?1. During electrochemical cycling, the K_xVPO₄F cathode goes through various intermediate phases at x = 0.75, 0.625, and 0.5 upon K extraction and reinsertion, as determined by ex situ X‐ray diffraction characterization and ab initio calculations. This work further explains the role of oxygen substitution in KVPO_4+xF_1?x: the oxygenation of KVPO₄F leads to an anion‐disordered structure which prevents the formation of K⁺/vacancy orderings without electrochemical plateaus and hence to a smoother voltage profile.     

Banding patterns and chromosomal evolution in five species of neotropical Teiinae lizards (Squamata: Teiidae)

Karyotypes of five species of South American teiid lizards from subfamily Teiinae: Ameiva ameiva, Kentropyx calcarata, K. paulensis, K. vanzoi (2n = 50, all acrocentric), and Cnemidophorus ocellifer (2n = 50, all biarmed), are herein described and compared on the basis of conventional and silver staining, and CBG and RBG banding patterns. Meiotic data are also included. Karyotypes of K. paulensis, K. vanzoi, and C. ocellifer are reported here for the first time. Inter-generic variability in Ag-NORs location was detected with NORs occurring at the end of long arm of pair 1 in K. calcarata, K. paulensis, and K. vanzoi; pair 5 in C. ocellifer and pair 7 in A. ameiva. The location of NORs, along with the karyological differences between A. ameiva and the Central American species (A. auberi), corroboretes the molecular-based hypothesis that the genus Ameiva is paraphyletic. Inter-populational heteromorphism in Ag-NORs size was detected between populations of C. ocellifer. RBG and CBG banding data demonstrated that the biarmed condition of the C. ocellifer chromosomes is due to multiple pericentric inversion events instead of addition of constitutive heterochromatin. Differential-staining techniques used here revealed valuable information about Teiinae karyotypic diversity and made it possible to compare these species, contributing to both the better comprehension of their chromosomal evolution and issues on taxa systematics.