Lower Kungurian shallow-water lagoon biota of Middle Cis-Urals,Russia:towards paleoecological reconstruction

The paper deals with the Lower Kungurian( Philippovian Horizon; Lower Permian) biota of the Middle Cis-Urals,Russia.The biota is characterized on the basis of four representative localities( Philippovskoe Bus-stop,Philippovskian Quarry,Kamai and Kiselevo-Suksun Highway),which are situated in the stratotype area of the Kungurian stage.All the localities can be regarded as Lagersttten,but of authentically low biodiversity,since they represent oligotrophic lagoons of abnormal fluctuating salinity.General reconstruction of the Philippovian near-shore shallow-water ecosystem is given.Two new species of algae Algites philippoviensis sp.nov.,A.shurtanensis sp.nov.,and a new species of the limulids Paleolimulus kunguricus sp.nov.are described for the first time.     

Taxonomic Studies on a New Marine Ciliate, Apocoleps magnus gen. nov., spec. nov. （Ciliophora, Colepidae）, Isolated from Qingdao, China

The morphology and infraciliature of a new marine colepid ciliate, Apocoleps magnus gen. nov., spec. nov., are described based on living observations and silver impregnations. The new genus Apocoleps is characterized by having 8 (vs. 6 in most other related genera) armour tiers, spines at both ends of the cell, 3 adoral organelles and plates with 4 reniform uni-windows. Apocoleps magnus spec. nov. is defined by the following features: body elongated and slightly curved, about 100–120μm× 35–45 μm in vivo; an...     

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Paragorgia rubra sp.nov.(Cnidaria:Octocorallia),a new bubblegum coral species from a seamount in the tropical Western Pacific

A new species of bubblegum coral,Paragorgia rubra sp.nov.,discovered from a seamount at a water depth of 373 m near the Yap Trench is studied using morphological and molecular approaches.Paragorgia rubra sp.nov.is the fourth species of the genus found in the tropical Western Pacific.The new gorgonian is red-colored,uniplanar,and measures approximately 530 mm high and 440 mm wide,with autozooids distributed only on one side of the colony.Paragorgia rubra sp.nov.is most similar to P.kaupeka Sánchez,2005,but differs distinctly in the polyp ovals with large and compound protuberances(vs.small and simple conical protuberances) and the medullar spindles possessing simple conical protuberances(vs.compound protuberances).Moreover,P.rubra sp.nov.differs from P.kaupeka in the smaller length/width ratio of surface radiates(1.53 vs.1.75).The genetic distance of the mtMutS gene between P.rubra sp.nov.and P.kaupeka is 0.66%,while the intraspecific distances within Paragorgia Milne-Edwards Haime,1857 except the species P.regalis complex are no more than 0.5%,further supporting the establishment of the new species.Furthermore,the ITS2 secondary structure of P.rubra sp.nov.is also different from those of congeners.Phylogenetic analyses indicate Paragorgia rubra sp.nov.and P.kaupeka form a clade,which branched early within Paragorgia and diversified approximately 15 Mya.     

FIVE RED TIDE SPECIES IN GENUS PROROCENTRUM INCLUDING THE DESCRIPTION OF PROROCENTRUM DONGHAIENSE LU SP. NOV. FROM THE EAST CHINA SEA

A new planktonic dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum donghaiense I_a sp. nov., is described in the present paper. The water sample was collected from the Changjiang Estuary, the East China Sea. The species identification is based on shape, size, surface micro-morphology, ornamentation of thecal plates and the architecture of the pel‘iflagellar area and the intercalary bands as seen by fight and scanning electron microscope. Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu sp. nov. is compared with other prorocentrum species with respect to morphological characteristics and bloom behavior. It is not known whether Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu sp. nov produces phycotoxins like some other Prorocentrum species. Four other red tide species in the family Prorocentraceae (Dinophyceae), namely P. balticum, P. minimum, P.micans, P. triestinum, were examined and identified by light and scanning electron microscope. They have been recorded as bloom-forming species. Some aggregates of Prorocentrum are observed at the end of blooms. An event of strong discoloration caused by P. donghaiense could be detected by satellite sensor in the East China Sea in the late spring, of 1995.     

