Hatena arenicola gen. et sp. nov., a katablepharid undergoing probable plastid acquisition

Hatena arenicola gen. et sp. nov., an enigmatic flagellate of the katablepharids, is described. It shows ultrastructural affinities to the katablepharids, including large and small ejectisomes, cell covering, and a feeding apparatus. Although molecular phylogenies of the 18S ribosomal DNA support its classification into the katablepharids, the cell is characterized by a dorsiventrally compressed cell shape and a crawling motion, both of which are unusual within this group. The most distinctive feature of Hatena arenicola is that it harbors a Nephroselmis symbiont. This symbiosis is distinct from previously reported cases of ongoing symbiosis in that the symbiont plastid is selectively enlarged, while other structures such as the mitochondria, Golgi body, cytoskeleton, and endomembrane system are degraded; the host and symbiont have developed a morphological association, i.e., the eyespot of the symbiont is always at the cell apex of Hatena arenicola; and only one daughter cell inherits the symbiont during cell division, resulting in a symbiont-bearing green cell and a symbiont-lacking colorless cell. Interestingly, the colorless cells have a feeding apparatus that corresponds to the location of the eyespot in symbiont-bearing cells, and they are able to feed on prey cells. This indicates that the morphology of the host depends on the presence or absence of the symbiont. These observations suggest that Hatena arenicola has a unique "half-plant, half-predator" life cycle; one cell divides into an autotrophic cell possessing a symbiotic Nephroselmis species, and a symbiont-lacking colorless cell, which later develops a feeding apparatus de novo. The evolutionary implications of Hatena arenicola as an intermediate step in plastid acquisition are discussed in the context of other examples of ongoing endosymbioses in dinoflagellates.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF A NEW SAND-DWELLING DINOFLAGELLATE,SCRIPPSIELLA ARENICOLA SP. NOV1

A new dinoflagellate, Scrippsiella arenicola Horiguchi et Pienaar sp. nov., is described from tidal pools with sandy substrates along the east coast of South Africa. S. arenicola exhibits a vertical migratory rhythm which is in synchrony with the tidal cycle. It is a medium-sized armoured dinoflagellate with many rod-shaped chloroplasts. Thecal plate arrangement is pp, x, 4′, 3a, 7′, 6c, 5′, 2″ and 4s. The 2a and 3a plates are separated from each other. S. arenicola has several unique ultrastructural features. Electron-dense fibres are found on the protruded part of the thecal plates, such as on the ornamental projections or extremities of the lists. In addition to the 9 + 2 axoneme, additional fibres are found in the free moving part of the longitudinal flagellum. The portion of the transverse flagellum covered by the left sulcal list possesses a dense array of mastigonemes which connect the flagellum and the cell. The flagellar pore platelets differ from ordinary thecal plates in their thickness and fibrous nature. The ultrastructure of the apical stalk and its associated structures is described. The vertical migration and mode of cell division is also described.     

沙柳木蠹蛾性行为及其性信息素滴度的动态节律

沙柳木蠹蛾Holcocerus arenicola是为害沙柳Salix psammophila的主要钻蛀性害虫之一。在进入暗期后的6 h内,对其求偶行为和交配行为进行观察和记录,调查该虫求偶和交配的活动规律。通过触角电位技术（EAG）和毛细管气相色谱（GC）对性腺体内信息素的滴度进行了分析,以揭示性信息素产生的昼夜节律和雌虫日龄对性信息素合成的影响。结果表明：该虫在暗期0.5~1 h内即开始有求偶行为,最大求偶高峰出现在羽化后的第2晚。交配行为主要发生在暗期的1~2 h内。在各日龄的成虫中,1日龄成虫的交配百分率最高。交配平均时间为24.16±2.64 min,随着日龄的增加,交配时间前移。在实验中,未观察到5~6日龄成虫的交配行为。沙柳木蠹蛾性信息素的体内合成早于求偶行为1~2 h,并在暗期的前2 h内达到峰值。性信息素的滴度随着雌虫日龄的增减而减少,最高值为当日羽化雌虫的腺体提取物。林间诱蛾实验中,处女雌蛾和性腺体提取物对雄蛾均有较好的诱捕效果。本研究表明,在沙柳木蠹蛾的性信息素滴度和性活动之间具有同步关系,同时为进一步利用长距离性信息素防治该虫提供了参考。     

Aristolochia helix sp.nov. (Aristolochiaceae) from Thailand

A new species of Aristolochiaceae, Aristolochia helix , is described from Thailand and contrasted to its nearest ally, A. arenicola.     

