bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methylation of sulfhydryl groups: a new function for a family of small molecule plant O‐methyltransferases
Authors: Coiner Heather , Schröder Gudrun , Wehinger Elke , Liu Chang‐Jun , Noel Joseph P. , Schwab Wilfried , Schröder Joachim
Published: February 2006

In plants, type I and II S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent O‐methyltransferases (OMTs) catalyze most hydroxyl group methylations of small molecules. A homology‐based RT‐PCR strategy using Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) RNA previously identified six new type I plant OMT family members. We now describe the molecular and biochemical characterization of a seventh protein. It shares 56–58% identity with caffeic acid OMTs (COMTs), but it failed to methylate COMT substrates, and had no activity with flavonoids. However, the in vitro incubations revealed unusually high background levels without added substrates. A search for the responsible component revealed that the enzyme methylated dithiothreitol (DTT), the reducing agent added for enzyme stabilization. Unexpectedly, product analysis revealed that the methylation occurred on a sulfhydryl moiety, not on a hydroxyl group. Analysis of 34 compounds indicated a broad substrate range, with a preference for small hydrophobic molecules. Benzene thiol (Km 220 μm) and furfuryl thiol (Km 60 μm) were the best substrates (6–7‐fold better than DTT). Small isosteric hydrophobic substrates with hydroxyl groups, like phenol and guaiacol, were also methylated, but the activities were at least 5‐fold lower than with thiols. The enzyme was named C. roseus S‐methyltransferase 1 (CrSMT1). Models based on the COMT crystal structure suggest that S‐methylation is mechanistically identical to O‐methylation. CrSMT1 so far is the only recognized example of an S‐methyltransferase in this protein family. Its properties indicate that a few changes in key residues are sufficient to convert an OMT into a S‐methyltransferase (SMT). Future functional investigations of plant methyltransferases should consider the possibility that the enzymes may direct methylation at sulfhydryl groups.
Gender‐related differences of renal mass supply and metabolic demand after living donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Oh Chang‐Kwon , Lee Byung Mo , Jeon Kyung Ock , Kim Hyun Jung , Pelletier Shawn J. , Kim Soon Il , Kim Yu Seun
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Kidney donation from female donors to male recipients has been reported to be associated with decreased allograft survival. Whether there was a gender‐related inadequacy between donor nephron supply and recipient functional demand was investigated in this study. One hundred ninety‐five living donor kidney transplant recipients that had neither ischemic injury, episode of rejection, nor any complication were included. Weights and heights of both donors and recipients were recorded to calculate body surface area, lean body weight, and body mass index. The donated kidney was weighed just after cold flush, and the recipient's serum creatinine (Scr) was measured on a daily basis post‐operatively. When the recipient's Scr reached the baseline, a 24‐h urine was collected for the amount of proteinuria (Upr), creatinine excretion (Ucr) and creatinine clearance (Ccr) calculation. The effect of donor and recipient gender was analysed by independent sample t‐test. On average, male donors and recipients were heavier and taller than females. However, the mass of kidneys donated from men and women were not statistically different. The gender‐related differences in post‐transplant Scr and Ucr of recipients were associated with the differences in the parameters of metabolic demands of recipients rather than with the weight of implanted kidney (renal mass supply) or with pre‐operative renal functions of donors (functional supply). The early graft function is not determined by donor gender. The effect of recipient gender on the graft function depends on the metabolic demands, which are higher in male recipients.
Prevalence, severity and correlates of alcohol use in adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Fierz Katharina , Steiger Jürg , Denhaerynck Kris , Dobbels Fabienne , Bock Andreas , De Geest Sabina
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: Severe alcohol use is recognized as a major public health concern, even though light to moderate alcohol use might have beneficial effects on health. Alcohol use has been studied to some extent in solid organ transplant populations, yet evidence is lacking on alcohol use and its correlates in the renal transplant population. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, severity and correlates of alcohol use in renal transplant recipients.

Methods: This cross‐sectional study is a secondary analysis of the Supporting Medication Adherence in Renal Transplantation (SMART) study. Alcohol use was assessed by patient's self‐report. At risk and binge drinkers were classified using World Health Organization criteria. The following correlates of alcohol use were explored: adherence with immunosuppression (Siegal questionnaire; electronic monitoring), smoking, coping style (UCL), depressive symptomatology (BDI) and busyness/routine in life style (ACQ Busyness Scale).

Results: Two hundred and eighty‐four patients were included in this analysis, 58.1% male, with a mean age of 54 yr (range 20–84) and a median of seven (interquartile ranges [IQR] 8) yr post‐transplantation. A total of 52.8% of study participants reported to drink alcohol at least once a week. Two hundred and eighty of 284 subjects (98.5%) were drinking at low risk, four at moderate risk (1.5%). None of the participants were drinking severely. Correlates of alcohol use were male gender and being professionally active.

Conclusion: Alcohol use is less prevalent in renal transplant recipients than in the general population. Severe alcohol use does not seem to represent a serious problem in renal transplant patients.
Association between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Voytovich Monica Hagen , Åsberg Anders , Hjelmesæth Jøran , Jenssen Trond , Hartmann Anders
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a common finding in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and is related to impaired local regulation of vasodilative and vasoconstrictive substances, such as nitric monoxide (NO) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). In non‐transplanted patients, an association between impaired endothelial function and insulin resistance has been shown. Whether such an association also exists in RTR is unknown.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether insulin resistance is associated with endothelial dysfunction in RTR.

