Uniquely derived upper molar morphology of Eocene Amphipithecidae (Primates: Anthropoidea): Homology and phylogeny

The extinct Southeast Asian primate family Amphipithecidae is regularly cited in discussions of anthropoid origins, but its phylogenetic position remains controversial. In part, the lack of consensus regarding amphipithecid relationships can be attributed to uncertainty regarding the homology of upper molar structures in this group. Here, we describe a virtually pristine upper molar of Pondaungia cotteri from the late middle Eocene Pondaung Formation of Myanmar, which is the first example of a relatively unworn and well-preserved amphipithecid upper molar ever recovered. The distolingual upper molar cusp in this new specimen of Pondaungia appears to be a lingually displaced and enlarged metaconule, rather than a hypocone or pseudohypocone as previous workers have thought. Reassessment of the upper molar morphology of other amphipithecids and putative amphipithecids reveals a very similar pattern in Siamopithecus, Myanmarpithecus and Ganlea, all of which are interpreted as having upper molars showing many of the same derived features apparent in Pondaungia. In contrast, the upper molar morphology of Bugtipithecus diverges radically from that of undoubted amphipithecids, and the latter taxon is excluded from Amphipithecidae on this basis. Phylogenetic analyses of several character–taxon matrices culled from the recent literature and updated to reflect the new information on amphipithecid upper molar morphology yield similar results. Consensus tree topologies derived from these analyses support amphipithecid monophyly and stable relationships within Amphipithecidae. Amphipithecids appear to be stem members of the anthropoid clade.     

Vertical Distribution of Three Nematode Genera in a Bentgrass Putting Green in Central Illinois

A study was conducted to determine the vertical distribution of Tylenchorhynchus nudus, Criconemella curvata, and Helicotylynchus cornurus in the upper 5 cm of bentgrass (Agrostis palustris cv. Penncross) putting green turf. The effect of fenamiphos on the vertical distribution of these species also was examined. Experimental design was a split-plot in which whole-plots were fenamiphos treated (0.11 kg a.i./100 m²) or untreated, and sub-plots were two strata (depths of 0-2.5 crn and 2.5-5.0 cm). Soil samples were collected during the growing season for 2 years after treatment to determine root weight and number of nematodes. Root weight was greater in the upper stratum on all sampling dates in both years. When differences between strata in population density were observed, T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus were more concentrated in the upper stratum. Vertical distribution of T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus was similar to the distribution of root weight. The difference in population density of H. cornurus between upper and lower strata was affected by fenamiphos on some dates, whereas differences between strata were unaffected for T. nudus and C. curvata. Double arcsine transformed proportions of the total populations of T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus in the upper stratum on each sampling date indicated no differences between fenamiphos treated and untreated plots in 1989 or 1990.     

Vertical Distribution of Plant-parasitic Nematodes in Sandy Soil under Soybean

Vertical distribution of five plant-parasitic nematodes was examined in two north Florida soybean fields in 1987 and 1988. Soil samples were collected from 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm deep at each site. Soil at the three depths consisted of approximately 96% sand. More than 50% of Belonolaimus longicaudatus population densities occurred in the upper 15-cm soil layer at planting, but the species became more evenly distributed through the other depths as the season progressed. Criconemella sphaerocephala was evenly distributed among the three depths in one field but was low (< 20% of the total density) in the upper 15 cm at a second site. Maximum population densities of Pratylenchus brachyurus were observed at 15-30 cm on most sampling dates. Vertical distributions of Meloidogyne incognita and Paratrichodorus minor were erratic and showed seasonal variation. A diagnostic sample from the upper 0-15 cm of these soybean fields revealed only a minority of the populations of most of the phytoparasitic species present.     

