Identification of a novel cognate cytosolic Hsp70 gene (MnHsc70-2) from oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense and comparison of its expressions with the first cognate Hsc70 (MnHsc70-1) under different stresses

The 70-kDa family of heat-shock proteins (Hsp70) plays an important role in the host immunity, which is widely expressed in eukaryotic cells as a major chaperone protein. In the present study, the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of a second cognate cytosolic Hsp70 family member (MnHsc70-2) was cloned and characterized from Macrobrachium nipponense, which is an economically and nutritionally important crustacean. The cDNA was 2,717 bp, containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,950 bp, which encodes a protein of 649 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 71.1 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.27. Sequence alignment showed that the MnHsc70-2 shared 75–97 % identity with other heat-shock proteins. Compared to the previously identified cognate Hsp70 (MnHsc70-1) in M. nipponense, MnHsc70-2 showed quite different expression profiles under unstressed conditions in all tested tissues, including the hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gill, intestine, nerve, and muscle. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that MnHsc70-2 showed the closest relationship with MnHsc70-1. Heat-inducibility assays showed that two isolated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) displayed different expression profiles in both the hepatopancreas and gill tissues. MnHsc70-1 mRNA expression level decreased at first and then increased to the normal level, whereas MnHsc70-2 mRNA level increased at first and then decreased. The expressions of two MnHsc70s showed substantial obvious heat-inducible regulation in both the hepatopancreas and gill. Under bacterial challenge by Aeromonas hydrophila, both MnHsc70-1 and MnHsc70-2 mRNA level was up-regulated moderately. The results suggested that two cognate Hsc70s may play essential functions in mediating responses to heat-shock and bacterial challenge.     

Reactions and structures in the gallium(III)/indium(III)-N,N-dimethylthioformamide systems

The structure of the N,N-dimethylthioformamide (DMTF) solvated gallium(III) ion has been determined in solution by means of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The gallium(III) ion is four-coordinate in tetrahedral fashion with a mean Ga-S bond distance of 2.233(2) Å in DMTF solution. At the dissolution of indium(III) perchlorate or trifluoromethanesulfonate in DMTF coordinated solvent molecules are partly reduced to sulfide ions, and a tetrameric complex with the composition [In₄S₄(SHN(CH₃)₂)₁₂]⁴⁺ is formed. The structure of the solid tetrameric complex in the perchlorate salt was solved with single crystal X-ray diffraction. Four indium(III) ions and four sulfide ions form a highly symmetric heterocubane structure where each indium binds three bridging sulfide ions and each sulfide ion binds three indium(III) ions with a mean In-S bond distance of 2.584(1) Å, and S-In-S angles of 90.3(1)°. Each indium(III) additionally binds three DMTF molecules at significantly longer mean In-S bond distance, 2.703(1) Å; the S-In-S angles are in the range 80.3-90.4°. Large angle X-ray scattering data on a DMTF solution of indium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate show that the same tetrameric species characterized in the solid state is also present in solution, whereas the EXAFS measurements only give information about the In-S bond distances due to the short core hole lifetime.     

The effects of different temperature and salinity levels on the acute toxicity of zinc in the Pink Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis)

The purpose of this study was to measure the acute toxicity of zinc (Zn) on Farfantepenaeus paulensis at different salinities and temperatures by monitoring oxygen consumption. This aspect of the effect of zinc has not been studied in this important commercial species before. First, we examined the acute toxicity of zinc in F. paulensis at 24, 48, 72, and 96?h medium lethal concentration (LC₅₀). One hundred and fifty shrimp were employed for the routine metabolism measurement utilizing sealed respirometers. Ten shrimp were subjected to oxygen consumption measurements in one of the four concentrations of zinc (control, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg?L^?1) at three salinities (36, 20, and 5) and three temperatures (25°C, 20°C, and 15°C). Zinc was significantly more toxic at a salinity of 5 than at 20 or 36. The oxygen consumption was estimated through experiments performed on each of the 12 possible combinations of three temperatures (25°C, 20°C, and 15°C) and three salinities (36, 20, and 5). The shrimp showed a significant reduction in oxygen consumption at a salinity of 5. The results show that the oxygen consumption decreases with respect to the zinc concentration in all temperatures studied. At the highest zinc concentration employed (3.0?mg?L^?1), the salinity 5 and the temperature at 25°C, oxygen consumption decreases 60.92% in relation to the control. The results show that zinc is more toxic to F. paulensis at lower salinities. The significance of the findings for the biology of the species close to sources of zinc is discussed.     