Material and methods: A total of 47 RTR in a stable phase six yr post‐transplant were included in the statistical analysis. The immunosuppressive therapy was based on cyclosporine and prednisolone. Non‐invasive assessment of endothelial function was performed with laser Doppler flowmetry of the forearm skin vasculature after local acetylcholine stimulation. Oral glucose tolerance tests comprising both glucose and insulin measurements were used to calculate insulin sensitivity (IS) indices. NO, ET‐1 and von Willebrand factor were measured in fasting plasma samples.

Results: Normal glucose tolerance was found in 31 RTR. In these subjects, both IS (r2=0.164, p=0.044) and plasma NO (r2=0.326, p=0.002) were significantly correlated with endothelial function. Patients with glucose intolerance (n=16) had higher plasma ET‐1 and lower NO levels, but the association between IS and endothelial function was not significant in these subjects. In the total patient cohort, IS and endothelial function tended to be correlated (p=0.127).

Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction is significantly associated with insulin resistance in normoglycemic RTR but explains a rather small part of the variation. In glucose‐intolerant recipients, IS appears to be more critically dependent on other factors not revealed in the present study.
Stable mixed chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
Authors: Doğu Figen , Kurtuluş‐Ülküer Melahat , Bilge Yaşar , Bozdoğan Günseli , Ülküer Üner , Malhatun Erdinç , İkincioğulları Aydan , Babacan Emel
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema, impaired cellular and humoral immunity, and increased susceptibility to malignancy and autoimmunity. The only curative treatment for WAS is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially in the presence of a matched sibling donor or matched unrelated donor. Here, we report the case of a 2.5‐yr‐old boy with WAS that resulted in mixed chimerism after having received bone marrow from his phenotypically identical grandfather. Although the patient has persistent thrombocytopenia (platelet counts 50–80 × 109/L), he is currently alive and doing well at 36 months post‐transplant and is free of any bleeding episodes.
Sirolimus rescue for tacrolimus‐associated post‐transplant autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Valentini Rudolph P. , Imam Abubakr , Warrier Indira , Ellis Demetrius , Ritchey A. Kim , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi , Shapiro Ron , Moritz Michael L.
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been reported to occur after renal transplantation, and typically does so in the first few weeks post‐transplant. We report on a 3‐yr‐old child who developed cold AIHA nearly 1 yr after an ABO identical, living donor renal transplant from his mother. Numerous transfusions, pulse steroids, repeat plasma exchange treatments, and IVIG were unsuccessful. Nearly 3 wk into his illness, tacrolimus was changed to cyclosporine, and then to sirolimus, and resulted in a prompt response. He currently has a normal renal function and a normal hemoglobin level on sirolimus monotherapy.
Preventing sensitization with mycophenolate mofetil in a pediatric kidney recipient
Authors: Wong Hubert , LaBerge Robert , Harvey Elizabeth , Filler Guido
Published: February 2006

Abstract:Sensitization, as measured by panel reactive antibodies (PRAs), occurs as a result of previous organ transplantation, blood transfusions, or pregnancy. The high‐PRA levels increase the risk of complications during transplantation and may result in long time duration for future transplants. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been shown to decrease lymphocyte proliferation and antibody formation. We report the use of prophylactic MMF in preventing the formation of PRAs in a pediatric renal transplant recipient with multiple donor exposures. A four‐yr‐old girl received an unsuccessful living‐related renal transplant in February 2003 and was subject to multiple blood transfusions in the perioperative period. MMF, 500 mg/m2/day in two divided doses, achieved suppression of PRAs to less than 20% and allowed successful renal transplantation within nine months. No side effects occurred. This approach may reduce the risk of sensitization in future potential organ donor recipients in similar situations.
Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B with lamivudine in pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Kranz Birgitta , Vester Udo , Bonzel Klaus‐Eugen , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Hoyer Peter F.
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Renal transplantation in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known to be associated with an increased risk for exacerbation of liver dysfunction. Lamivudine has been proven to be a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus replication in adults after kidney transplantation. Little is known about its efficacy and safety in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Three cases serve for the discussion to demonstrate the complexity of the clinical course and effective treatment of chronic hepatitis B in pediatric patients awaiting renal transplantation. Two patients on dialysis with a high HBV replication rate were treated with lamivudine before transplantation. After the viral load had decreased below the detection limit, they underwent transplantation successfully. Despite intensified immunosuppression to treat a rejection episode in one and a relapse of the nephrotic syndrome in the other patient, the viral load remained <2.5 pg/mL. Both patients developed a mutation in the YMDD motif of the HBV genome associated with an increase in the HBV replication rate >10 000 pg/mL without deterioration of the liver function.