A new radiolarian species Clathrocorys gracilis from northern South China Sea

A new species, Clathrocorys gracilis nov. spec., of Tripocyrtidae （Radiolarians： Nassellaria） from surface water in northern South China Sea, is described in this paper. The new species has four radial beams arising from the cephalic base centre, each foot with cup-shaped structure and ramified bar in the proximal section （near cephalic base）, and each wing with a large mesh in the middle, a medium mesh and a small mesh on each side respectively.     

The effect of nitric oxide on the growth of marine phytoplankton

The incubation experiments of Skeletonema costatum, Dicrateria zhanjiangensis nov. sp., and Platymonas sub-cordiformis, and those of Emiliania huxleyi were carried out in the Marine Physical Chemistry Laboratory in Ocean University of China and in the Marine Organic Geochemistry Laboratory in the University of Georgia respectively. Nitric oxide was added into the media when these marine microalgae were growing. We found the growth of these four microalgae were promoted or inhibited when nitric oxide of different concentrations was added one or two times each day during the cultivation process. The results are consistent with the influence of nitric oxide on the growth of high plants. The results show that nitric oxide may be a new factor of regulation and control for the phytoplankton growth in seawater.     

Paragorgia papillata sp.nov.,a new bubblegum coral(Octocorallia:Paragorgiidae) from a seamount in the tropical Western Pacific

A new species of bubblegum coral,Paragorgia papillata sp.nov.,discovered from a seamount located on the Caroline Ridge at the water depth of 858 m,is studied using morphological and molecular approaches.The new gorgonian is white-colored,uniplanar with prominent autozooids,and measures about670-mm high and 690-mm wide.The genetic distance and phylogenetic analysis showed that P.papillata sp.nov.was closely related to P.coralloides Bayer,1993,but the former differs morphologically from the latter by its prominent calyces(diameter 2.0-4.0 mm and height 1.5-3.0 mm vs.both diameter and height about 1 mm),white cortex(vs.pink),regular 8-radiates in surface cortex(vs.mostly 8-radiate derived globular radiates) and highly ornate medullar spindles(length 185-400 μm vs.no more than 150 μm).P.papillata sp.nov.is the third known white-colored species of the genus,and the fifth species found in the tropical Western Pacific.     

Four new species of free-living marine nematode from the sea areas of China

Two new species of genus Diplopeltoides Gerlach,1962 and two new species of genus Minolaimus Vitiello,1970 were described based on recently collected specimens from marine sediments of the South China Sea and the East China Sea,respectively.Diplopeltoides conoicaudatus sp.nov.is characterized by annulated cuticle;tiny terminal buccal cavity;short cephalic setae about 2-μm long;loopshaped amphideal fovea without sclerotized plate;slender and arcuate spicules;triangular gubernaculum possessing a small dorso-caudal apophysis;female with two opposed and reflexed ovaries.Diplopeltoides longifoveatus sp.nov.is characterized by its papilliform cephalic sensilla;long and narrow amphideal fovea with fine transverse striations;inverse S-shaped spicules with a dorsally bent manubrium;gubernaculum with dorso-caudal apophysis;cylindrical tail with round terminal end.Minolaimus multisupplementatus sp.nov.is characterized by cuticle with lateral differentiation of three longitudinal rows of large dots,spiral amphideal fovea with seven turns,pharynx cylindrical without posterior bulb,spicules arcuated with central lamella,gubernaculum arcuate and parallel to spicule,without dorso-caudal apophysis,a papilliform and29 cup-shaped precloacal supplement;tail conical with long flagelliform portion.Minolaimus apicalis sp.nov.is characterized by cuticle with lateral differentiation of three longitudinal rows of larger dots from the middle of pharynx to the conical portion of tail and a longitudinal row of pores in the pharyngeal region and precloacal region;spiral amphidial fovea with four turns and close to anterior end;pharynx cylindrical with oval posterior bulb,spicules arcuated and proximal end bent dorsally,gubernaculum with a broad curved dorsal apophysis;two sucked-like and six cup-shaped cuticularized precloacal supplements;tail conico-cylindrical with slightly enlarged tip.Updated keys to species of Diplopeltoides and Minolaimus were provided.     