Apotrachelocerca arenicola (Kahl, 1933) n. g., comb. n. (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Trachelocercidae): morphology and phylogeny

During faunistic study on psammophilic ciliates along the coast of Qingdao, China, a population of Trachelocerca arenicola Kahl, 1933 was found and then investigated using silver staining and gene sequencing methods. The results indicated that it represented a new genus Apotrachelocerca characterized by uninterrupted circumoral kineties composed of two rows of dikinetids and no brosse or ciliary tuft in the oral cavity. This new genus should be assigned to the family Prototrachelocercidae Foissner, 1996. Based on the small subunit rRNA gene sequence, phylogenetic trees revealed that Apotrachelocerca arenicola occupied a basal position to other trachelocercids.     

Stylostome formation by Leptotrombidium mites (Acari: Trombiculidae).

The modes of stylostome formation by larvae (chiggers) of Leptotrombidium intermedium, L. fletcheri, L. arenicola, and L. deliense in parasitized mouse skin were studied histologically in relation to their capacity to transmit Rickettsia tsutsugamushi. Three types of stylostome formation were recognized among the different species: the epidermal stylostome formed by the larva of L. intermedium; the mesenchymal stylostome formed by the larva of L. fletcheri; and, the mixed stylostome formed by the larva of both L. arenicola and L. deliense. Dermal inflammations related to the three types of stylostomes were histologically defined. The possible importance of stylostome characteristics to the transmission of rickettsial organisms is discussed.     

ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON SPERM DIFFERENTIATION IN MARINE ANNELID WORMS. II. SPERM FORMATION IN ARENICOLA BRASILIENSIS

The course of spermiogenesis in arenicola brasiliensis was observed with the electron microscope. The spermatogonia floating in the body cavity seem to proliferate and differentiate to mature spermatozoa in the coelomic fluid. More than a hundred spermatids are connected to one large central mass of cytoplasm and spermiogenesis proceeds synchronously in one cluster, which changes into a sperm-disc during maturation. The pre-acrosomal vesicle originates from the Golgi-body and gradually changes into the acrosomal vesicle of peculiar structure like a cup upside down. In the process of differentiation of the acrosome, a part of the material in the acrosomal vesicle is transferred into the space between the vesicle and the nucleus. The posterior one-third of the cylindrical nucleus is surrounded by four middle-piece mitochondria. The flagellar axoneme originates from one of the centrioles, which is located near a posterior pit in the nucleus.     

Diversity of Mycobacterium species from marine sponges and their sensitivity to antagonism by sponge-derived rifamycin-synthesizing actinobacterium in the genus Salinispora

Eleven isolates of Mycobacterium species as well as an antimycobacterial Salinispora arenicola strain were cultured from the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. The 16S rRNA, rpoB, and hsp65 genes from these Mycobacterium isolates were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated alignment showed the formation of a large clade with Mycobacterium poriferae isolated previously from another sponge species. The separation of these Mycobacterium isolates into three species-level groups was evident from sequence similarity and phylogenetic analyses. In addition, an isolate that is phylogenetically related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis was recovered from the sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp. Several different mycobacteria thus appear to co-occur in the same sponge. An actinobacterium closely related to S. arenicola, a known producer of the antimycobacterial rifamycins, was coisolated from the same A. queenslandica specimen from which mycobacteria had been isolated. This Salinispora isolate was confirmed to synthesize rifamycin and displayed inhibitory effects against representatives from two of three Mycobacterium phylotype groups. Evidence for antagonism of sponge-derived Salinispora against sponge-derived Mycobacterium strains from the same sponge specimen and the production of antimycobacterial antibiotics by this Salinispora strain suggest that the synthesis of such antibiotics may have functions in competition between sponge microbial community members.     