In a third patient with a chronic HBV infection with a low replication rate, lamivudine was started about nine months after kidney transplantation due to an increasing viral load after treatment of an acute rejection episode. Six months later, the HBV DNA was no longer detectable. The patient had no signs of liver dysfunction. Lamivudine in the treatment of chronic HBV infection in pediatric renal recipients seems to be safe and effective in preventing acute liver deterioration. Three clinical cases are discussed with regard to current options in monitoring and antiviral treatment of chronic HBV in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
Operational Sex Ratio and Alternative Reproductive Behaviours in Chinese Bushcricket, Gampsocleis gratiosa
Authors: Gao Yong , Kang Le
Published: February 2006

The effects of operational sex ratio (OSR) on male mating tactics in the Chinese bushcricket Gampsocleis gratiosa were investigated in male‐ and female‐biased environments. We measured fresh and dry spermatophore contents and copulation duration, and counted sperm numbers of each copulation. The fresh weight of spermatophore and spermatophylax was positively correlated with male body weight. The males in a strongly male‐biased environment produced significantly heavier fresh ampulla and more sperm per ejaculation, which were likely tactics for successful matings under the competition of rivals. The spermatophore might function as a structure to protect the fertilization potential of the ejaculate from rival males.
Disruption of Dear Enemy Recognition Among Neighboring Males by Female Leon Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus
Authors: Leiser John K. , Bryan Caroline M. , Itzkowitz Murray
Published: February 2006

Males defending territories often settle into adjacent areas, sharing a common border that is maintained by a reduced level of aggression known as dear enemy recognition. While social conditions may affect the dear enemy relationship among males, what role females play, if any, is unclear. In a field study of the highly promiscuous Leon Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus, we asked whether females influenced this relationship of neighbors to their advantage. We observed 16 territorial residents, mapping the precise location of each male's behaviors within its territory. Resident males engaged in less aggression against neighbors compared with intruders, and neighbors intruded less deeply into the residents’ territories than intruders. Despite this locality restriction, neighbors were responsible for as many spawning interruptions as intruders. Females did not spawn randomly in the males’ territories, nor did they spawn near territory centers where aggression was low. Rather, females were more likely to settle and spawn in the outer half of the territories where competition among males was highest. When a neighbor entered a resident's territory to interrupt a spawn, the female was more likely to leave the resident's territory for the neighbor's than to remain. These observations suggest that the female used the intrusion by the neighbor to engage the resident and interrupt the spawn as a measure of this male's quality and that, while neighboring males benefit from the presence of dear enemy recognition, females benefit from its disruption.
Nursing minimum data sets: a conceptual analysis and review
Authors: Mac Neela Pádraig , Scott P. Anne , Treacy Margaret P. , Hyde Abbey
Published: February 2006

It is commonly acknowledged that nursing care is underrepresented in the healthcare record. The nursing minimum data set (NMDS) has been proposed as a method of routinely collecting information on core aspects of the nursing contribution to care, organised primarily in terms of phenomena, interventions and outcomes. Potential applications in clinical nursing, healthcare management, education and research have been identified. NMDS systems have been developed in a number of countries, with applications mostly related to resource allocation. To date, NMDS systems have tended to examine physical nursing care provided in institutional settings, with implications for construct and content validity. While NMDS research helps to clarify the nursing contribution to care, attention is now required to better understand the domains of nursing care across a broader range of care settings.
Productive power and the ‘practices of the self’ in contraceptive counselling
Authors: Hayter Mark
Published: February 2006

This paper explores an underresearched issue within the reproductive health of women — the discursive construction of self‐examination instruction in sexual health clinics. The study utilises Foucault's work on ‘productive power’, the ‘practices of the self’ and discourse to map out how nurses instruct contraceptive‐using women in self‐care practices. Forty‐nine consultations in sexual health clinics were tape recorded and analysed. The data reveal how nurses utilise the discourse of risk as a technique to reinforce and develop self‐care practices — a concept congruent with the Greco‐Roman concept of the cura sui, the philosophical notion that one must make oneself into the object of care. Nurses build upon the notion of risk by educating women about their reproductive anatomy and physiology utilising medical texts as tools. This provides a contemporary example of the mia chora: identified by Foucault as the incitement for the individual to develop a usable knowledge of the body. Lastly, nurses instruct women in the development of a self‐care regimen — the epimeleia, the development of habitual body techniques. It is proposed that this process is congruent with the Aristotelian notion of habitus, the development of body knowledge, body techniques and self‐care practices necessary to pursue health.
Nurses’ experiences of caring for South Asian minority ethnic patients in a general hospital in England
Authors: Vydelingum Vasso
Published: February 2006

Healthcare provision for minority ethnic groups in the UK has generally revealed inequalities in access and differential service provision. British healthcare policy has started to address such issues. However, very few studies have specifically examined the experiences of nurses caring for minority ethnic patients. This paper focuses on the focus group interviews of a broader ethnographic study, aimed at describing nurses’ experiences of caring for South Asian minority ethnic patients, in a general hospital in the south of England. A sample of 43 nurses of all grades from six medical wards took part in the focus groups: three ward sisters, 22 staff nurses and 18 care assistants; 40 participants were white, one was African‐Caribbean and two were South Asian. Data analysis revealed eight themes: changes in service provision; false consciousness of equity; limited cultural knowledge; victim blaming; valuing of the relatives; denial of racism; ethnocentrism, and self‐disclosure. The study revealed a good local service response to government policies in addressing inequality. However, there was a tendency to treat all minority ethnic patients the same, with evidence of ethnocentric practices, victim‐blaming approaches and poor cultural competence in nursing staff, which raise questions about the quality of service provision. The study indicates that ongoing training and development in the area of cultural competence is necessary.
Taxonomy ofPyramimonas obovataand other observations on the subgenusVestigiferaofPyramimonas(Prasinophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Sym Stuart D. , Pienaar Richard N.
Published: February 2006

