Trepostome bryozoans from the Zahořany Formation (Upper Ordovician) of Loděnice,Prague Basin,Czech Republic

Three trepostome bryozoan species are described from the Upper Ordovician Zaho?any Formation of Loděnice, Prague Basin, Czech Republic. One genus is new—Lodenicella gen. nov. One species is described in open nomenclature. The described fauna contains ramose colonies or ramose branched projections from encrusting tubular-shaped colonies which inhabited shallow environment with moderate wave energy and significant influx of clastic material.     

Diatom succession in the post-glacial sediments of the Komořany Lake,North-West Bohemia,Czechoslovakia

The Late-glacial and Postglacial sediments of the former Komo?any Lake in North-West Bohemia were studied by means of diatom analysis to trace the pattern of past environmental change in the lake. Several phases of lake development could be distinguished. Originally the Komo?any Lake was a eutrophic shallow water basin. The diatom succession in the early Postglacial sediment indicates alternating alkaliphilic, epiphytic and planktonic diatom communities associated with changes in water level in the basin. At the beginning of the Subatlantic period the water level began to rise and the development of planktonic diatoms, typical of small eutrophic lakes, occurred. Later, the basin became shallow again and the number of indifferent and acidophilous diatoms increased. This is typical for the final phase of the infilling process of a lake before its transformation to peatland     

Flora and dispersed cuticles from the coal seams in the Jan pit of the Šverma coal mine in Žacléř (Bashkirian,Intrasudetic Basin,Czech Republic)

The Lampertice Member in the ?aclé? coalfield represents the long-term coal-bearing deposition of nearly all Upper Bashkitian (Namurian to Ducmantian). Nearly the whole thickness, more than 600 m was revealed during the construction of the Jan pit of the Jan ?verma coal mine during 1958–1962. Z. Rieger collected stratigraphically determined plant remains for later evaluation and he also sampled individual coal seams. The plant material was evaluated again and four coal samples were macerated for cuticles to expand our knowledge of ?aclé? flora. The following local biozones are valid for the Lampertice Member. The Namutian (Yeadonian) Mariopteris glabra Zone lasts from the basal coal-barren rocks till lower coal seam 17 (there are 24 lower coal seams). The Langsettian is crowed by the LAD of Neuralethopteris schlehanii (Stur) Laveine at upper coal seam 20 (there are 32 upper coal seams). The Langsettian can be divided into the upper and lower parts by FAD of Lonchopteris Brongniart at about lower coal seam 8. The Upper Duckmantian is defined by the FAD of Linopteris neuropteroides Gutbier forma major Potonié from about upper coal seam 11 upwards. The results of cuticular analysis are as follows: Undeterminable cuticles with polygonal or tetragonal, randomly or parallel oriented cells dominate. Such cuticles predominantly belong to seeds. Cordaitalean cuticles are common in three of four samples. They are assigned to the genera Cordaites Unger, Cordaadaxicutis ?im?nek et Florjan, and Cordaabaxicutis ?im?nek et Florjan. Pteridosperm cuticles are very rare—Silesiacutis prosenchymatica Roselt et Schneider and undetermined cuticles with probably neuropterid cyclopterid affinity.     

The roles of the Chantransia phase of Lemanea (Lemaneaceae,Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) and of the ‘Mushroom’ phase of Himanthalia (Himanthaliaceae,Fucales, Phaeophyta)

Summary

The life cycle of the Batrachospermales (freshwater florideophyte red such as Batrachospermum, Lemanea) is a shortened variant of the ‘normal’ marine florideophyte life cycle. The perennial Chantransia diploid phase is microscopic and encrusting. Each winter it produces one or more semi-erect haploid gametophytes by vegetative meiosis. Gamete production and fertilization is followed by production of diploid carposporophytes; these produce diploid carpospores which disperse, and regenerate the Chantransia phase. The question of the extent to which the Chantransia phase contributes resources to the gametophyte was approached by physiological-hydrodynamic modelling. These computations suggest that the photosynthetic rates in situ on an area basis are 20 times greater for the gametophyte than the Chantransia phase; this agrees with the observed ratios of peak biomass. The conclusion is that the Chantransia phase has a negligible role in provisioning the growing gametophyte, and that the role of the Chantransia phase is to occupy space with living biomass throughout the year, including exposure at summer drawdown, and (perhaps) by dispersal via production of monospores. A similar conclusion is arrived at on the basis of biomass data for the role of the perennial ‘mushroom’ phase of the semelparous marine Fucalean brown alga Himanthalia elongata in relation to the short-lived but much larger reproductive receptacles.     