Seasonal Fluctuations in the Spatial Distribution of Nematode Populations in a California Vineyard

Distribution of Xiphinema americanum and four Meloidogyne spp, was studied in a vineyard over a 13-mo. period. The X. arnericanum population was concd in the upper 60-cm of undisturbed soil in the vine row, whereas the Meloidogyne species were distributed both in and between rows and to greater depths, similar to the distribution of the root system. Samples for assessment of X. americanum densities had least variation when taken in the vine row from the upper 60-cm of soil. Sampling error is reduced in Meloidogyne populations by sampling within 40 cm of the vine both within and/or between rows.     

Spatial distribution and trophic ecology of dominant copepods associated with turbidity maximum along the salinity gradient in a highly embayed estuarine system in Ariake Sea, Japan

The present study aimed to investigate into the feeding ecology of the dominant copepods along a salinity gradient in Chikugo estuary. Copepod composition was studied from samples collected from stations positioned along the salinity gradient of the estuary. Copepod gut pigment concentrations were measured by fluorescence technique and hydrographical parameters such as temperature, salinity, transparency, suspended particulate matter (SPM); pigments such as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), phaeopigment; and particulate nutrients such as particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) were measured. Two distinct zones in terms of nutrient and pigment concentrations as well as copepod distribution and feeding were identified along the estuary. We identified a zone of turbidity maximum (TM) in the low saline upper estuary which was characterized by having higher SPM, higher POC and PON but lower POC:PON ratios, higher pigment concentrations but lower Chl-a/SPM ratios and higher copepod dry biomass. Sinocalanus sinensis was the single dominant copepod in low saline upper estuary where significantly higher concentrations of nutrients and pigments were recorded and a multispecies copepod assemblage dominated by common coastal copepods such as Acartia omorii, Oithona davisae and Paracalanus parvus was observed in the lower estuary where nutrient and pigment concentrations were lower. Copepods in the estuary are predominantly herbivorous, feeding primarily on pigment bearing plants. However, completely contrasting trophic environments were found in the upper and the lower estuary. It was speculated from the Chl-a and phaeopigment values that copepods in the upper estuary receive energy from a detritus-based food web while in the lower estuary an algal-based food web supports copepod growth. Overall, the upper estuary was identified to provide a better trophic environment for copepod and is associated with higher SPM concentrations and elevated turbidity. The study demonstrates the role of estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) in habitat trophic richness for copepod feeding. The study points out the role of detritus-based food web as energy source for the endemic copepod S. sinensis in the upper estuary, which supports as nursery for many fish species.     

Stage dependent habitat use under conflicting predation pressure: An experimental test with larval and juvenile two-spotted gobies, Gobiusculus flavescens Fabricius

The effect of size, predator types and presence of multiple predators on the microhabitat use of larvae and juveniles of a sublittoral, semipelagically schooling fish, the two-spotted goby (Gobiusculus flavescens), was tested in two experiments. Larvae (15 and 25 days old, Experiment I) and juveniles (mean ± 1 S.E.: small, 15.9 mm ± 1.28; medium, 19.2 mm ± 1.43; and large, 23.4 mm ± 1.67, Experiment II) were allowed to choose between two sections of the tanks; an upper, representing a water column habitat, and a lower, artificially vegetated, representing the hyperbenthic habitat. Position of larvae or juveniles and the activity level of juveniles were recorded. Predator treatments were: (I) no predators (control), (II) a pelagic predator, the jellyfish Aurelia aurita L., (III) a hyperbenthic predator, the mysid Praunus flexuosus O.F. Müller or (VI) both predator types simultaneously. In Experiment I predators were restricted to the habitat which they were chosen to represent, while goby larvae could move freely. In Experiment II both predators and juvenile gobies were allowed to move freely between compartments.Increasing age caused larval gobies, but not juveniles to shift downwards. Only 25-day-old larvae and small juveniles avoided the mysid by shifting upwards. Larval response to A. aurita was also size dependant: 25-day-old larvae avoided medusae by shifting downwards, while 15 day olds did not. Emergent multiple predator effects were found for the vertical distribution of 15-day-old larvae and small juveniles. Larger juveniles were more active than smaller, both in the upper and the lower sections of tanks. P. flexuosus caused juvenile gobies in their vicinity (i.e. in the lower section) to increase their activity level, while small juveniles (but not medium-sized or large) increased their activity level even when further away (i.e. in the upper section). The presence of A. aurita led to a reduction in activity of small juveniles in its vicinity (i.e. in the upper section), while no response was observed among older juveniles or juveniles further away from the predator (i.e. in the lower section). Emergent multiple predator effects on the activity level of juveniles were not observed.     