A vestigiferan species commonly referred to asPyramimonas obovataN. Carter has been redescribed asP. melkonianiisp, nov. Characters of this species and a further six (P. disomataButcher ex McFadden, Hill et Wetherbee,P. mantoniaeMoestrup et Hill,P. mitraMoestrup et Hill.P. moestrupiiMcFadden,P. aff. nephroideaMcFadden,P. orientalisButcher ex McFadden, Hill et Wetherbee) isolated from South African waters are used to define further the subgenusVestigiferaMcFadden. This includes a unique chloroplast shape and basal hyaline region with stellate or cruciform vacuoles, a transitional plate‐like structure in the flagellum, and a different microtubular root system. The proximal set of basal body connectives were found to be remarkably symmetrical and like those of the subgenusTrichocystisMcFadden, and a duct fibre was found associated with the Id root in all currently investigated species. The validity of the larger body (box and crown) scales as taxonomic markers at a fine level is also questioned.
An immunofluorescence study on lectin binding sites in gametes of Ectocarpus siliculosus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Maier Ingo , Schmid Christine E.
Published: February 2006

The distribution of binding sites for the lectins WGA, DSA. RCA I, PNA, AAA, MAA. SNA, GNA. and Con A in gametes of both sexes of the brown alga, Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillw.) Lyngbye, was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Digoxigenin‐conjugated lectins and an FITC‐anti‐digoxigenin antibody were used as a high sensitivity detection system. Organelles and other distinct cellular domains could be distinguished by their binding specificities. Glycoconjugates associated with one flagellum were found to be associated with the axoneme by lectin binding to isolated flagellar apparatuses. In addition, changes in the distribution of carbohydrate epitopes during the attachment of gametes to the substratum were revealed by differential lectin binding.
A morphological study and hybridization analysis of Caloglossa leprieurii (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Japan, Singapore and Australia
Authors: Kamiya Mitsunobu , Tanaka Jiro , Hara Yoshiaki
Published: February 2006

Morphological and hybridization experiments were performed on Caloglossa leprieurii (Montagne) J. Agardh collected from Japan, Singapore and Australia in order to evaluate taxonomic characters of this species. Within C. leprieurii at least four mating groups were recognized from the Indo‐Pacific region. These mating groups could be characterized by the blade width at the inter‐node and the cell‐row numbers on the opposite side derived from the first axial cell at the main axis, though these properties showed a certain variability even in the same plant under both field and culture conditions. The phylogenetic relationship and geographic distribution of the four mating groups are discussed.
Amphidiniella sedentaria gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new sand‐dwelling dinoflagellate from Japan
Authors: Horiguchi Takeo
Published: February 2006

A new sand‐dwelling dinoflagellate is described from Sesoko Beach, Okinawa Island, subtropical Japan and its micromorphology is studied by means of light and electron microscopy. The cell consists of a small epitheca and a large hypothecs superficially resembling members of the unarmored genus Amphidinium. The cell is dorso‐ventrally flattened and possesses a single chloroplast with a large conspicuous pyrenoid. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the dinoflagellate possesses typical dinoflagellate cellular organization. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the organism is thecate and the thecal plate arrangement is Po, 4′, 1a, 7″, 5c, 4s, 6″′, 2″″. Most of the characteristics suggest gonyaulacalean affinity of the new species. These are the presence of ventral pore, lack of canal plate, direct contact between the sulcal anterior plate and the flagellar pore, possession of six postcingular plates and asymmetrical arrangement of the antapical plates. Affinity to existing families of the order Gonyaulacales has not been determined. Based on the unique cell shape, thecal plate arrangement and the presence of ventral pore, a new genus, Amphidiniella, is established for this organism and the species is named A. sedentaria Horiguchi gen. et sp. nov.
Growth pattern of isolated zoospores in Hydrodictyon reticulatum (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Hatano Kyoko , Maruyama Keizo
Published: February 2006

Zoospores at various developmental stages in Hydrodictyon reticulatum were isolated from parent cells and cultured in Waris medium. Isolated zoospores grew to mature vegetative cells, and were able to reproduce zoo‐spores that formed daughter hexagonal nets. Three types of shape appeared in cells 24 h after isolation: cylindrical, Y‐shaped and 4‐armed type. Protrusions of Y‐shaped or 4‐armed cells were formed at an angle of about 120° to the long axis of the cell. When cells were isolated at later stages, more cells became cylindrical in shape and fewer ceils became Y‐shaped or 4‐armed, Direction of cell growth also seemed to depend largely on the developmental stages of the zoospores. The later the isolated stages were, the more the cells elongated along the long axis of the zoospores.
Cryopreservation of a water‐bloom forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa f. aeruginosa
Authors: Watanabe Makoto M. , Sawaguchi Tomohiro
Published: February 2006

