bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RU5 of Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus 5′ Long Terminal Repeat Enhances Cytoplasmic Expression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
gag-pol
and Nonviral Reporter RNA
Authors: Hull Stacey , Boris-Lawrie Kathleen
Published: September 2002

Retroviruses utilize an unspliced version of their primary transcription product as an RNA template for synthesis of viral Gag and Pol structural and enzymatic proteins. Cytoplasmic expression of the
gag-pol
RNA is achieved despite the lack of intron removal and the presence of a long and highly structured 5′ untranslated region that inhibits efficient ribosome scanning. In this study, we have identified for the first time that the 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) facilitates Rev/Rev-responsive element-independent expression of HIV-1
gag-pol
reporter RNA. The MPMV RU5 region of the LTR is necessary and directs functional interaction with cellular posttranscriptional modulators present in human 293 and monkey COS cells but not in quail QT-6 cells and does not require any viral protein. Deletion of MPMV RU5 decreases the abundance of spliced mRNA but has little effect on cytoplasmic accumulation of unspliced
gag-pol
RNA despite complete elimination of detectable Gag protein production. MPMV RU5 also exerts a positive effect on the cytoplasmic expression of intronless
luc
RNA, and ribosomal profile analysis demonstrates that MPMV RU5 directs subcellular localization of the
luc
transcript to polyribosomes. Our findings have a number of similarities with those of reports on 5′ terminal posttranscriptional control elements in spleen necrosis virus and human foamy virus RNA and support the model that divergent retroviruses share 5′ terminal RNA elements that interact with host proteins to program retroviral RNA for productive cytoplasmic expression.
Selective Translation of Eukaryotic mRNAs: Functional Molecular Analysis of GRSF-1, a Positive Regulator of Influenza Virus Protein Synthesis
Authors: Kash John C. , Cunningham Dawn M. , Smit Maria W. , Park Youngwoo , Fritz David , Wilusz Jeffrey , Katze Michael G.
Published: September 2002

To understand the regulation of cap-dependent translation initiation mediated by specific 5′ untranslated region (UTR) RNA-protein interactions in mammalian cells, we have studied the selective translation of influenza virus mRNAs. Previous work has shown that the host cell mRNA binding protein guanine-rich sequence factor 1 (GRSF-1) bound specifically to conserved viral 5′ UTR sequences and stimulated translation of viral 5′ UTR-driven mRNAs in vitro. In the present study, we have characterized the functional domains of GRSF-1 and mapped the RNA binding activity of GRSF-1 to RRM 2 (amino acids 194 to 275) with amino-terminal deletion glutathione
S
-transferase (GST)-GRSF-1 proteins. When these mutants were assayed for functional activity in vitro, deletion of an Ala-rich region (Δ[2-94]) appeared to diminish translational stimulation, while deletion of the Ala-rich region in addition to RRM 1 (Δ[2-194]) resulted in a 4-fold increase in translational activation over wild-type GRSF-1 (an overall 20-fold increase in activity). We have also mapped the GRSF-1 RNA binding site on influenza virus NP and NS1 5′ UTRs, which was determined to be the sequence AGGGU. With polysome fractionation and cDNA microarray analysis, we have identified cellular and viral mRNAs containing putative GRSF-1 binding sites that were transcriptionally up-regulated and selectively recruited to polyribosomes following influenza virus infection. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that RRM 2 is critical for GRSF-1 RNA binding and translational activity. Further, our data suggest GRSF-1 functions by selectively recruiting cellular and viral mRNAs containing 5′ UTR GRSF-1 binding sites to polyribosomes, which is mediated through interactions with cellular proteins.
Influenza Virus Can Enter and Infect Cells in the Absence of Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Sieczkarski Sara B. , Whittaker Gary R.
Published: September 2002

Influenza virus has been described to enter host cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, it has also been suggested that other endocytic routes may provide additional entry pathways. Here we show that influenza virus may enter and infect HeLa cells that are unable to take up ligands by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. By overexpressing a dominant-negative form of the Eps15 protein to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, we demonstrate that while transferrin uptake and Semliki Forest virus infection were prevented, influenza virus could enter and infect cells expressing Eps15Δ95/295. This finding is supported by the successful infection of cells with influenza virus in the presence of chemical treatments that block endocytosis, namely, chlorpromazine and potassium depletion. We show also that influenza virus may infect cells incapable of uptake by caveolae. Treatment with the inhibitors nystatin, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, and genistein, as well as transfection of cells with dominant-negative caveolin-1, had no effect on influenza virus infection. By combining inhibitory methods to block both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and uptake by caveolae in the same cell, we demonstrate that influenza virus may infect cells by an additional non-clathrin-dependent, non-caveola-dependent endocytic pathway. We believe this to be the first conclusive analysis of virus entry via such a non-clathrin-dependent pathway, in addition to the traditional clathrin-dependent route.
A Prenylation Inhibitor Prevents Production of Infectious Hepatitis Delta Virus Particles
Authors: Bordier Bruno B. , Marion Patricia L. , Ohashi Kazuo , Kay Mark A. , Greenberg Harry B. , Casey John L. , Glenn Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2002