Influence of salinity and cadmium on the survival and osmoregulation of Callianassa kraussi and Chiromantes eulimene (Crustacea: Decapoda)

This study investigated the influence of salinity and cadmium on the survival and osmoregulatory capability of two decapod crustaceans, Callianassa kraussi and Chiromantes eulimene. Callianassa kraussi was able to survive in salinities of 5–55 over 96 h, whilst C. eulimene survived in 0–55 over the same time period. The 96-hour cadmium LC₅₀ for both species decreased progressively at salinities above and below their respective isosmotic conditions, with the decrease being slightly more pronounced below compared to above isosmotic salinity. A hypo-iso-osmoregulatory strategy was followed by C. kraussi as it hyper-osmoregulated at salinities between 5 and 25 and osmoconformed at salinities greater than 25. Chiromantes eulimene followed a hyper-hypo-osmoregulatory strategy; it hyper-regulated in salinities from 0 up to isosmotic conditions at about 28 (c. 780 mOsm kg^?1), followed by hypo-regulation up to 55. The effect of cadmium exposure on the osmoregulatory capacity of C. kraussi was more pronounced at hyper-regulating salinities (5–25) whilst on C. eulimene the influence was more pronounced at salinities above the isosmotic point (28). The influence of salinity and cadmium on both survival and osmoregulation of the two crustaceans are discussed by outlining the chemical and physiological mechanisms involved.     

Comparative bioassay of different isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki on the third larval instars of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is one of the most important pests of cruciferous plants throughout the world. In recent years, this insect has been a serious pest for cabbage fields in Tehran province. Resistance of P. xylostella to all main groups of insecticides has been recorded and it is ranked in the 20 most resistant pest species reported up to now. According to many researchers, to eliminate the problem of pest resistance to chemical pesticides, an integrated pest management programme should be used. In line with this, the uses of microbial control agents (MCAs) are discussed. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of microbial control agents of pests. It is characterised by its ability to produce proteic crystalline inclusions during sporulation. Cry1 protein has insecticidal activity and is highly specific to certain insects and not toxic to unrelated insects, plants or vertebrates. In this work, the pathogenicity of some Bt isolates, including Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87, was tested against P. xylostella and the lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of their crystal proteins to P. xylostella third larval instar was determined. The experiment was designed in factorial in randomised complete design with 5 treatments (different concentrations including 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ CFU/ml and 5 replications and with 10 third larval instars. Spore–crystal complex was applied to the surface of natural diets (cabbage leaves) and the mortality of P. xylostella larvae was assessed 120?h after exposure of Bt toxin in each treatment. Results showed that percentage of survival was significantly higher for control treatment. Results also showed that after 5?days, LC₅₀ for isolates of Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87 were equal to 1?×?10⁶, 1?×?10⁵, 5?×?10⁵, 4?×?10⁵ and 1?×?10⁴ CFU/ml, respectively. LT₅₀ were equal to 93.71, 48.04, 71, 40.49 and 75.28?h. Of and most the percentage larval mortality relate to attendance 87 and also at least percentage mortality is related to the groom Dipel.     

Revision of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera,Braconidae) from Hunan (China), including thirty-six new species and two new genera