A method for the Cryopreservation of Microcystis aeruginosa f. aeruginosa is described. For the five strains tested, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (3% v/v) was the only effective cryoprotectant for freezing to, and thawing from ‐196°C and allowed the successful recovery (>50%) of all the strains. The viability of frozen material was independent of the period of storage in liquid nitrogen. The strain NIES‐44 (National Institute for Environmental Studies) had a recovery level of greater than 90% at 3–10% (v/v) DMSO in both two step and rapid cooling methods. The other three strains, NIES‐87, 88 and 89 had greater than 60% of viability after freeze/thawing in presence of both 3% and 5% DMSO concentrations. On the other hand, the strain NIES‐90 showed approximately 50% of viability in only 3% DMSO solution after two step cooling to and thawing from ‐196°C. This strain was damaged by greater than 4% DMSO and by rapid cooling to ‐196°C. It was found that cold shock injury and the cytotoxicity of DMSO were different at a strain level.
Egg release and germling development in Sargassum horneri (Fucales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Nanba Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2006

The mature female conceptacle of Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh has an ostiole filled with a gelatinous plug. The oogonium in the conceptacle has cell walls that can be differentiated into a dense outer and a less dense inner microfibrillar layer. Just prior to egg release, stalk material is produced inside the outer layer and the inner layer disappears. At this stage the gelatinous plug is extruded and mucilage is released through the ostiole. The released eggs are retained on the receptacle by the stalk and are surrounded by a large amount of the mucilage. Three‐celled germlings form a primary wall with a polylamellated structure of microfibril layers. In multicellular germlings that have differentiated into thallus and rhizoids, the peripheral thallus cells have an outer cell wall consisting of a microfibril layer under the primary wall, while the cell wall of the rhizoid tip has an amorphous structure. The germlings are released from the stalk and become attached to the substratum by an adhesive substance secreted from rhizoidal cells.
Cyclotella orientalis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from South Korea
Authors: Lee Jung Ho , Chung Jun , Gotoh Toshikazu
Published: February 2006

Cyclotella ortentalis sp. nov, is described from an epilithic sample taken in Lake Imha, located in Kyungsangbuk‐do. South Korea. The species is characterized by a conspicuous and short costa regularly extending from each marginal fultoportula to the valve margin. It can be included in the Cyclotella stelligeroid group. The new species can be separated from the most similar species C. stelligera Cleve et Grunov var. stelligera by the more distant position of marginal fultoportulae from the valve margin, the external long tubes of fultoportulae and having short costae. It differs from C. stelligera var. robusta Must, and var. hyalina Hust., in having much denser marginal striae; from C. glomerata H. Bachm., C. pseudostelligera Hust., C. stelligeroides Must, and C. woltereckii Hust., in its much larger valve, coarser marginal striae and short costae with fultoportulae.
Lithophyllum cuneatum sp. nov. (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta), a new species of non‐geniculate coralline alga semi‐endophytic in Hydrolithon onkodes and Neogoniolithon sp. from Fiji, South Pacific
Authors: Keats Derek W.
Published: February 2006

A new species of semi‐endophytic coralline alga, Lithophyllum cuneatum (Corallinaceae: Lithophylloideae), is described from Fiji. The species is characterized by a wedge‐like thallus that is partially buried in the thallus of the host coralline, Hydrolithon onkodes (Heydrich) Penrose et Woelkerling or occasionally Neogoniolithon sp., and that appears at the surface of the host as a small pustule that is usually paler in color than the host. The thallus consists of erect filaments that are derived from a single cell. The basal cell, when visible, is non‐palisade, and areas of bistratose margin are absent. Cells of contiguous erect filaments are joined by secondary pit connections. Epithallial cells are present in 2–3 layers, and individual trichocytes are common. Gametangial plants are dioecious. Male conceptacles have simple spermatangial systems that are confined to the floors of their elliptical chambers. Carposporangial conceptacles contain 5–8 celled gonimoblast filaments that are borne at the margin of a more‐or‐less discoid fusion cell, and so occupy the periphery of the elliptical conceptacle chambers. Tetrasporangial conceptacles are uniporate, with roofs formed from peripheral filaments, and chambers lack a central columella of sterile filaments. Despite its semi‐endophytic nature, haustorial cells are absent, and plastids and pigmentation are present.
Ferredoxin isoforms from Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae): Molecular characterization and participation in ferredoxin‐dependent enzymes
Authors: Kanno Toshihiro , Nakayama Hidenori , Shinpo Kunihiro , Masada Masahiro , Tamura Goro
Published: February 2006

Using hydrophobic chromatography, Chlorella ferredoxin was separated into three components (Fd I, Fd II and Fd III) in ratios of approximately 3:13:1. The three components differed in isoelectric point, peptide mapping, amino acid composition and N‐terminal sequence. Fd II and Fd III were found to support fairly high rates of cytochrome c reduction by spinach FNR, while Fd I could not support this reaction at all. The highest value of the specificity constant (kcat/Km for NiR was demonstrated for Fd II‐dependent activity; however, the lowest value of kcat/Km for NiR was obtained using Fd II.
Taxonomic value of a betaine lipid in Ectocarpus (Phaeophyceae) and the first record of a sexual population of E. fasciculatus for the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Müller Dieter G.
Published: February 2006