A new species of Lataxiena Jousseaume, 1883 (Gastropoda: Muricidae) from the East and South China Seas

A new muricid gastropod species,L ataxiena lutescena sp. nov.,is described and illustrated. The new species was recognized during reidentification of the Muricidae collection in the Marine Biological Museum,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Qingdao. The specimens of the new species were collected from the East and South China Seas off Fujian,Guangdong,and Hainan Provinces. Lataxiena lutescena sp. nov. is similar to Lataxiena blosvillei(Deshayes,1832) in general shape,but can be distinguished from the latter by the shell sculpture and radular characteristics. Lataxiena lutescena sp. nov. also resembles Lataxiena bombayana(Melvill,1893),but differs from that species in the shell shape and anal notches and in lacking short spines on the shell.     

Two New Species of Free-Living Marine Nematodes of the Desmodoridae from Mangrove Wetlands of Xiamen Bay,China

Mangroves are unique in their biodiversity,but studies on their meiobenthic biodiversity in China are scarce.Despite the importance of mangroves,little work has been done on the classification of nematodes in mangrove wetlands.Fujian Province is the most northern point of China’s natural mangrove distribution,and it is also one of the provinces with the earliest constructed mangrove forest.In this paper,two new free-living marine nematode species of Desmodoridae from the Xiamen mangrove wetlands in China are described.Metachromadora xiamenensis sp.nov.is characterized by a cylindrical body,and smooth head capsule set off from the rest of the body.The cuticle is finely annulated and thickened at the midbody.Lateral ridges run from the posterior end of the pharynx to the middle of the tail.The amphid foveae is loop shaped and opens at the top with a double contour amphidial,pharynx with bipartite cuticularized internal cavity.There are 18 tubular precloacal supplements and tail with three small protuberances.Molgolaimus euryformis sp.nov.is characterized by a relatively short and plump body with finely annulated cuticle,which is particularly obvious in the tail.The head is small and wide with intensive striates.The inner and outer labial sensilla are indistinct with short spicules and ventral apophysis,a gubernaculum with a block-shaped hook,a swollen conical-cylindrical tail and an absence of precloacal supplements.     

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES DURING DEVELOPMENT OF EGGS AND YOLK-SAC LARVAE OF HERRING AND PLAICE

Changes in quantities of water, sodium, potassium, lipid and protein were compared in developing eggs and yolk-sac larvae of herring dupes harengus L., a species with demersal eggs, and plaice Pleuroncctcs platessa L., a species with pelagic eggs. The principal difference between the two species was the occurrence in herring, but not in plaice of considerable increases in water content and in one or both of the above ions at three distinct stages: at fertilization,during the middle stage of egg development, and in the days immediately after hatching. Newly hatched larvae of the two species differed greatly in water content because of the difference in mass and water content of the yolk, not in the water content of the rest of the body. In herring, there were increases in sodium and potassium which coincided broadly with the increase in water content. These differences are related to the gradual acquisition of buoyancy by herring during this period, comparable with the buoyancy conferred on plaice eggs a     

Three new species of Batrachospermum Roth （Batrachospermaceae, Rhodophyta） in China

Three new species of Batrachospermum Roth (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from China are described in this paper. B. yunnanense sp. nov. has long-cylindrical trichogynes with long stalks and is diagnostic of section Virescentia. Within this section, B. yunnanense is similar to B. helminthosum Bory emend. Sheath et al., but it is dioecious and has curved carpogonial branches, while the latter is monoecious and has straight carpogonial branches. It is also similar to B. transtaganum Reis, but it differs from the latter in long carpogonia,big carposporophytes and carposporangia. It is considered that B. nothocladoideum sp. nov. is assigned to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because its carpogonial branches are twisted and gonimoblast filaments are loosely agglomerated. This new species similar to B. iriomotense Kumano, but with short fascicles, long-ovoid or subpyriform cells, numerous terminal hairs, long-ellipsoid trichogynes, big carposporophytes and small carposporangia. The plant is quite tough and cartilaginous and similar to Nothocladus in gross morphology, but its carposporophytes are compact instead of diffuse. This shows that it may be a transitional species between section Contorta and genus Nothocladus. So, B. transitorium sp. nov. should belong to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because of its curved or twisted carpogonial branches and loosely agglomerated gonimoblast filaments, with globose or subglobose cells in fascicles similar to B. spermatiophorum Vis et Sheath, but no colourless spermatiophores. In terms of small and numerous carposporophytes, B. transitorium sp. nov. is similar to some species of section Batrachospermum. However, their other features are unique, indicating its transitional nature between section Contorta and Batrachospermum.     