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes both acute and chronic liver disease throughout the world. Effective medical therapy is lacking. Previous work has shown that the assembly of HDV virus-like particles (VLPs) could be abolished by BZA-5B, a compound with farnesyltransferase inhibitory activity. Here we show that FTI-277, another farnesyltransferase inhibitor, prevented the production of complete, infectious HDV virions of two different genotypes. Thus, in spite of the added complexity and assembly determinants of infectious HDV virions compared to VLPs, the former are also sensitive to pharmacological prenylation inhibition. Moreover, production of HDV genotype III virions, which is associated with particularly severe clinical disease, was as sensitive to prenylation inhibition as was that of HDV genotype I virions. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors thus represent an attractive potential class of novel antiviral agents for use against HDV, including the genotypes associated with most severe disease.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Replication by a Two-Amino-Acid Insertion in HIV-1 Vif from a Nonprogressing Mother and Child
Authors: Alexander Louis , Aquino-DeJesus Mary Janette , Chan Michael , Andiman Warren A.
Published: September 2002

We studied a 15-year-old girl, patient X, who has maintained consistently low plasma loads of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA, as well as normal and stable CD4+T-cell concentrations. She has presented no clinical manifestations of AIDS, despite having only received zidovudine monotherapy for a part of her life. Patient X's HIV-positive mother (patient Y) has also not progressed to AIDS and has never been treated with antiretroviral agents. HIV-1 isolated from patient X replicated poorly in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In order to map the determinant of the poor growth of patient X's isolate, viral sequences from patient X were determined and examined for insertion or deletion mutations. These sequences contained a two-amino-acid insertion mutation in the Vif gene, which was also observed in uncultured PBMC acquired at different times. Furthermore, Vif sequences harbored by patient Y contained the identical mutation. These observations suggest that polymorphic HIV-1 was transmitted to patient X perinatally 15 years previously and has been maintained since that time. Recombinant HIV-1, engineered with Vif sequences from patient X, replicated in PBMC to levels approximately 20-fold lower than that of wild type. Removal of the insertion mutation from this recombinant restored replication efficiency to wild-type levels, while introduction of the insertion mutation into wild-type Vif sequences resulted in greatly decreased replication. Furthermore, Vif protein from patient X's HIV-1 was aberrantly cleaved, suggesting a mechanism for loss of Vif function. Since HIV-1 containing these sequences replicates poorly, the implication is that the two-amino-acid insertion mutation in Vif contributes significantly to the nonprogressor status of this mother and child. Further studies of these sequences might provide information regarding contributions of Vif structure and/or function to HIV-1 virulence.
Inactivation of both the Retinoblastoma Tumor Suppressor and p21 by the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E7 Oncoprotein Is Necessary To Inhibit Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Helt Anna-Marija , Funk Jens Oliver , Galloway Denise A.
Published: September 2002

The human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E7 oncoprotein must inactivate the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (Rb) pathway to bypass G
1
arrest. However, E7 C-terminal mutants that were able to inactivate Rb were unable to bypass DNA damage-induced G
1
arrest and keratinocyte senescence, suggesting that the E7 C terminus may target additional G
1
regulators. The E7 C-terminal mutant proteins E7 CVQ68-70AAA and E7 Δ79-83 (deletion of positions 79 through 83) were further tested in several models of cell cycle arrest associated with elevated levels of p21. C-terminal mutations rendered E7 unable to induce S phase and endoreduplication in differentiated keratinocytes and rendered it less efficient in delaying senescence of human mammary epithelial cells. Interestingly, when cell cycle arrest was induced with a peptide form of p21, the E7 C-terminal mutants were deficient in overcoming arrest, whereas a mutant defective in Rb binding was competent in inhibiting G
1
arrest. These results suggest that the inactivation of both p21 and Rb by E7 contributes to subversion of cell cycle control in normal human epithelia but that neither p21 nor Rb inactivation alone is sufficient.
SOLVABLE ARITHMETIC GROUPS AND ARITHMETICITY PROBLEMS
Authors: GRUNEWALD FRITZ , PLATONOV VLADIMIR
Published: September 2002

We describe solvable arithmetic groups for which natural rigidity properties hold and solve the arithmeticity problem for the automorphism groups of these arithmetic groups and further prove arithmeticity results for their finite extensions. We also solve the arithmeticity problem for polycyclic groups. We prove that there are non-arithmetic polycyclic groups of every Hirsch number >3 and that all polycyclic groups of Hirsch number ≤3 are arithmetic. In fact we work with the more general class of finite extensions of solvable arithmetic groups and obtain results in this case.
OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF RANDOM III–V TERNARY SEMICONDUCTING ALLOYS
Authors: GANGULI BIPLAB , MOOKERJEE ABHIJIT
Published: September 2002

The formalism developed earlier for the study of optical properties of random semiconducting alloys has been applied to the ternary alloy GaAs x Sb 1-x. The effects of randomness in the optical transition matrix element has been shown within the formalism.
RANDOM WALKS IN RANDOM ENVIRONMENT WITH LONG-RANGE CORRELATED DRIFT FORCE
Authors: FEDORENKO ANDREI A. , TRIMPER STEFFEN
Published: September 2002

We consider the random walk in a d-dimensional environment with positionally random drift forces obeying power law correlations ~ |x|-a for large distances x. This model is studied using a renormalization group expansion in ε = 2 - d, δ = 2-a. We find a new long-range fixed point in addition to the short range correlation and the pure fixed points found previously. The new fixed point is stable for δ > 2ε, δ > 0 and it leads to a subdiffusive long-time behavior with dynamical critical exponent z = 2 + (1/2) δ2.
CXCR4–SDF-1 signaling is active in rhabdomyosarcoma cells and regulates locomotion, chemotaxis, and adhesion
Authors: Libura Jolanta , Drukala Justyna , Majka Marcin , Tomescu Oana , Navenot Jean Marc , Kucia Magda , Marquez Leah , Peiper Stephen C. , Barr Frederic G. , Janowska-Wieczorek Anna , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: September 2002