The species of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Hunan (Oriental China) are revised and illustrated. Thirty-six new species are described: Apodesmia bruniclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Apodesmia melliclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes albiferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes carinuliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes striatiferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Coleopioides diversinotum Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Coleopioides postpectalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Fopius dorsopiferus Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Indiopius chenae Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opiognathus aulaciferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opiognathus brevibasalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius crenuliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius malarator Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Opius monilipalpis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius pachymerus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius songi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius youi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius zengi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma acuticlypeata Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma angiclypeata Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma antenervalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma depressiclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma flavisoma Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma nigrisoma Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma protuberator Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma rugulifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Li & van Achterberg,Phaedrotoma striatinota Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma vermiculifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis latipennis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis longicaudifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis maculosa Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Rhogadopsis obliqua Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis sculpturator Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Utetes longicarinatus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n. and Xynobius notauliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n. Areotetes van Achterberg & Li, gen. n. (type species: Areotetes carinuliferus sp. n.) and Coleopioides van Achterberg & Li, gen. n. (type species: Coleopioides postpectalis sp. n. are described. All species are illustrated and keyed. In total 30 species of Opiinae are sequenced and the cladograms are presented. Neopius Gahan, 1917, Opiognathus Fischer, 1972, Opiostomus Fischer, 1972, and Rhogadopsis Brèthes, 1913, are treated as a valid genera based on molecular and morphological differences. Opius vittata Chen & Weng, 2005 (not Opius vittatus Ruschka, 1915), Opius ambiguus Weng & Chen, 2005 (not Wesmael, 1835) and Opius mitis Chen & Weng, 2005 (not Fischer, 1963) are primary homonymsandarerenamed into Phaedrotoma depressa Li & van Achterberg, nom. n., Opius cheni Li & van Achterberg, nom. n. andOpius wengi Li & van Achterberg, nom. n., respectively. Phaedrotoma terga (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n.,Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) and Biosteres pavitita Chen & Weng, 2005, are reported new for Hunan, Opiostomus aureliae (Fischer, 1957) comb. n. is new for China and Hunan; Xynobius maculipennis(Enderlein, 1912) comb. n. is new for Hunan and continental China and Rhogadopsis longuria (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n. is new for Hunan. The following new combinations are given: Apodesmia puncta (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Apodesmia tracta (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Areotetes laevigatus (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma dimidia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma improcera (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma amputata (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma larga (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma osculas (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma postuma (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma rugulosa (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma tabularis (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis apii (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis dimidia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis diutia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis longuria (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis pratellae(Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis pratensis (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis sculpta (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis sulcifer (Fischer, 1975) comb. n., Rhogadopsis tabidula(Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius complexus (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius indagatrix (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius multiarculatus (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n.The following (sub)genera are synonymised: Snoflakopius Fischer, 1972, Jucundopius Fischer, 1984, Opiotenes Fischer, 1998, and Oetztalotenes Fischer, 1998, with Opiostomus Fischer, 1971; Xynobiotenes Fischer, 1998, with Xynobius Foerster, 1862; Allotypus Foerster, 1862, Lemnaphilopius Fischer, 1972, Agnopius Fischer, 1982, and Cryptognathopius Fischer, 1984, with Apodesmia Foerster, 1862; Nosopoea Foerster, 1862, Tolbia Cameron, 1907, Brachycentrus Szépligeti, 1907, Baeocentrum Schulz, 1911, Hexaulax Cameron, 1910, Coeloreuteus Roman, 1910, Neodiospilus Szépligeti, 1911, Euopius Fischer, 1967, Gerius Fischer, 1972, Grimnirus Fischer, 1972, Hoenirus Fischer, 1972, Mimirus Fischer, 1972, Gastrosema Fischer, 1972, Merotrachys Fischer, 1972, Phlebosema Fischer, 1972, Neoephedrus Samanta, Tamili, Saha & Raychaudhuri, 1983, Adontopius Fischer, 1984, Kainopaeopius Fischer, 1986, Millenniopius Fischer, 1996, and Neotropopius Fischer, 1999, with Phaedrotoma Foerster, 1862.     

Comparative molecular cytogenetics of major repetitive sequence families of three Dendrobium species (Orchidaceae) from Bangladesh

Background and Aims

Dendrobium species show tremendous morphological diversity and have broad geographical distribution. As repetitive sequence analysis is a useful tool to investigate the evolution of chromosomes and genomes, the aim of the present study was the characterization of repetitive sequences from Dendrobium moschatum for comparative molecular and cytogenetic studies in the related species Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium aggregatum and representatives from other orchid genera.

Methods

In order to isolate highly repetitive sequences, a c₀t-1 DNA plasmid library was established. Repeats were sequenced and used as probes for Southern hybridization. Sequence divergence was analysed using bioinformatic tools. Repetitive sequences were localized along orchid chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Key Results

Characterization of the c₀t-1 library resulted in the detection of repetitive sequences including the (GA)_n dinucleotide DmoO11, numerous Arabidopsis-like telomeric repeats and the highly amplified dispersed repeat DmoF14. The DmoF14 repeat is conserved in six Dendrobium species but diversified in representative species of three other orchid genera. FISH analyses showed the genome-wide distribution of DmoF14 in D. moschatum, D. aphyllum and D. aggregatum. Hybridization with the telomeric repeats demonstrated Arabidopsis-like telomeres at the chromosome ends of Dendrobium species. However, FISH using the telomeric probe revealed two pairs of chromosomes with strong intercalary signals in D. aphyllum. FISH showed the terminal position of 5S and 18S–5·8S–25S rRNA genes and a characteristic number of rDNA sites in the three Dendrobium species.

