Phylogeography of Iurus dufoureius (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones, Iuridae)

Aim  This study uses molecular data in conjunction with palaeogeography to infer the most plausible biogeographical scenario accounting for the current distributional pattern of Iurus dufoureius .
Location  North-eastern Mediterranean region.
Methods  Sequencing of a 441-bp segment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene in seven populations covering the whole distributional range of the species. Phylogenetic analyses performed included neighbour joining, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference.
Results  The molecular phylogeny showed that two Iurus clades are strongly supported. These clades correspond to the two subspecies Iurus dufoureius dufoureius and Iurus dufoureius asiaticus , currently recognized within the genus. The assumption of a clock-like evolution could not be rejected, and this enabled us to estimate an approximation of the local rate of evolution for the I. dufoureius lineages. Based on the estimated evolutionary rate (0.79 ± 0.17 Myr⁻¹), the split between the two Iurus clades occurred c. 8 Ma.
Main conclusions  Contrary to what was believed in the past, the genus Iurus is an old north-eastern Mediterranean genus that has been differentiating in southern Greece and south-west Turkey at least from the middle Miocene. According to the phylogenetic trees obtained and the dating of the divergence times of lineages, the genus dispersed into the Aegean Archipelago when the Aegean was still a uniform land mass. Although the phylogenetic relationships of I. d. dufoureius populations have been shaped by the most recent vicariant events, the phylogenetic relationships of I. d. asiaticus populations are mostly attributable to older palaeoevents occurring in the area.     

The larva of Oecetis tripunctata (Fabricius, 1793) (Trichoptera,Leptoceridae)

Oecetis tripunctata is a widely distributed leptocerid in Europe, ranging from the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas and the Central and Western European highlands to the plains of Eastern Europe. The long, single-bladed mandibles are indicative for a predacious lifestyle. This paper describes the previously unknown larva of Oecetis tripunctata. Information on the morphology of the 5th larval instar is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. A synoptic key for the European species of Oecetis is also provided. In the context of existing identification keys the larva of Oecetis tripunctata keys together with Oecetis intima and Oecetis notata. Oecetis tripunctata is separated from the other two species by the fact that a double row of long setal fringes is lacking at the hind tibiae and that several long setae are present on the protrochantinus.     

First record of Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall (Hymenoptera,Braconidae, Doryctinae) as parasitoid of Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae)

The species Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was reared from the larvae of the xylophagous beetle Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an exotic pest of Ficus and Morus species native to eastern Asia. It was recorded in the north of Italy in September 2005. This discovery is the first report of this species as parasitoids of the yellow spotted longicorn beetle all over the world.     

Helix coil transitions of d (A)n·d(T)n,d(A-T)n·d(A-T)n,and d(A-A-T)n·d(A-T-T)n; evaluation of parameters governing DNA stability

The thermally induced helix-coil transitions of three A-T DNAs, d(A)_n·d(T)_n, d(A-T)_n·d(A-T)_n, and d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n, were studied. Experimental transition curves of the DNAs were analyzed using the loop entropy model of DNA melting. The calculation of the melting curve of d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n is presented using the integral equation formalism of Goel and Montroll. The aim of this work was to evaluate thermodynamic parameters which govern DNA stability and to test the theoretical model employed in the analysis. Our results show (1) an excellent over-all agreement between theory and experiment, (2) a loop entropy exponent k = 1.55 ± 0.05 provided the best fit to all the polymer transition curves, (3) the evaluated stacking free energies reflect the relative stability of the DNAs, and (4) the stacking energies of the ApA·TpT dimer evaluated from d(A)_n·d(T)_n and d(A-A-T)_n·d(A-T-T)_n differ. The last result is consistent with different conformations for the dimer in these two polymers.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kailasius autocrator</Emphasis> (Avinov, 1913) (Lepidoptera,Papilionidae) found in the alai mountain ridge (the Pamir-Alai)

A new subspecies, Kailasius autocrator murun Korb, ssp. n., of the species Kailasius autocrator (Avinov, 1913) from the eastern part of the Alai Mountain Ridge is described. This subspecies differs from the other known ones in the smaller size (the fore-wing length is less than 23 mm) and in the presence of 5 black rounded spots in the submarginal area of the hind-wing upper side (4 spots in the nominotypical subspecies and K. a. pshartanus). The new subspecies is shown to be the most archaic one among the subspecies of the genus Kailasius by the wing pattern. Possible ways for the origin of local and small populations of morphologically different subspecies of the genus are discussed.     