The betaine lipid DGTA differentiates between two species of Ectocarpus: it is present in E. fasciculatus Harvey, and lacking in E. siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngbye, Two ectocarpoid isolates from the coast of Chile, which could not be identified to species level, were found to belong to opposite DGTA types. Culture experiments showed that these plants were sporophytes. Their meiospores produced gametophytes of the species predicted by the lipid analysis. Promoted by this new approach, a sexual population of Ectocarpus fasciculatus has been detected for the first time in the Pacific Ocean.
Laminarionema elsbetiae gen. et sp. nov. (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae), a new endophyte in Laminaria sporophytes
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Tokuyama Masashi
Published: February 2006

Laminarionema elsbetiae gen. et sp, nov, (Ectocarpaceae, Ectocarpales. Phaeophyceae), a new endophyte of Laminaria japonica Areschoug (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), is described from Muroran. Hokkaido, Japan. Laminarionema elsbetiae grows in the host tissues forming networks in the epidermal and subcortical layers as well as penetrating into the cortical and medullary layers. Only phaeophycean hairs emerge from the surface of the host tissue. No reproductive cells were found in field material. However, under host‐free culture the species formed three morphologically different reproductive structures. Macrosporangia containing a single large motile spore were formed under long and short day conditions below 20°C, transformed from vegetative cells, conical to elongated in shape, 50–75 μm in length and ca. 10 μm in diameter. Microsporangia were linear to lanceolate, sometimes branched, formed under long and short day conditions below 15°C. Unilocular sporangia were more or less irregular in shape, formed under short day conditions of 5–15°C, 60–75 μm in length and 40–45 μm in diameter. Sexual fusion between macro‐ and microspores was not seen. In mixed cultures of L. elsbetiae with young sporophytes of L Japonica Areschoug as well as Saccorhiza dermatodea (de la Pylaie) J. Agardh, L elsbetiae infected both hosts, grew in the same manner as in natural hosts, and formed macrosporangia between host epidermal cells.
Phylogeny of genera of Prasinophyceae and Pedinophyceae (Chlorophyta) deduced from molecular analysis of the rbcL gene
Authors: Daugbjerg Niels , Moestrup Øjvind , Arctander Peter
Published: February 2006

A molecular approach was used to study the phylogeny of 12 genera of Prasinophyceae and two genera of Pedinophyceae (Chlorophyta). The study was based on maximum likelihood and LogDet transformation analyses of a 1094‐basepair fragment of the large subunit of ribulose‐l,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcL), a chloroplast‐encoded gene. With the inclusion of homologous sequences from two cyanobacteria (Anabaena PCC 7120 and Anacystis nidulans (Richter) Drout et Daily) and a prochlorophyte(Prochlorothrix hollandica Burger‐Wiersma, Stal et Mur), the maximum likelihood reconstructions suggested that species referred to the family Mamiellaceae are secondarily reduced forms rather than the most ancestral eukaryotic green plants. The systematic position of Micromonas pusilla (Butcher) Manton et Parke based on morphology is ambiguous, but the rbcL‐based inferences indicated that it is related to the Mamiellaceae. In spite of being morphologically very different, Pycnococcus and Pseudoscourfieldia appear to be closely related, and it is suggested that Pseudoscourfieldia be included in the family Pycnococcaceae. The phylogenetic framework when based on first and second codon positions identifies the Mamiellaceae, Pycnococcaceae, Halosphaer‐aceae, and Mesostigmataceae as monophyletic families, whereas the Chlorodendraceae appears to be of polyphyletic origin. However, this branching pattern was not confirmed by bootstrap analyses. The analysts based on a LogDet transformation matrix also supported the close relationship among species belonging to the Mamiellaceae (including Micromonas pusiila) and that the pedinophytes form a separate group. The branching pattern among most of the prasinophyte genera was not resolved giving a tree topology similar to those obtained in the bootstrap analyses. A relative rate test showed that the rbcL gene in the Pedinophyceae has evolved at a slower speed relative to that in the Prasinophyceae.
Physiological responses of Caloglossa leprieurii (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) to salinity stress
Authors: Mostaert Anika S. , Karsten Ulf , King Robert J.
Published: February 2006

Marine, estuarine and freshwater isolates of Caloglossa leprieurii (Montagne) J. Agardh exhibit a high salinity tolerance, reflected by broad cell viability and growth rate. Osmotic adjustment is shown to rely to a large extent on ion‐transport systems, with K+ and Cl‐ accumulated in osmotically‐ significant quantities and active Na+ extrusion. The ion concentrations contribute a large proportion (67–94%) to internal osmotic pressure. The concentration of the organic osmolyte mannitol in all populations was strongly salinity dependent. Mannitol made a lower contribution to the internal osmotic pressure, when compared to ion concentrations, but nonetheless represented an important proportion of the internal osmolality. The response of the three isolates is discussed in relation to the salinity of their respective environments.
13C‐NMR spectroscopy as a tool to study organic osmolytes in the mangrove red algal genera Bostrychia and Stictosiphonia (Ceramiales)
Authors: Karsten Ulf , Bock Christian , West John A.
Published: February 2006