Redescription of Skrjabinodon medinae (García-Calvente, 1948) (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the cloaca of Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain)

Pharyngodon medinae García-Calvente, 1948 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) is redescribed from Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain) and confirmed as a member of the genus Skrjabinodon Inglis, 1968. A systematic review of S. medinae and closely related species is also given. Parathelandros canariensis is referred to Skrjabinodon as a new combination and Parathelandros Magzoub et al., 1980 is dismissed as a junior homonym of Parathelandros Baylis, 1930.     

Brumptomyia angelae, a new species of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) of the Atlantic forest of the state of Paraná, Brazil

The male of Brumptomyia angelae, sp. nov., a new species of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) of the Atlantic forest of the state of Paraná, Brazil, is described and illustrated. This new taxon is closely related to Brumptomyia ortizi Martins, Silva & Falc?o 1971, Brumptomyia nitzulescui (Costa Lima, 1932), and Brumptomyia troglodytes (Lutz, 1922). The male genitalia of these three latter species have also been drawn.     

Seasonal variation of Pythium Pringsh (Pythiacea,Oomycetes) in the irrigation reservoirs of the Poniente Almeriense (Almería,Spain)

Population density (number of propagules/l) of Pythium in the irrigation water has been studied in the reservoirs of the Poniente Almeriense (Almería, Spain). These reservoirs are habitually used in the watering of the greenhouse crops of the district. From October 1994 to August 1997, 17 sampling campaigns were carried out, 23 reservoirs were visited and three of them were sampled during three years. 300 ml of superficial water were sampled and analyzed in the laboratory by means of filtration with paper Whatman number 1, placed on Ponchet selective medium and incubated at 20 degrees C. Data of the physical-chemical characteristics of the water (temperature, pH, CE, anions and cations) were taken. The geographical and seasonal distributions of the population were correlated with the analyzed characteristics. The more frequent densities were among 0-100 propagules/l. A population's seasonality was observed, with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. When Cl- concentration was higher, the number of propagules/l was smaller.     

On the muscles of expression in the geladaTheropithecus gelada (Rüppell) (primates,Cercopithecidae)

Musculature innervated by the N. facialis inTheropithecus gelada (Rüppell) is patterned on broad lines in agreement with related genera of catarrhine monkeys, but presents some specializations and divergences in detail. Noteworthy is the extension to the labial margins superficially of the combined levator labii superioris and zygomaticus in the upper and the pars mandibularis of trachelo-platysma in the lower lip. A specialization of the medial fibres of levator labii superioris forms a sling-like structure within the upper lip and serves to implement the lip-flip gesture characteristic of the genus. Its antagonist is the orbicularis oris. Special features of all other facialis muscles are considered.Abbreviations ABD Anterior belly of digastricus - AE Arteria facialis - ALS Arteria labialis superior - ANL Arteria lateralis nasi - AP Auricularis posterior - APA Arteria auricularis posterior - AS Arteria auricularis superior - A.Se. Arteria septi nasi - A.Sy. Arteria symphysialis - BP Buccal pouch - LAO Depressor anguli oris - FTA Fronto-temporo-auricularis - GLI Glandulae labialis inferiores - GLS Glandulae labialis superioris - LAO Levator anguli oris - LG Artery to labial glands - LLAN Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi - LLS Levator labii superioris - M Masseter - MM Musculus mentalis - NP Notoplatysma - O Occipitalis - OO Orbicularis oris - O.Oc Orbicularis oculi - P Procerus - SH Sterno-hyoideus - TP Trachelo-platysma - VL Vena labialis communis - VP Venous plexus of dorsum nasi - ZM Zygomaticus minor - Zy Zygomaticus     

Refining the late Silurian sea-level history of the Prague Syncline—a case study based on the Přídolí GSSP (Czech Republic)