We hypothesized that the CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4)–stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) axis may be involved in metastasis of CXCR4+ tumor cells into the bone marrow and lymph nodes, which secrete the α-chemokine SDF-1. To explore this hypothesis, we phenotyped by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis various human tumor cell lines for expression of CXCR4 and found that it was highly expressed on several rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell lines. We also observed that cell lines derived from alveolar RMS, which is characterized by recurrent PAX3- andPAX7-FKHR gene fusions and is associated with a poor prognosis, expressed higher levels of CXCR4 than lines derived from embryonal RMS. Furthermore, transfer of a PAX3-FKHRgene into embryonal RMS cell activates CXCR4 expression. Because alveolar RMS frequently metastasizes to the bone marrow and lymph nodes, it seems that the CXCR4–SDF-1 axis could play an important role in this process. These findings prompted us to determine whether SDF-1 regulates the metastatic behavior of RMS cells. Accordingly, we found that, although SDF-1 did not affect proliferation or survival of these cell lines, it induced in several of them (1) phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/44; (2) locomotion; (3) directional chemotaxis across membranes covered by laminin, fibronectin, or Matrigel; (4) adhesion to laminin, fibronectin, and endothelial cells; and (5) increased MMP-2 and diminished tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases secretion. The small-molecule CXCR4-specific inhibitor, T140, effectively blocked the in vitro responses of RMS cells to SDF-1. On the basis of these observations we suggest that the CXCR4–SDF-1 axis may play an important role in tumor spread and metastasis of RMS cells to bone marrow and that molecular strategies aimed at inhibiting this axis could thus prove to be useful therapeutic measures.
Internal tandem duplication of FLT3 in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: a comparative analysis of bone marrow samples from 108 adult patients at diagnosis and relapse
Authors: Shih Lee-Yung , Huang Chein-Fuang , Wu Jin-Hou , Lin Tung-Liang , Dunn Po , Wang Po-Nan , Kuo Ming-Chung , Lai Chang-Liang , Hsu Hui-Chin
Published: September 2002

Analysis of internal tandem duplications of FLT3(FLT3/ITD) was performed on bone marrow samples obtained at diagnosis and relapse from 108 adult patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to determine the role of this mutation in leukemic relapse. Eighty-three patients had wild-type FLT3at both diagnosis and relapse, 16 had FLT3/ITD at both stages, whereas 8 had acquired the mutation and 1 had lost it at relapse. Using Genescan analysis, we found that FLT3/ITD levels at first relapse were significantly higher than those at diagnosis (mean ± SE, 40.5% ± 4.8% versus 17.9% ± 3.6%,P < .001). The increase in mutation levels at relapse as compared with diagnosis did not correlate with the difference in blast cell percentages at both stages (P = .777). A hemizygous deletion of wild-type FLT3 was found in 4 patients at relapse compared to none at diagnosis. Nine of the 11 patients carrying a single mutation at diagnosis relapsed with an identical mutation. All 6 patients with more than one FLT3/ITD mutation at diagnosis showed changes in mutation patterns and levels at first relapse; however, each patient retained at least one mutation in the relapse sample. The changes of mutation patterns had implications for the monitoring of minimal residual disease. Our results suggest thatFLT3/ITD may contribute as the initial transforming event in AML, and relapse can reflect the selection and outgrowth of a mutant clone or evolution of a new clone harboring this mutation.
Response to histone deacetylase inhibition of novel PML/RARα mutants detected in retinoic acid–resistant APL cells
Authors: Côté Sylvie , Rosenauer Angelika , Bianchini Andrea , Seiter Karen , Vandewiele Jonathan , Nervi Clara , Miller Wilson H.
Published: September 2002

Resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) remains a clinical problem in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and provides a model for the development of novel therapies. Molecular alterations in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the PML/RARα fusion gene that characterizes APL constitute one mechanism of acquired resistance to ATRA. We identified missense mutations in PML/RARα from an additional ATRA-resistant patient at relapse and in a novel ATRA-resistant cell line, NB4-MRA1. These cause altered binding to ligand and transcriptional coregulators, leading to a dominant-negative block of transcription. These mutations are in regions of the LBD that appear to be mutational hot spots occurring repeatedly in ATRA-resistant APL patient cells. We evaluated whether histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition could overcome the effects of these mutations on ATRA-induced gene expression. Cotreatment with ATRA and TSA restoredRARβ gene expression in NB4-MRA1 cells, whose PML/RARα mutation is in helix 12 of the LBD, but not in an APL cell line harboring the patient-derived PML/RARα mutation, which was between helix 5 and 6. Furthermore, ATRA combined with TSA increases histone 4 acetylation on the RARβ promoter only in NB4-MRA1 cells. Consistent with these results, the combined treatment induces differentiation of NB4-MRA1 only. Thus, the ability of an HDAC inhibitor to restore ATRA sensitivity in resistant cells may depend on their specific molecular defects. The variety of PML/RARαmutations arising in ATRA-resistant patients begins to explain how APL patients in relapse may differ in response to transcription therapy with HDAC inhibitors.
The Fanconi anemia protein, FANCE, promotes the nuclear accumulation of FANCC
Authors: Taniguchi Toshiyasu , D'Andrea Alan D.
Published: September 2002