Field and culture samples of the red algal genera Bostrychia and Stictosiphonia from all around the world were analyzed for the polyols D‐sorbitol and dulcitol, that function as osmolytes, as well as for the heteroside digeneaside by using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and HPLC. While all plants exhibited D‐sorbitol, the occurrence of dulcitol and digeneaside was highly variable. Therefore, different types of low molecular weight carbohydrate distribution patterns were found in Bostrychia and Stictosiphonia. The presence of D‐sorbitol seems to be a reliable chemosystematic character for both genera, because no other red alga is known to contain this compound. The lack of dulcitol may be correlated with the geographical origin of the Bostrychia and Stictosiphonia samples: while all tropical isolates exhibited both sugar alcohols, in cold‐temperate plants only D‐sorbitol was determined. In warm‐temperate species, however, both polyol distribution types may occur. These data are discussed in terms of possible temperature sensitivity of the dulcitol pathway. However, the biological function of digeneaside (the main photo‐assimilated compound in members of the order Ceramiales) is still obscure.
Taxonomic study of the genus Spongomorpha (Acrosiphoniales, Chlorophyta) in Japan. I. Spongomorpha spiralis*
Authors: Miyaji Kazuyuki
Published: February 2006

The morphology, life history, and the geographical distribution of Spongomorpha spiralis Sakai in Hokkaido, Japan, was studied. The thallus is characterized by its digitate tufts (bundles) of slender filaments with hooked branchlets. The diameter of the filaments is usually 20‐50 μm in the basal portion, 50‐130 (70‐110) μm in the middle portion of main axes, and 30‐150 μm in the upper portion. The diameter of the middle portion of the main axes varies from locality to locality. At Muroran, for example, the range is 70‐130 μm (average approximately 100 μm), while at other localities it is 50–100 μm (average approximately 70 μm). The diameter of filaments in the upper portion decreases toward the end of the growing season. The cells are multinucleate with four chromosomes in each nucleus of the haploid plant. The manner of cell division is identical to the process reported previously for the Spongomorpha‐Acrosiphonia complex. Sexual reproduction is isogamous with anteriorly biflagellate gametes. Plants are unisexual. The life history involves an alternation of heteromorphic generations: the gametophytic phase is a macroscopic, filamentous thallus and the sporophytic phase is a microscopic, ellipsoidal or club‐shaped cell. Optimal culture condition for growth and reproduction of both stages was 5°C and long daylength. The gametophyte developed abnormally at 15°C. The sporophyte developed normally at 15°C, but did not produce zoospores.
The life cycle of Gyrodinium instriatum (Dinophyceae) in culture*
Authors: Uchida Takuji , Matsuyama Yukihiko , Yamaguchi Mineo , Honjo Tsuneo
Published: February 2006

The life cycle events of an unarmored dinoflagellate Gyrodinium instriatum Freudenthal et Lee has been investigated using clonal cultures. After the inoculation of vegetative cells into fresh medium, clumping of gametes was observed after a period of 10 days. In the clumps, a number of gametes were observed to be swimming in close contact with each other, pairing successively and then forming a plano‐zygote. This clumping behavior is considered to be useful in the performance of sexual reproduction, particularly in the event of low cell density, because it increases the chance of fusion. Gametes of this species were most often isogarnous, although apparent amsogamous fusions were occasionally observed. When planozygotes were isolated and placed in fresh medium, they enlarged their size and finally divided into two cells. The daughter cells continued to multiply by binary fission and produced vegetative cells. Thus, G. instriatum has an alternative cycle between vegetative cells and zygotes without a hypnozygote stage. However, cysts of this species were transformed from large motile cells (pre‐cyst cells) which are oblong and dorso‐ventrally flattened in shape. These mottle pre‐cyst cells have two longitudinal flagella, which may indicate that cysts of this species are of zygote origin. On the basis of these results, the relationship between zygotes and pre‐cysts of G. instriatum is discussed. Excystment was enhanced by dark and cold treatments prior to the incubation for germination experiments with a germination success rate of 26–64%. Encystment was greatly inhibited by the lack of dark and cold treatments.
Fine filaments observed within the cytoplasm surrounding the leading edge of the septum in telophase cells ofSpirogyra(Zygnematales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Nishino Takeshi , Asakawa Shinjiro , Ogawa Shigeru
Published: February 2006

Electron microscope observation revealed the presence of many fine filaments within the cytoplasm surrounding the leading edge of the septum in telophase cells ofSpirogyra verruculosaJao. These filaments, about 7 nm each in diameter, ran parallel to one another along the leading edge of the septum and, sometimes, they appeared to be gathered into at least two bundles. These filament distribution patterns coincided well with those of the fluorescence of rhodamine‐labeled phalloidin in the vicinity of the septum in telophase cells. The present results suggest that the fine filaments observed within the cytoplasm surrounding the leading edge of the septum may be actin filaments.
First report of Chloropelta caespitosa (Ulvaceae, Ulvales, Ulvophyceae) in Japan*
Authors: Lima Masafumi , Fukusumi Kenji
Published: February 2006