A 50-m-thick section in the Po?áry quarry, Prague Syncline (Czech Republic) spanning the upper Silurian (uppermost Ludlow and P?ídolí) to the lowermost Devonian (Lochkovian) has been studied using sedimentological and physical stratigraphical (gamma-ray spectrometry) methods combined with conodont biostratigraphy. Conodont data demonstrate the presence of local conodont biozones: “Ozarkodina” crispa (uppermost Ludlow)—Zieglerodina zellmeri (base of P?ídolí)—Zieglerodina ivochlupaci—Delotaxis detorta—“Ozarkodina” eosteinhornensis s.s.—Zieglerodina klonkensis—Icriodus hesperius-optima (lowermost Lochkovian). The studied section represents a transgressive–regressive facies succession characterized by a transition from distal calciturbidites deposited in a distally steepened carbonate platform during transgression and sea-level highstand (crispa to lower ivochlupaci zones) to mixed calciturbidites/coarse-grained bioclastic limestones (falling-stage systems tract, upper ivochlupaci to lower klonkensis zones). The upper part of the succession consists of bioclastic limestones corresponding to a subtidal setting between storm-wave and fair-weather wave base (lowstand systems tract in upper klonkensis and hesperius-optima zones). This interpretation corresponds to the late Silurian global sea-level pattern as recorded in other regions. Thus the depositional system is interpreted as mostly driven by eustasy with short-lived periods of influence from local tectonics.     

The Organization of the lamina ganglionaris of the prawn,Pandalus borealis (Kröyer)

The Lamina ganglionaris (first optic neuropile) of the decapod crustacean Pandalus borealis has its optic cartridges (synaptic compartments) arranged in horizontal rows. Each optic cartridge contains seven receptor axon terminals and the branching axis fibres of five monopolar second order neurons. Four types of monopolar neurons are classified. Their cell bodies are arranged in two layers. The inner layer contains the cell bodies of exclusively one of these types, and each cartridge is invaded by two neurons of this neuron type (type M 1:a and M 1:b). The outer layer contains the cell bodies of the remaining three types (M 2, M3 and M4). One gives rise to a large radially branched axis fibre in the centre of the cartridge. The other two have wide branches which may make inter-cartridge contacts, one proximally and the other distally in the plexiform layer, which is clearly bistratified. The receptor axons terminate in two levels corresponding to these strata. Two sets of tangenital fibres form networks in the proximal and the mid-portion of the lamina. Both networks have fibres with primary branches in the vertical plane and secondary branches in the horizontal plane. The fibres of the networks are derived from axons that pass from the second optic neuropile, the medulla externa.     

Ultrastructure of the larval stemmata,the stemmata nerves and the optic neuropils of the larval cotton bollworm,Heliothis armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Ultrastructure of stemmata (larval eyes), stemmatal nerves, and the optic neuropils of 5th-instar larvae of cotton bollworm, Heliothis armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae), were examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Six stemmata are on each side of the head. Each stemma consists of 7 retinula cells arranged into 2 tiers. Stemmata I and II have 4 distal retinula cells and 3 proximal cells, the other 4 stemmata (III–IV) have 3 distal cells and 4 proximal cells. Stemmata I and IV have a short proximal rhabdom and the rhabdomere of each proximal cell has its microvilli projecting in only one direction. On the other hand, each stemma (in stemmata II–V) has a long proximal rhabdom and the rhabdomere of each proximal cell has microvilli pitched in several different directions relative to the horizontal plane. An axon projects proximally from each retinula cell body. The stemmatal nerve is composed of the 42 retinular axons from all of the 6 stemmata on the same side of the head. Each stemmatal nerve projects to the ipsilateral optic neuropil. Axons from each stemma are in a fasicle (within the stemmatal nerve), which consists of 7 axons, 3–4 of them are thick and terminate synaptically in the proximal neuropil; the others are thinner and terminate in the distal neuropil. Organelles, particularly lysosomes, undergo ultrastructural transformations relative to ambient light levels. The functional significance of abovementioned structures are discussed in light of current knowledge.     

A new species of Kritskyia (Dactylogyridae,Ancyrocephalinae) parasite of urinary bladder of Prochilodus lineatus (Prochilodontidae,Characiformes) from the Floodplain of the High Paraná river,Brazil

A new species of Kritskyia inhabits the urinary bladder of the "curimba", Prochilodus lineatus in the floodplain of the high Paraná river. The new species resembles others members of Kritskyia in the following features: haptor lacking anchors and with 14 hooks marginal, posterior male copulatory organ non articulated with the accessory piece and vagina a sclerotized tube. However, it differs from the known species mainly by the shape of the copulatory complex. This is the third endoparasitic monogenean species reported from freshwater Neotropical fish.     