Fanconi anemia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by aplastic anemia, cancer susceptibility, and cellular sensitivity to mitomycin C. The 6 known Fanconi anemia gene products (FANCA, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, and FANCG proteins) interact in a common pathway. The monoubiquitination and nuclear foci formation of FANCD2 are essential for the function of this pathway. FANCA, FANCC, FANCG, and FANCF proteins form a multisubunit nuclear complex (FA complex) required for FANCD2 monoubiquitination. Because FANCE and FANCC interact in vitro and FANCE is required for FANCD2 monoubiquitination, we reasoned that FANCE is a component of the FA complex in vivo. Here we demonstrate that retroviral transduction of Fanconi anemia subtype E (FA-E) cells with the FANCE cDNA restores the nuclear accumulation of FANCC protein, FANCA–FANCC complex formation, monoubiquitination and nuclear foci formation of FANCD2, and mitomycin C resistance. Hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged FANCE protein localizes diffusely in the nucleus. In normal cells, HA-tagged FANCE protein coimmunoprecipitates with FANCA, FANCC, and FANCG but not with FANCD2. Our data indicate that FANCE is a component of the nuclear FA complex in vivo and is required for the monoubiquitination of FANCD2 and the downstream events in the FA pathway.
Biochemical characterization of PRV-1, a novel hematopoietic cell surface receptor, which is overexpressed in polycythemia rubra vera
Authors: Klippel Steffen , Strunck Elisabeth , Busse Christian E. , Behringer Dirk , Pahl Heike L.
Published: September 2002

The cDNA for polycythemia rubra vera 1 (PRV-1), a novel hematopoietic receptor, was recently cloned by virtue of its overexpression in patients with polycythemia vera. PRV-1 is a member of the uPAR/CD59/Ly6 family of cell surface receptors, which share a common cysteine-rich domain and are tethered to the cell surface via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) link. We have determined the intron-exon structure of the PRV1gene and show that the locus is structurally intact in patients with polycythemia vera. Thus, PRV-1 overexpression in these patients is not due to rearrangement or structural alteration of the gene. Northern blot analysis detects multiple PRV-1 transcripts. Here we show that these transcripts arise from alternative polyadenylation and encode the same protein. Biochemical analysis reveals that PRV-1 isN-glycosylated and embedded in the cell membrane by a lipid anchor, like other members of this family. Moreover, PRV-1 is shed from the cell surface because soluble protein can be detected in cell supernatants. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of stably transfected cells revealed that PRV-1 is recognized by antibodies directed against the neutrophil antigen NB1/CD177. Flow cytometry of bone marrow and peripheral blood of both healthy donors and patients with polycythemia vera showed that PRV-1 protein is expressed on myeloid cells of the granulocytic lineage. However, unlike the significant difference in PRV-1 expression observed on the mRNA level, the amount of PRV-1 protein on the cell surface is not consistently elevated in patients with polycythemia vera compared with healthy controls. Therefore, quantification of PRV-1 surface expression cannot be used for the diagnosis of polycythemia vera.
Phagocytosing neutrophils down-regulate the expression of chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2
Authors: Doroshenko Tatyana , Chaly Yuri , Savitskiy Valery , Maslakova Olga , Portyanko Anna , Gorudko Irina , Voitenok Nikolai N.
Published: September 2002

CXC chemokines play a central role in regulation of neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. Because the chemotactic responses of neutrophils are impaired after phagocytosis, we explored the effect of phagocytic stimuli on the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, in human neutrophils. After phagocytosis of opsonized yeast, the expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 was substantially down-regulated and was accompanied by reduced Ca++responses to corresponding ligands, IL-8 and neutrophil-activating peptide–2 (NAP-2). The levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 mRNA were constant during phagocytic stimulation of neutrophils. Confocal microscopy revealed that CXCR reduction was not via internalization. Metalloproteinase inhibitor, 1,10-phenantroline, prevented the reduction of CXCRs induced by phagocytosis, indicating that proteolytic degradation may be responsible for down-regulation. These observations suggest that down-regulation of CXCR expression may substantially reduce the responsiveness of phagocytosing neutrophils to CXC chemokines.
Islet Function Phenotype in Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Gene-Deficient Mice
Authors: Persson Kristin , Pacini Giovanni , Sundler Frank , Ahrén Bo
Published: September 2002

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is an islet neuropeptide that stimulates insulin secretion. To explore whether islet GRP contributes to neurally mediated insulin secretion, we studied GRP receptor (GRPR)-deleted mice. By using RT-PCR we showed that GRPR mRNA is expressed in islets of wild-type mice, but is lost in GRPR-deleted mice. Functional studies revealed that GRP potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in wild-type animals, but not in GRPR-deleted mice. This shows that GRPR is the receptor subtype mediating GRP-induced insulin secretion and that GRPR-deleted mice are tools for studying the physiological role of islet GRP. We found that GRPR-deleted mice display 1) augmentation of the insulin response to glucose by a mechanism inhibited by ganglionic blockade; 2) increased insulin responsiveness also to the cholinergic agonist carbachol, but not to arginine; 3) impaired insulin and glucagon responses to autonomic nerve activation by 2-deoxyglucose; 4) normal islet adaptation to high fat-induced insulin resistance and fasting; and 5) normal islet cytoarchitecture, as revealed by immunocytochemistry of insulin and glucagon. In conclusion, 1) GRPR is the receptor subtype mediating the islet effects of GRP; 2) GRP contributes to insulin secretion induced by activation of the autonomic nerves; and 3) deletion of GRPR is compensated by increased cholinergic sensitivity.
Lecanora Schistina (nyl) Arnold, a Lichen with Dimorphic Conidia
Authors: Etayo J. , Diederich P.
Published: September 2002