Conclusions

The repeated sequences isolated from D. moschatum c₀t-1 DNA constitute major DNA families of the D. moschatum, D. aphyllum and D. aggregatum genomes with DmoF14 representing an ancient component of orchid genomes. Large intercalary telomere-like arrays suggest chromosomal rearrangements in D. aphyllum while the number and localization of rRNA genes as well as the species-specific distribution pattern of an abundant microsatellite reflect the genomic diversity of the three Dendrobium species.     

Dipicolinato complexes of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) with thiamine dications

Cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) dipicolinato complexes having thiamine dication with compositions [HT][CoL₂]·5H₂O (1), [HT][CuL₂]·5H₂O (2) and [HT][ZnL₂]·5H₂O (3) (L = dipicolinato anion, T = thiamine cation) are synthesized, characterized by X-ray diffraction and other spectroscopic techniques. The thiamine part in these complexes exists as divalent cations. The second protonation of thiamine takes place at the less crowded nitrogen atom of the pyrimidine ring. These complexes are stabilized by electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions of -N⁺-H and -COO⁻ groups along with crystallized water molecules. The complexes are stable in solution as determined by ¹H NMR and visible study. The complex 1 has two medicinal components which can be easily separated by controlling pH in aqueous medium. It gets decomposed on treatment with sodium hydroxide at pH > 8 to form neutral complex {[Na₂(μ-H₂O)₃(H₂O)₃][CoL₂]·H₂O}₂.     

Annotated checklist of the recent and extinct pythons (Serpentes, Pythonidae), with notes on nomenclature, taxonomy, and distribution

McDiarmid et al. (1999) published the first part of their planned taxonomic catalog of the snakes of the world. Since then, several new python taxa have been described in both the scientific literature and non-peer-reviewed publications. This checklist evaluates the nomenclatural status of the names and discusses the taxonomic status of the new taxa, and aims to continue the work of McDiarmid et al. (1999) for the family Pythonidae, covering the period 1999 to 2010. Numerous new taxa are listed, and where appropriate recent synonymies are included and annotations are made. A checklist and a taxonomic identification key of valid taxa are provided.     

On the structure of the N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea and dimethylsulfoxide solvated gallium(III) and indium(III) ions and bromide complexes in solution and solid state, and the complex formation of the gallium(III) and indium(III) bromide systems in N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea

The structures of the N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU) solvated gallium(III) and indium(III) ions have been determined in DMPU solution by means of EXAFS. The gallium(III) ion is five-coordinate with a mean Ga-O bond distance of 1.924(5) Å, while the larger indium(III) ion is octahedrally coordinated with a mean In-O bond distance of 2.146(3) Å. The complex formation equilibria in DMPU for the gallium(III) and indium(III) bromide systems have been studied calorimetrically at 298 K. Three relatively strong complexes are formed in the indium(III) bromide system in DMPU, whereas no stability constants could be established in the gallium(III) bromide system as the heats of complex formation were very close to zero. Gallium(III) bromide is present as DMPU solvated GaBr₃ complexes in solution with three equatorial Ga-Br bonds at 2.328(3) Å, and two Ga-O bonds at 1.92(3) Å in the apical positions of a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The DMPU solvated indium(III) bromide has the same configuration with a mean In-Br bond distance of 2.510(3) Å, and two In-O bonds at 2.201(6) Å. Indium(III) binds three bromides and three Me₂SO molecules through the oxygen atoms in octahedral fac-configuration with mean In-Br and In-O bond distances of 2.630(3) and 2.211(15) Å, respectively.     