Occurrence of species of the genus Pityophthorus Eichhoff (Coleoptera,Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in?the?province of Quebec,Canada

Twig beetles in the genus Pityophthorus Eichhoff, 1864 include more than 300 species worldwide, with maximum diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. To date, approximately 50 species of Pityophthorus have been recorded in Canada, and these species are associated mainly with coniferous trees. Since 1981, no comprehensive study on this difficult taxonomic group has been conducted in Quebec, Canada, most likely due to their limited significance as forest pests. Based on data gathered from five years of field sampling in conifer seed orchards and compiled from various entomological collections, the distribution of Pityophthorus species in Quebec is presented. Approximately 291 new localities were recorded for the Pityophthorus species. Five species-group taxa, namely Pityophthorus puberulus (LeConte, 1868), Pityophthorus pulchellus pulchellus Eichhoff, 1869, Pityophthorus pulicarius (Zimmermann, 1868), Pityophthorus nitidus Swaine, 1917,and Pityophthorus cariniceps LeConte&Horn, 1876 were the most widespread. In contrast, Pityophthorus consimilis LeConte, 1878, Pityophthorus intextus Swaine, 1917, Pityophthorus dentifrons Blackman, 1922, Pityophthorus ramiperda Swaine, 1917, and Pityophthorus concavus Blackman, 1928 display a notably limited distribution. In addition, the first distribution records of Pityophthorus intextus and Pityophthorus biovalis Blackman, 1922 are furnished, and the subspecies Pityophthorus murrayanae murrayanae Blackman, 1922is reported from Quebec for the second time. Moreover, distribution maps are provided for all Pityophthorus species recorded in the province of Quebec.     

Palaeoecological implications of the sympatric distribution of two species of Machairodus (Felidae,Machairodontinae, Homotherini) in the Late Miocene of Los Valles de Fuentidueña (Segovia,Spain)

In this paper, we study a sample of cranial, mandibular and dental remains of two species of the machairodontine felid genus Machairodus from the Early Vallesian (MN 9, around 10 Ma) site of Los Valles de Fuentidueña (Segovia, Spain): the tiger-sized Machairodus aphanistus, and the smaller and more primitive M. alberdiae; a species which is only known from this site. The fossils of these two sympatric populations are compared with the most abundant samples of M. aphanistus from the Late Vallesian (MN 10), younger sites of Batallones-1 and Batallones-3 (Torrejón de Velasco, Madrid, Spain). The results support the specific separation of M. alberdiae from M. aphanistus based on several differences in teeth size and proportions. Besides this, we observed differences among the analysed samples of M. aphanistus, indicating a differentiation between the older and more primitive form from Los Valles de Fuentidueña, and the younger and more derived one from the two Batallones sites. These differences fit well with the morphological evolution of this lineage towards the more derived Turolian Amphimachairodus giganteus. Finally, a relatively structured, patched habitat, combining the presence of open landscapes with shrubby and wooded areas, is inferred to explain the sympatric distribution of these two large machairodontines in Los Valles de Fuentidueña.     

A synoptic review of the Eocene (Ypresian) cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes: Holocephali,Elasmobranchii) of the Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätte,Italy

Here, we review and discuss the records and taxonomy of the Ypresian (Eocene) chondrichthyans from the famous Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätte in northeastern Italy. Despite the outstanding diversity and the numerous studies focusing on the actinopterygian faunas from Pesciara and Monte Postale, the current knowledge about the systematics, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the cartilaginous fishes from these Eocene sites remains elusive and largely inadequate. The celebrated Eocene Bolca Lagerstätte has yielded several exquisitely preserved articulated remains of chondrichthyan fishes in which delicate structures and soft tissues are preserved, as well as isolated teeth. The cartilaginous fish assemblage of Bolca comprises at least 17 species-level taxa belonging to 10 families in 6 orders, including selachians (Carcharhiniformes, Lamniformes), batoids (Torpediniformes, Myliobatiformes, Rajiformes) and holocephalans (Chimaeriformes). The occurrence of holocephalans represented by an isolated fin-spine of the chimeroid Ischyodus in the Bolca assemblage is reported here for the first time and represents the first record of chimeroids in the Eocene of Italy and also southern Europe. The Bolca chondrichthyan assemblage is remarkably different from those of other contemporaneous Boreal or Tethyan deposits, suggesting that its taxonomic composition is largely influenced by the palaeoenvironmental context. However, this synoptic review also highlights the importance of detailed revisions of all chondrichthyan remains from the Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätten.     