The lichen Lecanora schistina (Nyl.) Arnold has two kinds of conidia: filiform microconidia and obpyriform macroconidia. Both appear mixed in the same conidioma, the former being much more abundant. Sometimes these conidiomata contain a third type of conidia (microconidia) belonging most probably to a lichenicolous coelomycete living in the conidiomata of the lichen.
An Sem Study of Injury Symptoms in Parmotrema Reticulatum Treated With Paraquat or Growing in Sulphur Dioxide-Polluted Air
Authors: Modenesi P.
Published: September 2002

The effect of Paraquat, a herbicide known to stimulate oxygen-centred free-radical production in green plants, is compared with visible injury symptoms due to air pollution in Parmotrema reticulatum, an SO2-sensitive lichen species. This is in order to verify the hypothesized SO2 toxicity mechanism via the generation of free radicals. A new SEM-visible symptom is described: the production of heavy crystalline deposition on the thallus surface in SO2-stressed and Paraquat-treated specimens. The examination of the crystalline deposition by X-ray diffraction, correlated with SEM studies, showed that it is calcium oxalate (weddellite).
Musaespora, a Genus of Pyrenocarpous Lichens With Campylidia, and Other Additions to the Foliicolous Lichen Flora of New Guinea
Authors: Aptroot A. , Sipman H.
Published: September 2002

The new lichen genus Musaespora is described from Java and Papua New Guinea. It is the first known pyrenocarpous lichen genus with campylidia, and appears to belong to the Aspidotheliaceae. Three species are described, two foliicolous species from Papua New Guinea and one corticolous species from Java. In addition, a list is given of the foliicolous lichen flora of the site in Papua New Guinea, where the foliicolous Musaespora species have been found, two more new foliicolous species are described, Echinoplaca hispida and Sporopodium lucidum, and 19 species are recorded for the first time form Papua New Guinea.
An Assessment of the Sampling Procedure for Estimating air Pollution Using Epiphytic Lichens as Indicators
Authors: Pirintsos S. A. , Vokou D. , Diamantopoulos J. , Galloway D. J.
Published: September 2002

Using the response of epiphytic lichens in and around the city of Thessaloniki (Greece) to an air pollution source, the value of sampling lichens at breast height and the base of trees was compared. The data obtained were processed with detrended correspondence analysis and polythetic divisive two-way indicator species analysis, and IAP (index of atmospheric purity) values were estimated for each experimental site. The tree base IAP values were higher than those at breast height, reflecting the higher number of species present, the generally increased cover and frequency of occurrence. IAP values at the two sampling heights suggest a linear relationship and the same holds for the tree base IAP values and the first axis ordination scores. Sampling at the base resulted in better discrimination of sites, and may, therefore, offer more accurate monitoring of changes induced by air pollution.
Strigula Mediterranea, a New Name for the Forgotten Lichen Porina Schizospora
Authors: Etayo J.
Published: September 2002

The little known Porina schizospora Vainio is transferred to the genus Strigula as Strigula mediterranea Etayo nom. nov. Strigula mediterranea differs from S. taylorii only in its conidia and its Mediterranean distribution.
The Weathering of Mafic Rocks by Lichens
Authors: Adamo P. , Marchetiello A. , Violante P.
Published: September 2002

The weathering phenomena resulting from the growth of six foliose and crustose lichens (Parmelia subrudecta, Xanthoria ectaneoides, Parmelia conspersa, Aspicilia radiosa, Caloplaca sp. and Ochrolechia parella) on three mafic rocks have been studied. The bioweathering results in more or less extensive fragmentation and corrosion of the mineral surfaces immediately beneath the lichen thalli and in the formation, in the thallus or at the rock-lichen interface, of secondary products. The significant amounts of whewellite found in all interfaces, and the bipiramids of weddellite detected at the serpentine rock-Ochrolechia parella interface, suggest that the oxalic acid secreted by the mycobiont is the chemical substance principally involved. The capacity of the lichens to alter their rock substrata does not appear to be related to their thallus morphology.
Biatoropsis usnearum Räsänen, and Other Heterobasidiomycetes on Usnea
Authors: Diederich Paul , Christianse M. Skytte
Published: September 2002

The pinkish galls on Usnea, often called Biatoropsis usnearum are shown to represent basidiomata of a previously unrecognized genus of heterobasidiomycetes with transversely septate basidia, to which the generic name Biatoropsis can be applied. The new genus is tentatively included in the Platygloeales. The hyphomycetous anamorph strongly resembles the genus Hormomyces. Biatoropsis usnearum is very frequent and widely distributed on Usnea, but has also been collected on Protousnea; the galls have been found parasitized by Abrothallus usneae and three species of Lichenoconium. Two other heterobasidiomycetes growing on Usnea are described: Tremella santessonii Diederich sp. nov. from Africa has transversally 1- septate basidia; T. stevensiana Diederich sp. nov. from Australia has longitudinally 1-3-septate basidia and a type of hyphomycetous anamorph poorly known in other species of Tremellales. Several other Tremella–like or gall-forming fungi on Usnea are briefly discussed.
Consumption and Decomposition of Lichen Litter in a Temperate Coniferous Rainforest
Authors: McCune Bruce , Daly William J.
Published: September 2002