稀有海洋放线菌Salinispora arenicola非核糖体肽合成酶和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区的克隆及序列分析

克隆稀有海洋放线菌Salinispora arenicola的非核糖体肽合成酶(NRPS)和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区基因片段。根据已发表的放线菌NRPS和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区的核苷酸序列保守区设计两对简并性引物,采用PCR的方法扩增NRPS和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区基因片段,使用分子生物学软件进行序列分析。获得两段大小分别为662bp和557bp的基因片段,编码220个和185个氨基酸。这两段序列与海洋放线菌Salinispora arenicola CNS-205的NRPS和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区基因核苷酸序列的同源性分别为99%和98%。成功地获得了稀有海洋放线菌Salinispora arenicola的NRPS和卤代酶生物合成基因簇核心区基因片段,该基因片段的获取将为分离全长基因簇以及研究该基因簇在生物合成中的功能奠定基础。     

Diet and foraging behaviour of huntsman spiders in the Namib dunes (Araneae: Heteropodidae)

Diet and foraging behaviour of three species of burrowing huntsman spiders, Leucorchestris arenicola, L. steyni and Carparachne aureoflava , from the Namib dunes were investigated over a three-year period. These nocturnal spiders are polyphagous predators that prey on more than 97 species of insects, arachnids and reptiles. Most prey were nocturnal or crepuscular tenebrionid beetles, moths and weevils. Diet varied regionally owing to faunal differences, but was relatively constant over seasons. Although spiders occasionally captured prey greater than themselves, average prey length was about two-thirds their own length. Prey size was not strongly related to spider size. Larger spiders were both cannibals and intraguild predators. Foraging pattern of L. arenicola was variable with several nights of activity followed by one or several nights of rest. Spiders foraged within 3 m of the burrow, but occasionally pursued prey or neighbouring conspecifics further. Large prey (> 3 mm) were captured approximately every five weeks in summer and every seven weeks in winter, producing an average annual consumption of ≅ 10 prey/spider. Namib huntsmen are sit-and-wait predators within narrow territories waiting for the fortuitous arrival of prey and are thus unlikely to limit prey populations. They compensate for food shortages by cannibalism, thus restricting their own population.     

Preliminary crystallographic data on monomeric and dimeric hemoglobins from the sea cucumber, Molpadia arenicola.

Large single crystals of two distinct globin chains from coelomic cells of the sea cucumber Molpadia arenicola have been prepared and examined by x-ray crystallography. These hemoglobins exhibit a variety of ligand-dependent association states with the met-hemoglobins existing as monomers and liganded hemoglobins as dimers at physiological concentrations. Monomeric methemoglobin C chain crystallizes in space group P21, with a = 46.0 A, b = 45.3 A, c = 40.9 A, beta = 104.5 degrees, and one monomer per asymmetric unit. These crystals exhibit unusual spectroscopic behavior when examined with a polarizer, turning colorless in certain orientations. This implies that all the heme rings are nearly parallel within the crystals. Dimeric cyanmethemoglobin D chain crystallizes in space group P41212 (P43212), with a = b = 77.0 A, c = 61.5 A, and one-half a dimer per asymmetric unit. These homodimers thus possess a molecular 2-fold which is aligned with the crystallographic dyad.     

Evolution of secondary metabolite genes in three closely related marine actinomycete species

The marine actinomycete genus Salinispora is composed of three closely related species. These bacteria are a rich source of secondary metabolites, which are produced in species-specific patterns. This study examines the distribution and phylogenetic relationships of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in the salinosporamide and staurosporine classes, which have been reported for S. tropica and S. arenicola, respectively. The focus is on "Salinispora pacifica," the most recently discovered and phylogenetically diverse member of the genus. Of 61 S. pacifica strains examined, 15 tested positive for a ketosynthase (KS) domain linked to the biosynthesis of salinosporamide K, a new compound in the salinosporamide series. Compound production was confirmed in two strains, and the domain phylogeny supports vertical inheritance from a common ancestor shared with S. tropica, which produces related compounds in the salinosporamide series. There was no evidence for interspecies recombination among salA KS sequences, providing further support for the geographic isolation of these two salinosporamide-producing lineages. In addition, staurosporine production is reported for the first time for S. pacifica, with 24 of 61 strains testing positive for staD, a key gene involved in the biosynthesis of this compound. High levels of recombination were observed between staD alleles in S. pacifica and the cooccurring yet more distantly related S. arenicola, which produces a similar series of staurosporines. The distributions and phylogenies of the biosynthetic genes examined provide insight into the complex processes driving the evolution of secondary metabolism among closely related bacterial species.     