Revision of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhabdolepis macropterus</Emphasis> (Bronn, 1829) (Osteichthyes,lower Actinopterygii; Lower Permian,SW Germany)

The neotype of Rhabdolepis macropterus is revisited. Together with additional material, a new reconstruction of the skull in lateral view is presented. Main characters of this species of the family Elonichthyidae are a ventral accessory operculum which completely separates the operculum from the suboperculum, and further the border between the frontal (parietal) and the parietal (postparietal) bones lying anterior to the border between the dermosphenotic and the dermopterotic bones. The diagnosis of genus Rhabdolepis is renewed. The species Rh. macropterus is compared with the sympatric elonichthyid species Rhabdolepis saarbrueckensis and Elonichthys fritschi.     

Nouveau matériel de Leptobos (Smertiobos) crassus (Artiodactyla, Mammalia) du Pléistocène inférieur à Renzidong (Chine de l’Est)

New remains of Leptobos (Smertiobos) crassus have been identified among the fossils excavated from a new early Pleistocene site at the Renzidong in Anhui Province, Eastern China. It is a Leptobos bearing frontal appendices with a simple curvature and its distal part turns higher than the other species of the subgenus. The present study shows that the first appearance of Leptobos in China is in the zone equivalent to the European MNQ 16b, later than its first appearance in Western Europe (MNQ 16a); and the genus Leptobos can serve as index fossil of the lower Pleistocene in China (2.5-0.78 Ma, Chinese definition).     

Fossil frogs (Anura) from Shanwang (Middle Miocene; Shandong Province, China)

The early middle Miocene biota from the Shanwang locality in eastern China is one of the most diverse and well preserved in the world. This overall richness contrasts with its low diversity of anuran amphibians. The most abundant anurans are representatives of the family Ranidae, which remains the dominant group in the extant anuran fauna of China. Besides Rana basaltica Young, some other ranids can be recognised at the locality, and are clearly distinguishable from R. basaltica based on their larger size and different proportions. Ranids are also represented by a developmental series of tadpoles, ranging from approximately Nieuwkoop-Faber (NF) stage 43 to a metamorphosing tadpole of NF stage 57. This is the first known developmental series of fossil non-pipoid Anura outside the Pelobatidae. In addition to the ranids, Bufo shandongensis nov. sp. (replacement name for B. linquensis), represented by one of the earliest known articulated bufonid skeletons, is described and illustrated. Another large toad, Macropelobates linquensis (Yang) nov. comb., is re-described; it can be assigned to the Pelobatoidea, with a possible relationship to the Scaphiopodidae, and can be considered, based on the presence of a large spade, a tibiofibula shorter than the femur, and a short astragalus and calcaneus, to be the earliest known anuran burrower.     

Taxonomie du grand canidé de la grotte du Vallonnet (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes, France)

The large canid of Vallonnet cave belongs to Xenocyon lycaonoides. Its remains are similar to the Xenocyon from Untermassfeld in Germany. X. Lycaonoides, and evoluated form of the Xenocyon genus, is characteristic of the second half of the Lower Pleistocene. The genus Xenocyon may be the ancestor of both Cuon and Lycaon.     

Etude Cytologique, Systématique et Pathologique d'Ichtyobodo necator (Henneguy, 1883) Pinto, 1928 (Zooflagelle)