广州小斑螟发生与环境因子的关系

广州小斑螟是红树林的一种灾害性的食叶害虫.通过室内饲养和野外观察,对广州小斑螟的发生和环境因素的关系进行了详细的研究.结果表明,随着龄级的增加,取食量增大;在不同样地不同滩位的虫口密度差异性规律不同;在单株白骨壤的不同方位虫口密度差异显著,正南方向虫口密度最高,正西、正北虫口密度最低;在单株白骨壤的中上部明显高于下部;广州小斑螟大龄幼虫较耐水淹,水淹6h的死亡率为0;不同地区温度的差异可导致广州小斑螟的发育进度的不同.     

Immune responses induced by Pelargonium sidoides extract in serum and nasal mucosa of athletes after exhaustive exercise: Modulation of secretory IgA, IL-6 and IL-15

The evidence that exhaustive exercise may compromise the immune response is mainly confirmed by upper respiratory tract infections which are probably related to the decrease in secretory immunoglobulin A in the upper airway mucosa and/or profile changes of systemic cytokines as well as local cytokines of the upper respiratory tract. An extract from Pelargonium sidoides roots is currently used to treat infections in the upper airways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of this herbal medicine on the immune response of athletes submitted to an intense running session by analyzing the production of immunoglobulin A in their saliva and of cytokines both locally and systemically, using a placebo as control. The results show that Pelargonium sidoides extract modulates the production of secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva, both interleukin-15 and interleukin-6 in serum, and interleukin-15 in the nasal mucosa. Secretory immunoglobulin A levels were increased, while levels of IL-15 and IL-6 were decreased. Based on this evidence, we suggest that this herbal medicine can exert a strong modulating influence on the immune response associated with the upper airway mucosa in athletes submitted to intense physical activity.     

On the status of Isolophodon Roth, 1903 (Mammalia,Astrapotheria) and other little-known Paleogene astrapotheres from central Patagonia

Most of the 16 currently recognized astrapothere genera are well known through numerous specimens preserving at least almost complete dentition. One of the exceptions is the enigmatic genus Isolophodon Roth, 1903, based on very scant and fragmentary materials from Paleogene levels of central Patagonia. This taxon was ruled out from almost all taxonomic lists, although its validity has not been discussed by subsequent authors. We herein re-describe and discuss the taxonomic status of the species of Isolophodon. The type species, I. cingulosus Roth, 1903, is characterized by having lower cheek teeth with a much reduced hypoflexid, resembling derived uruguaytheriines, but lower-crowned and with three lower premolars, as in the species of Astraponotus Ameghino, 1901. This is the only astrapothere nominal species attributable to the Tinguirirican South American Land Mammal Age (SALMA, Early Oligocene). Isolophodon aplanatus Roth, 1903 (Casamayoran and Mustersan SALMAs, middle Late Eocene) has proportionally more elongated lower molars and a less developed paraflexid than the type species. Isolophodon would represent an early diverging lineage of astrapotheriids, in which some dental features evolved convergently with the more derived uruguaytheriines. Additionally, we describe other fragmentary but very significant specimens from Paleogene localities in central Patagonia (Argentina) attributable to the following taxa: cf. Scaglia kraglievichorum (Barrancan? subage), based on a partial upper molar nearly 60% larger than the type of Scaglia kraglievichorum Simpson, 1957; Astrapotheriidae gen. et sp. 1 (Barrancan? Subage, Middle Eocene), based on an isolated upper molar larger than any other Eocene astrapothere; Astrapotheriidae gen. et sp. 2, based on five isolated upper cheek teeth from “La Cantera” (Gran Barranca, Early Oligocene), characterized by a large, isolated hypocone and accessory cusps on P3-P4. These taxa enlarge the known diversity of Paleogene astrapotheres and document novel evolutionary patterns for these mammals.     