Comparative labellar micromorphology of Zygopetalinae (Orchidaceae)

Background and Aims

Molecular evidence indicates that the Neotropical sub-tribe Zygopetalinae is sister to Maxillariinae. Most members of the latter sub-tribe have deceit pollination strategies, but some species produce rewards such as nectar, pseudopollen, resin and wax, and are pollinated by a range of pollinators that include stingless bees (Meliponini), wasps and hummingbirds. By contrast, relatively little is known about the pollination of Zygopetalinae species. However, some are pollinated by fragrance-gathering, male euglossine bees or employ nectar deceit strategies. The aim of this study is to describe the labellar micromorphology of Zygopetalinae and to compare it with that of Maxillariinae sensu lato (s.l.) as part of an ongoing project to record the range of labellar characters found within the tribe Maxillarieae, and to assess whether these characters represent synapomorphies or homoplasies resulting from similar pollination pressures.

Methods

The labella of 31 species of Zygopetalinae, including Cryptarrhena R. Br. and representatives of the Zygopetalum, Huntleya and Warrea clades, were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the range of labellar characters was recorded. These characters were subsequently compared with those of Maxillariinae s.l. which formed the subject of our previous investigations.

Key Results and Conclusions

The labellar micromorphology of Zygopetalinae is less diverse than that of Maxillariinae and does not reflect the currently accepted phylogeny of the former sub-tribe based on molecular studies. Instead, the relative uniformity in labellar micromorphology of Zygopetalinae is probably due to homoplasies resulting from similar pollinator pressures. Labellar trichomes are relatively uncommon in Zygopetalinae, but occur in certain members of both the Zygopetalum and Huntleya clades. Trichomes are unbranched, uniseriate and multicellular with rounded apices, or unbranched and unicellular, with tapering, pointed and flexuose apices. Hitherto, unicellular trichomes of this kind have been observed only for euglossophilous orchid taxa, and the adoption of a relatively limited range of pollination strategies by Zygopetalinae may have resulted in reduced investment in micromorphological labellar characters.     

Toxicity of abamectin and imidacloprid on different life stages of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) reared on two different host plants under greenhouse conditions

Chemical application is the common control technique of the pest Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hom.: Aleyrodidae). Toxicity of two insecticides abamectin and imidacloprid in 2009 was evaluated on different life stages of the pest. Bioassay tests were carried out under controlled environmental conditions (25?±?2?°C 50?±?5% RH and a photoperiod of 18:6 L/D) on different stages of whitefly (1-,3- and 5-day-old ages of eggs, first, second and third nymphal instars, pupa and adult). Both insecticides showed their best efficacy on the primary stages; though, with increasing the age, the susceptibility of all stages to chemicals was decreased. It was shown that sensitivity of eggs and first nymphal stage to abamectin in each host was different. But in imidacloprid treatment, only the eggs showed different sensitivity on both host plants. It seems that application of abamectin in primary stages induce higher mortality rates than of imidacloprid.     

Commensal Leucothoidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda) of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Part III: coral rubble-dwellers

Commensal leucothoid amphipods have been collected from coral rubble samples throughout the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Seven new species are described in two generawith valuable location data. A new locality is presented for Paranamixis misakiensis Thomas, 1997. An identification key to all described Leucothoidae of the Ryukyu Archipelago is provided.     

Vittatidera zeaphila (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), a new genus and species of cyst nematode parasitic on corn (Zea mays)

A new genus and species of cyst nematode, Vittatidera zeaphila, is described from Tennessee. The new genus is superficially similar to Cactodera but is distinguished from other cyst-forming taxa in having a persistent lateral field in females and cysts, persistent vulval lips covering a circumfenestrate vulva, and subventral gland nuclei of the female contained in a separate small lobe. Infective juveniles (J2) are distinguished from all previously described Cactodera spp. by the short stylet in the second-stage juvenile (14-17 μm); J2 of Cactodera spp. have stylets at least 18 μm long. The new species also is unusual in that the females produce large egg masses. Known hosts are corn and goosegrass. DNA analysis suggests that Vittatidera forms a separate group apart from other cyst-forming genera within Heteroderinae.     

Cobalt(III)-induced hexamerization of PEGylated insulin

Insulin conjugates in which the B1Phe residue has been chemically modified often exhibit a reduced tendency to associate into hexamers due to weakened interactions between subunits. The purpose of this study was to prepare a hexamer formulation for such insulin conjugates by using Co(III) as a coordinating metal ion. PEGylated insulin in which monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG, M_r 5000 or 20,000) had been site-specifically attached to B1Phe was chosen as a model conjugate. Hexamerization of mPEG-insulin upon H₂O₂-mediated oxidation of Co(II) was kinetically and quantitatively analysed by visible spectrometry and size-exclusion HPLC. Co(III) mPEG-insulin hexamers thus obtained were extremely stable, existing mostly as a hexameric form even at nanomolar concentrations. A remarkable increase in hydrodynamic volumes was observed for Co(III) mPEG(20k)-insulin hexamers (1600 kDa), as well as Co(III) mPEG(5k)-insulin hexamers (300 kDa). Our results demonstrate the potential benefits of Co(III) hexamer formulation for weakly associating insulin conjugates in the treatment of diabetes.     