Some Xylaria species on termite nests

Xylaria arenicola, X. brasiliensis, X. escharoidea, X. furcata, X. nigripes, X. piperiformis and X. rhizomorpha represent ancient names of fungi known to inhabit abandoned termite nests. We attempt to redescribe them and to reduce the confusion among them. Xylaria tanganyikaensis and X. readeri, species that might be associated with termite nests, are described. We describe a new variety, X. furcata var. hirsuta, and discuss an unnamed fungus that probably represents a new species. Photographs and a key are presented to aid the identification of these taxa.     

HALOSTYLODINIUM ARENARIUM, GEN ET SP. NOV. (DINOPHYCEAE), A COCCOID SAND-DWELLING DINOFLAGELLATE FROM SUBTROPICAL JAPAN

A new genus and species of marine coccoid dinoflagellate from subtropical Japan, Halostylodinium arenarium Horiguchi et Yoshizawa-Ebata, gen. et sp. nov., is described. The dominant stage of the dinoflagellate is a nonmotile ovoidal to spheroidal cell with a distinct stalk. The stalk consists of an upper thick tubule, a lower thin tubule, and a discoidal holdfast. The dinoflagellate possesses a yellowish-brown chloroplast with multiple lobes radiating from a central pyrenoid. It reproduces by the formation of two motile cells, which swim for a short period and then transform directly into the stalked nonmotile cell. The stalk is produced during transformation from the apical stalk complex present in the apex of the motile cell. The apical stalk complex consists of a double-folded apical pore plate and doughnut-shaped holdfast-building material. The ultrastructure of the apical stalk complex is compared with those of Bysmatrum arenicola and Stylodinium littorale. Halostylodinium arenarium possesses delicate thecal plates, and the thecal plate formula is Po, 5', 2a, 7", 7c, 6s, 5"', 1p, 2"". A phylogenetic study based on the 18S ribosomal RNA gene did not show any clear affinities between this organism and any species included in the analysis.     

The Syntrichia ruralis complex in Belgium

A revision of the Syntrichia ruralis complex in Belgium was undertaken. Four taxa: S ruralis, S. ruralis var. arenicola, S. intermedia and S. intermedia var. calva, are recognized. Syntrichia princeps is also accepted, though tentatively, due to its synoecious condition. Syntrichia densa, S. calcicola and S. ruralis s.str. form a series of intergrades and the first two are considered as extreme morphological expressions of the latter. The morphological variability of these taxa, their ecology and distribution in Belgium are studied and a key is provided.     

Redescription of a brooding nemertine,Cyanophthalma obscura (Schultze) gen. et comb.n., with observations on its biology and discussion of the species of Prostomatella and related taxa*†

A new genus, Cyanophthalma, is erected with the type species Tetrastemma obscura Schultze, 1851. Cyanophthalma obscura is transferred from Prostomatella and is redescribed from observations of more than 300 living specimens and serial sections of 59 specimens from the northeast coast of North America. Comparison is made with serial sections of C. obscura from the Baltic and with serially sectioned specimens of three other described species of Prostomatella. Two of these, P. enteroplecta and P. merula, do not fit either genus and are provisionally placed in the aggregate genus Tetrastemma, whose present diagnosis they do fit. Prostomatella remains with only its type species, P. arenicola. Amphiporus cordiceps is also transferred to Cyanophthalma. Some of the characters that form the basis for classifying Monostilifera are assessed for phylogenetic significance. Cyanophthalma obscura in Nova Scotia lives in salt marshes. Young are brooded through the winter while ice covers most of the marsh.     

沙柳木蠹蛾的研究

沙柳木蠹蛾Holcocerus arenicola(Staudinger)是沙柳根部一种钻蛀性害虫.亦为害踏郎、酸刺、毛乌柳、柠条等.国内分布于内蒙、新疆、宁夏、陕西、甘肃等省(区). 该虫四年1代, 以幼虫在寄主蛀道内越冬.老熟幼虫5月上旬入沙化蛹;成虫6月初开始羽化, 中旬达盛期;7月上旬幼虫初孵, 取食、为害至10月下旬越冬.成虫白天静伏于沙柳丛, 傍晚8时半至10时半活动、交配、产卵, 趋光性强.雌蛾对雄蛾性诱力较强.成虫寿命2.9—4.1天, 产卵量平均265.4粒, 性比0.67—0.68:1.