Disparate infection patterns of Ceratomyxa shasta (Myxozoa) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) correlate with internal transcribed spacer-1 sequence variation in the parasite

Ceratomyxa shasta is a virulent myxosporean parasite of salmon and trout in the Pacific Northwest of North America. The parasite is endemic in the Klamath River, Oregon/California, where a series of dams prevent movement of fish hosts between the upper and lower parts of the basin. Ceratomyxa shasta exhibits a range of infection patterns in different fish species above and below the dams. We hypothesised that the variations in infection and disease are indicators that different strains of the parasite exist, each with distinct host associations. Accordingly, we sought to identify strain-specific genetic markers in the ssrRNA and internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS-1). We examined 46 C. shasta isolates from water samples and two fish hosts, from June 2007 field exposures at upper and lower Klamath River sites with similarly high parasite densities. We found 100% of non-native rainbow trout became infected and died at both locations. In contrast, mortality in native Chinook salmon was <10% in the upper basin, compared with up to 40% in the lower basin. Parasite ssrRNA sequences were identical from all fish. However, ITS-1 sequences contained multiple polymorphic loci and a trinucleotide repeat (ATC)_0-3 from which we defined four genotypes: 0, I, II and III. Non-native rainbow trout at both sites were infected with genotype II and with a low level of genotype III. Chinook salmon in the upper basin had genotypes II and III, whereas in the lower basin genotype I predominated. Genotype I was not detected in water from the upper basin, a finding consistent with the lack of anadromous Chinook salmon there. Genotype O was only detected in water from the upper basin. Resolution of C. shasta into sympatric, host-specific genotypes has implications for taxonomy, monitoring and management of this significant parasite.     

Pelargonium elandsmontanum (Geraniaceae: section Hoarea), a new species from the Western Cape Province, South Africa

The new species Pelargonium elandsmontanum is a local endemic from Elandsberg Nature Reserve near Malmesbury in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. One of six species of sect. Hoarea with just the posterior two petals developed, it resembles P. ternifolium in its trifoliolate leaves and pink petals but is distinguished from that species by the short, stout petioles, rhombic, acute leaflets with the upper surface glabrous or with spreading hairs (vs cuneate, apically incised leaflets with both surfaces adpressed-hairy), and five (vs four) fertile stamens.     

Competition as a determinant of the upper limit of subtidal kelp Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura in the southern coast of Korea

Experiments in the subtidal zone of the southeastern coast of Korea examined the role of competition in determining the upper limit of perennial kelp, Ecklonia stolonifera, which is a dominant species in the subtidal community, but rarely found shallower than 5 m depth. Replicate clearings of dense algal turfs simulating natural disturbance at 1 and 3 m depth zones showed that E. stolonifera is able to settle and develop adult sporophytes in the upper zone. However, these adult sporophytes were eventually excluded from the clearings within one year after clearing. Two-year succession patterns at the clearings fell into three sequential categories: E. stolonifera and polychaete worms (Serpula vermicularis Linnaeus), mussels (Mytilus edulis Linnaeus), and turf-forming algae. A competitor removal treatment revealed that competition with M. edulis for primary space is the direct cause resulting in exclusion of E. stolonifera from the clearings. Recolonization of E. stolonifera after exclusion did not occur at clearings due to preemptive competition with other sessile organisms, which occupied 75-99% of bottom cover during the reproduction period of E. stolonifera (Autumn). Algal turfs, the final colonizer of the clearings, recovered more than 80% of bottom cover within 10 months after exclusion of M. edulis, and their species composition and abundance were not significantly different to those of adjacent controls. Experiments using artificial substrata showed that recruitment of E. stolonifera from spores is essentially impossible on the plates occupied by other sessile organisms (>86% cover). These results indicate that preemptive competition with dense algal turfs for the settlement and competition with M. edulis for survival in the course of succession are two most important factors determining the vertical distribution limits of E. stolonifera.     