Commensal Leucothoidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda) of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Part II: sponge-dwellers

Commensal leucothoid amphipods have been collected from the canals of their sponge hosts throughout the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Eleven new species are described in the genus Leucothoe with valuable location data and host records. An identification key to sponge-dwelling Leucothoidae of the Ryukyu Archipelago is provided.     

The relative impact of lichen symbiotic partners to repeated copper uptake

The relative impact of lichen photobiont and mycobiont was evaluated by submitting nine lichen species with: (i) different photobiont types; (ii) different lichen growth forms; and (iii) different nutrients, pH, humidity preferences; to a range of Cu concentrations (μM) supplied in repeated cycles to simulate the natural process of uptake under field conditions. The physiological performance of the photosystem II photochemical reactions was measured using F_v/F_m and the metabolic activity of the mycobiont was evaluated using ergosterol and intracellular K-loss as indicators. Lichens with higher cation exchange capacity showed higher intracellular Cu uptake and their ecology seemed to be associated with low-nutrient environments. Thus the wall and external matrix, mainly characteristic of the mycobiont partner, cannot be ignored as the first site of interaction of metals with lichens. No common intracellular Cu concentration threshold was found for the physiological impacts observed in the different species. Most physiological effects of Cu uptake in sensitive lichens occurred for intracellular Cu below 200 μg/g dw whereas more tolerant species were able to cope with intracellular Cu at least 3 times higher. Cyanobacterial lichens showed to be more sensitive to Cu uptake than green-algal lichens. Within the Trebouxia lichens, different species showed different sensitivities to Cu uptake, suggesting that the mycobiont may change the microenvironment close to the photobiont partner providing different degrees of protection. Despite the fact that the photobiont is the productive partner, the metabolic activity of the mycobiont of lichen species adapted to environments rich in nutrients, showed to be more sensitive to Cu uptake than the photochemical performance of the photobiont.     

Preferential azido bridging regulating the structural aspects in cobalt(III) and copper(II)-Schiff base complexes: Syntheses, magnetostructural correlations and catalytic studies

A tridentate NNO donor Schiff base ligand [(1Z,3E)-3-((pyridin-2-yl)methylimino)-1-phenylbut-1-en-1-ol = LH] in presence of azide ions coordinates with cobalt(II) and copper(II) ions giving rise to three new coordination complexes [Co₂(L)₂(μ_1,1-N₃)₂(N₃)₂] (1), [Cu₂(L)₂(μ_1,3-N₃)]·ClO₄ (2) and [(μ_1,1-N₃)₂Cu₅(μ-OL)₂(μ_1,1-N₃)₄(μ_1,1,1-N₃)₂]_n (3). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectral studies, and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These complexes demonstrate that under different synthetic conditions the azide ions and the Schiff base ligand (LH) show different coordination modes with cobalt(II) and copper(II) ions, giving rise to unusual dinuclear and polynuclear species (1, 2 and 3) whose structural variations are discussed. Magneto-structural correlation for the very rare singly μ_1,3-N₃ bridged Cu^II-Schiff base dinuclear species (2) has been studied. In addition, the catalytic properties of 1 for alkene oxidation and the general catalase-like activity behavior of 2 have been discussed.     

Description and biology of two new species of Neotropical Liriomyza Mik (Diptera,Agromyzidae), mining leaves of Bocconia (Papaveraceae)

Liriomyza mystica Boucher & Nishida, sp. n., and Liriomyza prompta Boucher & Nishida, sp. n. are described from Costa Rica. Both species were reared from leaves of Bocconia frutescens L. (Papaveraceae). The latter species was also reared from B. arborea S. Watson. Larvae of L. mystica mine primary veins of large, relatively old, mature leaves, and L. prompta mine blades of small to large, mature leaves. These represent the first record of agromyzids feeding on Bocconia. Biological information is also given and illustrated.