Nylon mesh litter–bags markedly reduced the rate of weight loss of lichen litter, as compared to unconfined (free) lichens, suggesting that herbivores and detritivores larger than the mesh size make a significant contribution to the disappearance of lichen litter. The half–life of free lichen litter was 1·5 months for Alectoria sarmentosa, 2·5 months for Hypogymnia inactiva, 3·5 months for Platismatia glauca, and 7 months for Lobaria oregana. The half–lives were 2·9 times longer for the same species in litter–bags. Because A. sarmentosa showed the greatest difference between free litter and litter–bags, we conclude that, of the four species studied, it had the highest rate of consumption by larger herbivores and detritivores.
Distribution and Succession of Epiphytic Lichens on Picea Abies Branches in a Boreal Forest, Central Norway
Authors: Hilmo Olga
Published: September 2002

The distribution of epiphytic lichens on branches of a stand of Picea abies has been mapped, and patterns of succession and community structure are described. Many crustose species are of particular interest since little is known about their ecological requirements (e.g. Fuscidea pusilla Tønsb., Japewia subaurifera Muhr & Tønsb. and Gyalideopsis alnicola Noble & Vězda). Numerical treatment (correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis) of the species data was used to study the lichen distribution in relation to measured environmental variables. Tree age, tree height and branch height above ground are shown to be the most important variables to explain the species distribution. No significant relationship was found between branch compass point and the distribution of lichens. The species composition and cover changed from young to old trees. The largest variation in the lichen vegetation was found on the branches of young trees. A more homogeneous and stable lichen community appears on branches of mature trees. A clear zonation of the epiphytic vegetation develops as the branches grow, resulting in the occurrence of typical ‘branch-tip’ and ‘branch-base’ species. The highest number of species was recorded on the outermost part of branches before lichen cover reached the maximum. Hyperepiphytic thalli were mainly located in specific areas with high lichen cover on the branches. Lichens with reduced vitality were most common at the base of branches.
Literature on Lichens and Biodeterioration of Stonework. I
Authors: Piervittori R. , Salvadori O. , Laccisaglia A.
Published: September 2002

This bibliographic review includes 316 works specifically devoted to lichens and biodeterioration of stonework and covers the time-span from 1825 to 1992. The list is accompanied by an analytical index in which the number of the articles is referred to under the appropriate topic category.
Studies on The Lichen Genus Sticta (Schreber) Ach.: I. Southern South American Species
Authors: Galloway D. J.
Published: September 2002

Twelve species of Sticta are recorded from southern South America,(Argentina and Chile including Juan Fernandez) south of latitude 30°S, viz., S ainoae, S. caulescens, S. fuliginosa, S. gaudichaldia, S. hypochra, S. hypopsila, S lineariloba, S. limbata, S. longipes, S. sublimbata and S. weigelii, and S. santessonii D Galloway is newly described. A key is provided, and details of anatomy, morphology, distribution, ecology and taxonomy are discussed.
The Corticolous Species of the Genus Rinodina with Biatorine or Lecideine Apothecia in Southern Europe and Macaronesia
Authors: Giralt Mireia , Matzer Mario
Published: September 2002

The morphology, anatomy, chemistry, ecology and distribution of ‘Buelli’ lindingeri and Rinodina anomala, R. biloculata, R. euskadiensis, R. kalbiiR. madeirensis are treated.Rinodina kalbii from Corsica and Sardinia is described as new. A key to the species is provided.
Notes on British Lichenicolous Fungi: VII
Authors: Hawksworth D. L.
Published: September 2002

Phoma evemiae sp.nov. on Evemia prunastri and Polycoccum slaptoniense sp.nov. (on Xanthoria parietind) are described as new to science. Three further species are reported from the British Isles for the first time: Dactylospora microspore Etayo,Monodictys anaptychiae (Lindau) D. Hawksw., and Sphaerellothecium araneosum (Arnold) Zopf. Notes are also presented on Bispora lichenumDiederich, Opegrapha physciaria (Nyl.) D. Hawksw. & Coppins, Polycoccum kerneri Steiner, Pronectria xanthoriae Lowen & Diederich, Stigmidium degelii R. Sant., and S. hagenii(Rehm) Hafellner.
Additions to the Family Megalosporaceae in Tasmania and Mainland australia
Authors: Kantvilas Gintaras
Published: September 2002

Two new species are described: .Megalospora occidentalis Kantvilas from Western Australia, with solitary muriform ascospores; M. pulverata Kantvilas from Tasmania, with typically two-spored asci and bicellular ascospores. The new combination M. melanodermia var. galactocarpa (Zahlbr.) Kantvilas is proposed. Megalospora taylori Dodge, described from Tasmania, is a synonym of M. gompholoma subsp. fuscolineata Sipman. New records are reported for Megaloblastenia flavidoatra(Nyl.) Sipman (from Tasmania), .Megalospora disjuncta Sipman (from New South Wales and Queensland), and M. subtuberculosa (Knight) Sipman (from New South Wales). Additional data for Austroblastenia pupa Sipman, M. gompholomasubsp. fuscolineata Sipman and M. lopadioides Sipman, and a key for the family in Australia are presented. M. disjuncta Sipman is lectotypified. Biogeographical and ecological patterns are discussed briefly.
Lichens of the Blair Atholl Limestone
Authors: Purvis O.W. , Gilbert O.L. , Coppins B.J.
Published: September 2002