Chloropelta caespitosa Tanner was found in Nagasaki Prefecture, in western Japan. This is the first record of this species in Japan and the western Pacific. Morphology and early development in culture corresponded with the original description of this species. Reproduction is by asexual quadriflagellate (rarely biflagetlate) zoospores. Sexual reproduction was not observed. Morphology and habitat are very similar to Ulva conglobata Kjellman; however, C. caespitosa (frond diameter 1–2 cm) is smaller than U. conglobata (frond diameter 1–4 cm) and juvenile plants have saccate and tubular fronds.
The morphology and taxonomy of Womersleya monanthos, an endemic species and genus of Delesseriaceae (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from southeastern Australia
Authors: Lin Showe‐Mei , Kraft Gerald T.
Published: February 2006

Womersleya monanthos (J. Agardh) Papenfuss is typically an epiphyte of larger brown and red algae that are common in drift along the southeastern coasts of Australia. A hitherto little‐known member of the Phycodrys group of the Nitophylloideae, its reproductive features have been studied in detail and its taxonomic position clarified. Blades are polystromatic throughout and lack veins or nerves, with blades originating from apical cells of primary and second‐order cell rows. Intercalary cell divisions take place in primary cell rows and all other branch orders, with third‐order laterals arising both abaxially and adaxially on cells of second‐order rows. Fertile central cells bear procarps on pericentral cells on both sides of the blade, the procarps consisting of two 4‐celled carpogonial branches and a single central group of sterile cells that enlarge and persist at the distal end of a bicampanulate fusion cell at maturity. Spermatangia and tetrasporangia form in circular subapical sori on both sides of the blade or in marginal lobes or proliferations. After comparing it to other members of the Phycodrys group, we conclude that Womersleya is a monotypic genus well distinguished from other genera and with probable closest affinities to the Northern Hemisphere Polyneura, Erythroglossum and Sorella, as well as the Australian endemic, Crassilingua.
Immunofluorescence study of mitosis and cytokinesis in Acrosiphonia duriuscula (Acrosiphoniales, Chlorophyta)*
Authors: Aruga Hirofumi , Motomura Taizo , Ichimura Terunobu
Published: February 2006

The behaviors of nuclei and microtubules (MT) in Acrosiphonia duriuscula (Ruprecht) Collins were observed in detail using fluorescence and electron microscopy. Numerous nuclei exist in cells of A. duriuscula (multinucleate cells). Cortical MT radiate from the apex of the tip cell and run parallel to its long axis. Between 30 and 40% of nuclei in the upper part of cytoplasm migrate downward to the region where cytokinesis will take place, and these numerous nuclei form a ‘nuclear ring’ before mitosis. The parallel array of the cortical MT changes to a transverse orientation at the region where cytokinesis will take place, and finally forms a characteristic circumferential band. Mitosis starts from the nuclei in the ring. Cortical MT disappear in the region of the nuclear ring and many mitotic spindles form. The band‐shaped array of MT remains. Mitosis spreads in an apparent wave to the other nuclei. After mitosis, daughter nuclei that formed a nuclear ring migrate apically and repopulate the apical daughter cell. When the numerous daughter nuclei have relocated, a rearrangement of the cortical MT occurs. They are randomly arranged at first, but finally become parallel to the long axis of the cell. Cytokinesis occurs by furrowing of the cell, and the band‐shaped array of MT could be detected at the leading edge of the furrow.
A morphometric comparison of Ecklonia kurome (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) from Japan*
Authors: Tsutsui Isao , Arai Shogo , Terawaki Toshinobu , Ohno Masao
Published: February 2006

A morphological comparison was made of Ecklonia kurome Okamura collected from seven localities, including a lectotype locality (Shirahama), in Japan. Morphometric characters and their size ranges were recorded as follows: the central lamina width (5.1–67.8 cm), the median fascia thickness (0.9–3.3 mm), the primary pinna width (2.2–24.0 cm), the ratio of width to length of the primary pinna (0.07–0.56) and the primary pinna number index (PPNI; 0.24–2.21). The results suggested that the morphological variations observed within this species were related to their habitat. A thick and distinct median fascia and an undulate central lamina margin were found on plants from moderate wave‐exposed locations. Plants having narrow primary pinnae with indistinct ruga were observed on shores facing open sea. Wide and thin plants grew in wave‐sheltered habitats. Flat plants were found on a shore exposed to a continuous strong current throughout the year. There were noticeable differences in morphology among the Tateyama, Tsuno, Aburatsubo and Tonoshima populations. The yellow and crisp primary pinna edge was a major characteristic of the Tateyama population. Narrow plants in which the central lamina and primary pinnae were half as wide as those of the Shirahama population were found in Tsuno. Wide and thin plants were observed in Aburatsubo. In this locality, the central lamina and primary pinnae were nearly three times wider but half the thickness of those of the Shirahama population. Flat plants grew in Tonoshima. The Muroto and Oki populations exhibited morphologically similar characteristics to the Shirahama population. A hollow stipe and slightly high PPNI value were found in the Muroto population, and a slightly low PPNI value was found on the Oki population.