Causes of rarity and range restriction of an endangered, endemic limpet, Siphonaria compressa

The pulmonate limpet Siphonaria compressa is South Africa's most endangered marine mollusc. It is endemic to just two localities: Langebaan Lagoon on the west coast, and Knysna Estuary on the south coast, and occurs only on the eelgrass Zostera capensis. In Langebaan Lagoon, eelgrass has fluctuated substantially over the last 34 years, and S. compressa has twice approached extinction. S. compressa is largely confined to the lower edge of the eelgrass beds there, being replaced higher up by another small gastropod, Assiminea globulus. We explored the physical and biological factors underlying the limpet's narrow habitat, using field observations, translocations, caging and transplant experiments. Abundance of S. compressa was positively correlated with Z. capensis cover and negatively correlated with shore height. When moved to the upper portions of the eelgrass bed, S. compressa had lower rates of persistence and survival than in the lowest zone. The lower limit of zonation for S. compressa was set indirectly by bioturbation by the sandprawn Callianassa kraussi, which excluded eelgrass from intertidal sandbanks. Transplants of eelgrass into the sandbanks proliferated provided C. kraussi was experimentally eliminated, and supported densities of S. compressa 20-fold greater than in control eelgrass beds, suggesting that high-shore eelgrass beds to which S. compressa is normally confined are suboptimal for the limpet. A. globulus showed patterns opposite to those of S. compressa: its persistence and survival were greatest in the upper zone and it actively avoided the lower sections of these beds and never colonised eelgrass transplanted into sandflats lower on the shore. There was no evidence that competition between S. compressa and A. globulus influenced the zonation or abundance of either species. Rarity of S. compressa and its endangered status seem dictated by its extremely narrow and temporally changeable habitat-range, which is defined by physical stress in the high-shore and bioturbation by C. kraussi in the low-shore. Fluctuations in eelgrass abundance and limitation of S. compressa to just two localities add substantially to the risks of extinction for this embattled stenotypic limpet.     

贵州省翼手目一新纪录-大山蝠

2010年8月在贵州省从江县进行翼手目动物物种多样性调查中,于从江县加鸠乡采集到2只雌性山蝠,体型较大,前臂长60.22 mm,59.72 mm;耳屏明显,短而厚,呈肾型;第5指最短,第3指最长;体被黄棕色;有距缘膜;头骨宽而粗壮,人字脊显著;上齿列长9.12 mm,9.28 mm.外门齿大于内门齿;第一上前臼齿(P2...     

Effects of Ilyanassa obsoleta (Say) on the abundance and vertical distribution of Corophium volutator (Pallas) on mudflats of the upper Bay of Fundy

Invertebrates in soft-bottom marine communities exhibit a range of responses to predators and competitors, including both emigration and avoidance. Corophium volutator (Pallas), a burrowing amphipod abundant in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada, frequently interacts with the eastern mudsnail, Ilyanassa obsoleta (Say), as both species utilize similar habitats and food resources. Typically these interactions result in negative effects on C. volutator. There is evidence that Corophium species exhibit avoidance behaviour when interacting with other species, but whether such a response occurs in the presence of I. obsoleta is unknown. To investigate C. volutator response to I. obsoleta, total C. volutator abundance and vertical distribution within the sediment was examined in a field experiment involving I. obsoleta enclosures and exclosures at two mudflats in the upper Bay of Fundy. I. obsoleta densities were manipulated between June and August 2008 and their effects on C. volutator abundance and vertical distribution observed. Results varied between mudflats and C. volutator size classes. At Peck's Cove, total C. volutator abundance was largely unaffected by I. obsoleta. No size class exhibited a distribution shift in response to I. obsoleta, though both mid-sized individuals and adults occupied deeper layers of sediment late in the summer. Abundance of C. volutator in all size classes at Grande Anse was reduced in July in direct proportion to exposure to I. obsoleta, and adults occupied higher sediment layers in July when I. obsoleta were excluded, suggesting that I. obsoleta curtailed use of these upper layers. Juvenile abundance rebounded in August, possibly due to the mass dispersal of a newly produced juvenile cohort. Adults were reduced in all treatments in August, probably as a result of normal seasonal mortality. Differences in C. volutator responses between mudflats highlight the site-specific nature of such interactions.     