SYNOPSIS. The free form of Ichtyobodo necator is typically quadrangular, with rounded corners, and flattened dorso-ventrally. Its dorsal surface is strongly convex and its ventral surface somewhat concave. A longitudinal groove traverses the posterior 2/3 of the ventral surface near its right margin. The part of the organism anterior to the groove is rather thick; that containing the depression thins out progressively toward the posterior end. Most of the organelles are in the major part of the cytoplasm to the left of the groove. Anteriorly this depression continues into a rather short canal. Two (4 in predivision stages) flagella originate near the anterior end of the canal, from which they run posteriorly. The cytostome is also near the anterior part of the canal. The cytostome, canal, and cell membrane are reinforced by microtubules. The chondriome, undoubtedly represented by a single very elongated mitochondrion, contains numerous dilated areas rich in deoxyribonucleic acid. The fixed form of the flagellate is highly modified. Its anterior part becomes attached to the host cell by forming a plate. A type of sucking organelle that contains the cytostome forms from the plate and penetrates the host cell. I. necator belongs in the family Bodonidae. RESUME La forme libre d'Ichtyobodo necator est quadrangulaire avec des angles arrondis, et présente un aplatissement dorsoventral. Sa surface dorsale est fortement convexe et sa surface ventrale légèrement concave. Une gouttiére longitudinale traverse les 2/3 postérieurs de la face ventrale sur le bord droit. La région cellulaire antérieure à, la gouttiére est plus épaisse que celle qui contient la dépression et s'amincit progressivement vers la partie terminale. La plupart des organites cellulaires occupent la partie gauche de la cellule. Dans la région antérieure la gouttiére se prolonge par un canal assez court. Deux (quatre dans les stades de prédivision) flagelles partent de ce canal et se dirigent vers la région postérieure. Le cytostome est également localisé près de la région antérieure du canal. Le cytostome, le canal et la membrane cellulaire sont jouxtés de microtubules. Le chondriome, sans doute représenté par une seule mitochondrie très allongée, présente de nombreuses dilatations riches en acide désoxyribonucléique. La forme fixée du flagellé est très modifiée. Sa partie antérieure adhère à la cellule hǒte par l'intermédiaire d'un plateau. Une sorte de suçoir, qui contient le cytostome, se forme à partir de ce plateau et pénètre dans la cellule hǒte. Ichtyobodo necator appartient à la famille des Bodonidae.     

An almost complete skeleton of Metailurus parvulus (Carnivora, Felidae) from the late Miocene of Kerassia (Northern Euboea, Greece)

We describe a partial skeleton of Metailurus parvulus from the Turolian site of Kerassia 1 (Northern Euboea, Greece). The material, which consists of a mandible, the anterior and posterior limb-bone elements, some sternal bones and some vertebrae, is the most complete known of this species. The dental material is compared to specimens from Pikermi and Chomateri (Greece), and China. The limb-bones available offer us the possibility to discuss the status of some previously described specimens from Pikermi. The limb proportions indicate that M. parvulus had elongated posterior limbs relative to the anterior ones, which reflects developed jumping skills. M. parvulus had moderately developed cursorial abilities, intermediate between open and closed habitat felids, and probably frequented primarily relatively open woodlands.     

Revision of the Lacinipolia vicina (Grote) complex (Noctuidae,Noctuinae, Eriopygini)

The Lacinipolia vicina (Grote) species complex, previously consisting of Lacinipolia vicina, Lacinipolia teligera (Morrison), Lacinipolia pensilis (Grote), and Lacinipolia subalba Mustelin is revised to six species: Lacinipolia vicina (eastern USA), Lacinipolia teligera (southern Great Plains), Lacinipolia pensilis (Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains), Lacinipolia acutipennis (Grote), stat. rev. (= Lacinipolia subalba syn. n.) (western North America), Lacinipolia sareta (Smith), stat. rev. (Canada and western USA) and Lacinipolia dimocki, sp. n. (California and Pacific Northwest). Lectotypes are designated for Lacinipolia vicina, Lacinipolia teligera and Lacinipolia pensilis.     

An enzymatically produced novel cyclomaltopentaose cyclized from amylose by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}

A bacterial strain AM7, isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus circulans, produced two kinds of novel cyclic oligosaccharides. The cyclic oligosaccharides were produced from amylose using a culture supernatant of the strain as the enzyme preparation. The major product was a cyclomaltopentaose cyclized by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}. The other minor product was cyclomaltohexaose cyclized by an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage, cyclo-{-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->}. We propose the names isocyclomaltopentaose (ICG5) and isocyclomaltohexaose (ICG6) for these novel cyclic maltooligosaccharides having one alpha-(1-->6)-linkage. ICG5 was digested by alpha-amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae, cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus stearothermophilus, and maltogenic alpha-amylase. On the other hand, ICG6 was digested by CGTase from B. stearothermophilus and B. circulans, and maltogenic alpha-amylase. This is the first report of enzymatically produced cyclomaltopentaose and cyclomaltohexaose, which have an alpha-(1-->6)-linkage in their molecules.     