On the status of “Urotherium antiquum” (Ameghino) (Xenarthra,Glyptodontidae)

Within the Late Neogene Glyptodontidae of the Pampean region of Argentina, “Urotherium antiquum” was described on the basis of some associated osteoderms of the dorsal carapace, which in addition include a partial skull and left hemimandible. The diagnostic characters are located on the exposed surface of the osteoderms of the dorsal carapace which somewhat resembles those of the Pleistocene genus Neuryurus. Although the relationship of “U. antiquum” to the remaining Glyptodontidae has never been clarified, some cladistic analyses suggest a close phylogenetic affinity with the clade composed of Plohophorus + (Glyptodon + Doedicurus). A careful comparison of “U. antiquum” to well-characterized taxa with similar stratigraphic and geographic provenance reveals that no significant skull differences are observed from Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino. It seems likely that the alleged ornamentation pattern that characterizes this species was produced by a taphonomic alteration of the exposed surface of the osteoderms, a process broadly distributed in glyptodonts having a “rosette” ornamentation pattern. Finally, some characters present in the osteoderms of the type specimen of “U. antiquum” suggest that it may be a juvenile specimen. In summary, “U. antiquum” should be considered a junior synonym of P. figuratus.     

The muscular system of the ovipositor of Spaziphora hydromyzina (Fallén) (Diptera, Scathophagidae)

The structure of the ovipositor sclerites and muscles was investigated in Spaziphora hydromyzina (Diptera, Scathophagidae).     

Analysis of calorimetric data for the binding of monomeric bis-benzimidazole,an analog of the Hoechst 33258 dye,to poly(dA) · poly(dT)

Monomeric bis-benzimidazole (MB) is an analog of the Hoechst 33258 dye. The enthalpy and entropy of MB binding were evaluated by analyzing the calorimetric data on MB reverse titration with poly(dA) · poly(dT). A mathematical model was developed to estimate the thermodynamic parameters of binding on the basis of calorimetric data. The results agree well with spectrophotometric data on the binding of analogous compounds. The model was used to estimate the parameters of binding with poly(dA) · poly(dT) for dimeric bis-benzimidazole (DB), which consists of two bis-benzimidazole monomers linked via a flexible chain. The ligand was assumed to produce different types of complexes with the polymer.     

Palaeontology of the Purbeck-type (Tithonian,Late Jurassic) bonebeds of Chassiron (Oléron Island,western France)

The paralic flora and fauna from the Late Jurassic of Chassiron (Oléron Island, western France) are described. The Tithonian-aged bonebeds of Purbeck facies of this locality have yielded a rich and diverse vertebrate assemblage including fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, alongside numerous plant and invertebrate remains. The Chassiron locality thus appears as a peculiar Konzentrat-Lagerstätte in which most of the palaeoecosystem's biological components (both aquatic and terrestrial) have been preserved. The depositional environment was probably subject to salinity fluctuations, as indicated by the co-occurrence of freshwater and euryhaline organisms. This is one of the richest localities and the first mammal-bearing site known from the Jurassic of France.     

Development,cytology, lipid storage and motility of the Malpighian tubules of the nymphal dragonfly,Aeshna cyanea (Müller) (Odonata : Aeshnidae)

The Malpighian tubules of nymphal Aeshna cyanea (Odonata : Aeshnidae) were examined by light and electron microscopy. The 1st-instar nymphs have only 3 branchless tubules. With proceeding nymphal stages, these lengthen and branch. Also, additional tubules bud from the gut and show the same pattern of growth and branching, until in the final instar up to 21 separate tufts of branched tubules are present. A serpentine trachea/tracheole and a cross-striated muscle are helically wound around each tubule in close apposition. Isolated tubules show twisting movements for several days. Contraction of the muscle is responsible for fast coiling movements, while the slow decoiling movements probably depend on elastic deformations of the accompanying trachea, the basal lamina and the tubule cells, the latter showing an elaborate cytoskeleton and multiple adhesive junctions.The tubular epithelium consists of 4 types of cells. The distal segment is composed of ion transporting cells and terminates with a short, solid tip segment of undifferentiated cells. The intermediate segment consists of lipid cells which are densely filled with triglyceride droplets, as revealed by thin layer chromatography. Lipid cells are already present in the 1st instar before the nymphs have taken up any food. In later instars, the renal lipid content varies to some extent with the nutritional state and is nearly depleted during metamorphosis. The proximal segment is the region of tubular branching and may be conceived as the collecting duct of each tuft. Its epithelium consists of mucocytes.