Overwintering and Cold Tolerance of the Mermithid Filipjevimermis leipsandra

Overwintering survival of Filipjevimermis leipsandra postparasitic adults ranged from 12 to 15% over 2 years. Nematodes recovered from biweekly samples oviposited within a week when exposed to warm temperatures. More nematodes were recovered from the lower portions of soil cores than from the upper. In laboratory tests of cold tolerance, the LD₅₀ at -5 C was 5.5 hours, whereas exposure to -2 C for as long as 96 hours resulted in no mortality.     

A new genus and species of Coenosiini from Costa Rica (Diptera,Muscidae, Coenosiinae)

Palpilongus gen. n. is herein described for one species – Palpilongus bifurcus sp. n., from Costa Rica, based on male and females. The striking morphological characters of the species – palpus very long, about as long as prementum; upper calypter truncate and very short and setae of male sternite 5 bifurcated, confirm that this new species is also a new genus in the tribe Coenosiini. Male and female terminalia were dissected and illustrated.     

Soybean Yield as Related to Rates of 1,3-Dichloropropene Applied at Planting for Management of Root-Knot Disease

1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) at rates of 17.2 to 51.6 liters/ha applied 3 days preplant or at planting significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the amount of galling on roots of soybean grown in sites infested with Meloidogyne incognita or M. arenaria. Populations of M. incognita second-stage juveniles at harvest were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by all treatments. Only the 51.6-liters/ ha treatments and a 3-day preplant 34.4-liters/ha application significantly reduced at-harvest juvenile infestations of M. arenaria. Equations (P < 0.001) relating soybean yield and 1,3-D dosage indicated soybean phytotoxicity at the upper range of the nematicide rates. The maximum yield response was predicted at 40 liters/ha applied 3 days preplant at both infestation sites. Maximum yield response was predicted with 30 liters/ha applied at planting to M. incognita-infested soil and from 25 liters/ha applied at planting to M. arenaria-infested soil. Application of economic factors suggested that management of M. incognita may be cost effective with at-plant treatments of low rates of 1,3-D. Yield responses of M. arenaria-infected soybean exposed to similar treatments were insufficient to justify their use at prevailing prices.     

Comparative skeletogenesis of the Oriental Tree Frog Hyla orientalis (Anura: Hylidae)

The ontogeny of skeletal development of the Oriental Tree Frog, Hyla orientalis (Bedriaga, 1890), is followed from tadpole to froglet and compared with four other hylid species i.e., Hypsiboas lanciformis, Hypsiboas pulchellus, Phyllomedusa vaillanti and Pseudis platensis. Our analysis and comparison is based on cleared and double-stained specimens. The parasphenoid is the first skeletal element that ossified in Hyla orientalis is followed by the exoocipital, prootic, axial and appendicular skeletal elements, frontoparietal, nasal, upper jaw, squamosal, pterygoid, lower jaw, vomer and quadratojugal. Ossification initiated at early Stage 33 in Hyla orientalis whereas in other hylids it begins after Stage 37. Major transformations of the larval jaw were visible after Stage 42. Cranial ossifications were completed after appendicular and axial ossifications of Hyla orientalis. All skeletal elements ossified before the end of the metamorphosis, a unique feature of Hyla orientalis in comparison to the other hylids studied here.