Saxicolous and terricolous lichen communities associated with the Blair Atholl limestone are described by reference to two main sites—the Meall Breac area and Tulach Hill (including Creag Odhar). Several rare arctic-alpine lichens occur in the Meall Breac area, including the first population of Cetraria nivalis to be found outside acidic lichen-moss heaths in Great Britain. Tulach Hill and Creag Odhar, in contrast, are at relatively low altitudes and more sheltered, supporting a range of species not normally seen in the Highlands. These communities, most of which lie in the anthropogenic zone that was formerly covered by woodland, are compared with those of major montane calcareous sites in Scotland that have always been above the tree line.
The Corticolous and Lignicolous Sorediate, Blastidiate and Isidiate Species of the Genus Rinodina in Southern Europe
Authors: Giralt Mireia , Mayrhofer Helmut , Sheard John W.
Published: September 2002

The morphology, anatomy, chemistry, habitat and distribution of eight southern-Huropean sorediate, blastidiate or isidiate species of the genus Rinodina are treated. One species, R. nimisii, from Corsica and Sardinia, is new to science. Rinodina erysiphaea, R. sorediata and R. sipmanii are synonyms of R. colobinoides. A key is provided. Other known sorediate, blastidiate or isidiate species arc briefly discussed.
Additions and Corrections to the Foliicolous Lichen Flora of Costa Rica. The Family Arthoniaceae, with Notes on the Genus Stirtonia
Authors: Lücking Robert
Published: September 2002

The taxonomy of the foliicolous members of Arthoniaceae (Anhonia, Arthothelium, Cryptothecia, Eremothecella) in Costa Rica is revised. Cryptothecia farkasiae sp. nov. is described, being closely related to Stirtonia sprucei, and bearing pycnidia reminiscent of Eremothecella. Anhonia lividofusca is placed in synonymy with A. aciniformis. Pycnidia and pycnospores are further described for Anhonialeptosperma, A. cyanea, A. palmulacea, A. trilocularis, Anhothelium cingulatum, Stinonia sprucei and S. macrocephala, and campylidia were found on thalli of Anhonia aciniformis. Anhonia nigratula and Cryptothecia Candida are reported for the first time from Costa Rica, and new localities are given for previously reported species. Ecological data are provided, and the relationships between foliicolous members of the Arthoniaceae are discussed.
Cyanopyrenia Japonica Gen. Et Sp. Nov., a Peculiar Pyrenocarpous Cyanolichen from Japan
Authors: Harada H.
Published: September 2002

Cyanopyrenia japonica Harada, gen. et sp. nov. is described. It is characterized by having a coccoid cyanobiont, perithecia, sparsely branched paraphyses, thin-walled bitunicate asci, and simple hyaline spores. It resembles Verrucaria, Pyrenocollema, and some Lichinaceae in certain morphological respects, but has no clear affinities. It is known only from the type locality in Shikoku, southwestern Japan, where it grows on frequently submerged rocks in the main flow of a river.
Transplanted Epiphytic Lichens as Biomonitors of Air-Contamination by Natural Radionuclides Around the Žirovski VRH Uranium Mine, Slovenia
Authors: Jeran Z. , Byrne A. R. , Batič F.
Published: September 2002

Samples of Hypogymnia physodes were transplanted to the environment of the former uranium mine at Žirovski vrh, Slovenia for two exposure experiments. The levels of the long-lived radionuclides, 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb in lichen material were measured after 4 and 7 months in the first experiment, and 4, 8 and 12 months in the second, and compared with the levels in lichens growing in-situ from the same sampling locations. They were also compared with the nuclide levels found in air particulates by gamma spectrometry obtained at the regular site monitoring stations. The results showed that each of the radionuclides had its own distribution pattern in this environment. The highest 226Ra levels were found in lichens in the near vicinity of the dry-tailings pile, while U concentrations were high in the valley of the confluence of the Todraščica and Brebovščica streams close to the former yellow-cake production plant in Todraž, and then decreased downstream. 210Pb was the most uniformly distributed radionuclide and exhibited the highest level. The results also confirm that active biomonitoring with transplanted lichens can be a useful and cheap supplement to instrumental air pollution monitoring.
Standing Crop of the Coastal Macrolichen Mastodia Tesselata, and its Relationship to Nutrient Concentrations, on Petermann Island, Antarctica
Authors: Gremmen N. J. M. , Huiskes A. H. L. , Francke J. W.
Published: September 2002

The standing crop of the epilithic foliose lichen Mastodia tesselata and some other species, the nutrient status (chloride, phosphate, nitrate and ammonium) of the substratum, slope and moisture availability were studied in 29 sample plots on Petermann Island (65°10'S, 66°30'W), Antarctica. The observed standing crop values for Mastodia ranged from 49 to 614 g m 2, with an average of 310 g m 2 (17 sample plots), and were 542 g m−2 for Rinodina petermannii (one sample plot) and 314 g m−2 for the alga Prasiola crispa in two meltwater pools. A regression equation with log-transformed ammonium and phosphate concentrations as predictors explained 75% of the observed variance in Mastodia standing crop. No significant influence of chloride or nitrate concentration on the Mastodia standing crop was detected, indicating that Mastodia is a salt-tolerant lichen species, but is not an obligate halophyte. The maximal standing crop of Mastodia on Petermann Island proved to be lower than maximal values found for fruticose macrolichen vegetation in maritime and continental Antarctic. The Mastodia standing crop on Petermann Island was similar to the standing crop of this species on subantarctic Marion Island.
A Preliminary Account of the Lichenicolous Arthonia Species with Reddish, K+ Reactive Pigments
Authors: Grube M. , Matzer M. , Hafellner J.
Published: September 2002