Taxonomy of Electrogena antalyensis (Kazanci & Braasch, 1986) (Ephemeroptera,Heptageniidae)

Female imagines, subimagines, eggs and larvae of Electrogena antalyensis (Kazanci & Braasch) from Turkey are described for the first time. The results of a thorough analysis of larvae, based on the standard set of diagnostic characters for the identification of Electrogena species, are reported. The peculiarity of several characters places E. antalyensis in an isolated position within the genus Electrogena.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Siderocelis irregularis</Emphasis> (Chlorophyta,Trebouxiophyceae) in Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

Siderocelis irregularis Hindák, representing a genus Siderocelis (Naumann) Fott that is known from European temperate waters, was identified as a common phytoplankter in Lake Tanganyika. It was found aposymbiotic as well as ingested (possibly endosymbiotic) in lake heterotrophs, mainly Strombidium sp. and Vorticella spp. The morphology and ultrastructure of the species, studied with LM, SEM and TEM, are described with emphasis on the structure of the cell wall and the pyrenoid. Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia.     

Molecular-Mechanical studies of the mismatched base analogs of d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2:d(CGTGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGAGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGCGAATTCACG)2, d(CGCGAATTCTCG)2, and d(CGCAGAATTCGCG)·d(CGCGAATTCGCG)

Molecular-mechanical simulations have been carried out on “mismatched base” analogs of the DNA double-helical structure d(CGCGAATTCGCG)₂, in which the base pairs CG at the 3 and 10 positions have been replaced by CA, AG, TC, and TG base pairs, as well as an insertion analog in which an extra adenine has been incorporated into one strand of the above structure between bases 3 and 4. The results of these simulations (calculated relative stabilities, structures, and nmr ring-current shifts) have been compared with calorimetric and nmr data. The calculated relative stabilities of the double-helical parent dodecamer and the various “wobble” base pairs qualitatively correlate with the experimental melting temperatures. The base-pairing structure for the GT wobble pair is in agreement with that previously determined from nmr experiments. For the GA base pair, the structure with both bases anti has a slightly more favorable energy from base pairing and stacking than a structure with non-Watson-Crick H-bonding with adenine syn, in agreement with nmr experiments. The CA wobble base is calculated to favor an adenine 6NH₂ …? cytosine N3 H-bond over cytosine 4NH₂ …? adenine N1, again, in agreement with nmr experiments. There is no definitive experimental data on the TC base pair, but the existence of (somewhat long and weak) H-bonds involving cytosine 4NH₂ …? thymine 4CO and cytosine N3 …? thymine HN3 seems reasonable. We find a structure in which the extra adenine base of the insertion analogs sits “inside” the double helix.     

A Turner patient with a 45,X,t(1;2) (q41;p11.2) karyotype

The most common chromosomal anomaly is 45,X in the Turner syndrome. In addition to this, anomaly, mosaicism such as structural 46,X,i(Xq), 46,X,del(Xp), 46,X,r(X), 46,X,t(X;Y) and numerical 46XO/46,XX/47XXX are seen rather frequently. An infant with the Turner syndrome was found to have a karyotype 45X,t(1;2) (q41;p16) using high resolution banding. Based on our knowledge, we present the first case of 45X,t(1;2) (q41;p11.2), a karyotype in Turner's syndrome in the literature.     

Identification of bound water molecules in the cyclic tetrasaccharide, cyclo-{-->6}-alpha-d-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->)

A structural characterization of bound water molecules in the cyclic tetrasaccharide, cyclo-{-->6}-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->), was carried out by NMR spectroscopy. H-1', 2'-OH, H-3', and 4'-OH of the 3-O-glycosylated residue and H-1 of the 6-O-glycosylated residue were found to cross-relax with protons of bound waters using the double-pulsed field-gradient spin-echo ROESY experiment. In the crystal structure, one water molecule is located in the center of the plate, and its temperature factor is very low, indicating that this water molecule is an intrinsic component.