Descriptions and a key for identification of lichenicolous Arthonia species with red to purple pigments reacting with K are provided. The previously reported species, A. cryptotheciae and A. mazosiicola (as A. mazosiae), are here validly described, and A. haematostigma, A. tavaresii and A. destruens var. nana are new to science. The genus Helicobolomyces is introduced with the type species H. lichenicola, being based on the anamorph of A. cinnabarinula.
Rinodina Algarvensis, A New Saxicolous Sorediate Species from Portugal Containing the Stictic Acid Complex
Authors: Giralt Mireia , Barbero Mercedes , van den Boom Pieter
Published: September 2002

A new sorediate species of Rinodina (R. algarvensis sp. nov.) is describedfrom SouthPortugal, where it grows on siliceous rocks. It is mainly characterized by its distinctivechemistry, being the only saxicolous Rinodina species hitherto known to contain stictic, cryptostictic, norstictic and menegazziaic acids in addition to atranorin and zeorin. It is compared with R. aspersa, a morphologically similar saxicolous species, which also occurs in south-west Europe, and with R. stictica, a corticolous, sorediate, North American species that also contains the stictic acid chemosyndrome.
Studies on Some Species of Arthothelium Occurring in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Grube Martin , Giralt Mireia
Published: September 2002

We present a survey of the six known species of Anhothelium occurring in the western Mediterranean. The oceanic A. lirellans, which may occur in the study area, is included for comparison; A. taediosoides is described as new and a key to all species is given. Anhothelium as understood today is composed of more-or-less distinct natural groups of species, some of them being compared here. Representatives of the A. sardoum group are related to species of the Arthonia radiata or A. galactites group on the basis o anatomical characters of the ascomata.
Differences Between Cultured and Freshly Isolated Cyanobiont from Peltigera—Is there Symbiosis-Specific Regulation Of a Glucose Carrier?
Authors: Wastlhuber Robert , Loos Eckhard
Published: September 2002

The cyanobiont (Nostoc) of the lichen Peltigera horizontalis was isolated using a procedure of repeated grinding, differential centrifugation and partitioning in an aqueous two-phase system of dextran/polyethylene glycol. A yield of 22% was calculated on the basis of chlorophyll recovery from the thallus. Freshly isolated Nostoc differed little from that kept in prolonged culture with respect to the relative activities of a number of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in the soluble fraction. However, much higher specific activities of the disproportionating transglycosylase and starch phosphorylase, higher intracellular concentrations of glucose, maltooligosaccharides and glycogen and a lower rate of glucose uptake were evidentin freshly isolated Nostoc. These activities and pool sizes, as well as CO2-fixation capability, stayed roughly constant for at least 5 h after isolation; glucose release, which is characteristic for the symbiotic Nostoc, dropped sharply within 1 h. These observations suggest the transport of glucose out of the cell, rather than that theactivities of cytoplasmic enzymes may bea point of early regulation during transition of Nostoc from the lichenized to the free-livingstate.
Observations on the Lichen Flora of High Ground in the West of Ireland
Authors: Gilbert O. L. , Fryday A. M.
Published: September 2002

The lichen flora of high ground in the west of Ireland is described by reference to four localities (Brandon Mountain, Muckanaght, Ben Bulben, Slieve League). These were selected on the basis of their reputation for calcicolous alpine vascular plants and for being some of the most highly oceanic mountains in Europe. The montane element in the lichen flora is strictly limited, populations being small and isolated, although sub-montane species are more frequent. A small group of 44 species has been identified, which is 30% fewer than is found in either the Lake District or Snowdonia; their distribution and ecology are described. The margin of high-level tarns on Brandon Mountain support communities of outstanding importance, including Rinodina fimbriata, new to the British Isles. Seventeen lichens are reported as being new to Ireland.
The Lichen Vegetation of Chalk and Limestone Streams in Britain
Authors: Gilbert O. L.
Published: September 2002

The results of a nationwide survey of lichens associated with streams on chalk and limestone are reported. The lichen communities are present as a series of overlapping bands related to length of submergence. These have been named the submerged, fluvial mesic, fluvial xeric and fluvial terrestrial zones. The flora involves around 50 lichens, many of which are rarely recorded specialists restricted to this habitat. The richest sites for submerged species are headwaters, especially around springs. Active tufa deposition and disturbance of the stream bed by farm stock are detrimental to aquatic lichens. Diversity further downstream is related to the amount of exposed limestone available for colonization, with topographical complexity also important. An investigation of the influence of water quality suggests that suspended solids (silting) is a significant determinant of lichen distribution together with eutrophication.
Lichen Pendants for Transplant and Growth Experiments
Authors: McCune B. , Derr C. C. , Muir P. S. , Shirazi A. , Sillett S. C. , Daly W. J.
Published: September 2002

Lichens were cultured by attaching a thallus fragment to a nylon monofilament loop with silicone sealer. Two effective methods for adjusting lichen mass to a standard moisture content were developed (the ‘reference-sample’ and ‘sacrificial’ methods). These corrections for moisture content allow detection of very small changes in dry mass without having to oven dry (and kill) all transplants. Average annual biomass growth rates for non-fragmenting species were typically between 5 and 30%. Annual biomass growth rates of healthy, vigorous individuals, as indicated by the 75th percentile, were mostly between 10 and 40%. Alectoria sarmentosa was prone to fragmentation despite the maintenance of healthy thalli. The other species can be ranked by biomass growth rates as follows: Evernia prunastri> Lobaria pulmonaria=Usnea longissima> Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis=Lobaria oregano.