A new species of Parodontophora (Nematoda: Axonolaimidae) from the intertidal zone of the East China Sea

This study described a new species of free-living nematode discovered in the intertidal mudflat of Ximen Island,East China Sea.The new species,designated Parodontophora longiamphidata sp.nov.,was characterized by a cylindrical body with tapering extremeties;cuticle smooth without somatic setae;four short cephalic setae;cylindrical buccal cavity with six clawlike teeth at the top of stoma;pharynx cylindrical with widened base;amphidial fovea crook-shaped with elongated scalariform branch extending past level of base of pharynx and ventral gland;ventral gland cell long-oval shaped located posterior to pharyngo-intestinal junction;excretory pore at level of middle of buccal cavity;tail conico-cylindrical with enlarged tip;three caudal gland cells,male spicules arched with cephalic proximal end and tapered distal end;gubernaculum with dorso-caudal apophysis;female with two opposed outstretched ovaries;and vulva at slightly post-midpoint of body length.This new species was close to P.wuleidaowanensis Zhang,2005 and P.polita Gerlach,1955 in terms of long amphidial fovea branch.The newly found species was easily distinguishable from the two documented;its amphidial fovea branch(255–290 μm versus 72–106 and 125–150 μm) was obviously longer.Key to the Parodontophora species with a longer amphidial fovea branch was given.     

Two new free-living marine nematode species of the genus Anoplostoma (Anoplostomatidae) from the mangrove habitats of Xiamen Bay,East China Sea

Two new species of free-living marine nematode from mangrove habitats in Xiamen Bay are identified.Anoplostoma tumidum sp.nov.is characterized by relatively short outer labial setae(0.86–1.00 h.d.),long tail(c 7.2–8.9,c' 8.3–10.5),an instinct swollen distal portion of slender spicule(Sc 94–101 μm),and well developed copulatory bursae without bursal papillae.A.tumidum sp.nov.differs from all valid species of genus Anoplostoma in copulatory apparatus of males with a distinct swollen distal portion of spicule,and a relatively obvious constriction of head.A.paraviviparum sp.nov.is characterized by relatively long outer labial setae(1.11–1.22 h.d.),and tail(c 6.6–8.5,c' 8.6–10.2);elongated spicules with distinct knob-like proximal and pointed distal ends(Sc 46–69 μm);distinct strip-like gubernaculum(length with 11–15μm);well developed copulatory bursae with precloacal papillae and post-cloacal papillae;and a distinct constriction of head.A.paraviviparum sp.nov.is similar to A.viviparum Bastian,1865,but differs in the reproductive mode of female and the constriction of head.     

Characterization and in-vivo evaluation of potential probiotics of the bacterial flora within the water column of a healthy shrimp larviculture system

A thorough understanding of the normal bacterial flora associated with shrimp larviculture systems contributes to probiotic screening and disease control.The bacterial community of the water column over a commercial Litopenaeus vannamei larval rearing run was characterized with both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods.A total of 27 phylotypes at the species level were isolated and identified based on 16 S rDNA sequence analysis.Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE) analysis of the V3–V5 region of 16 S rRNA genes showed a dynamic bacterial community with major changes occurred from stages zoea to mysis during the rearing run.The sequences retrieved were affiliated to four phyla,Proteobacteria,Actinobacteria,Bacteroidetes,and Firmicutes,with the family Rhodobacteraceae being the most frequently recovered one.Subsequently,13 representative strains conferred higher larval survival than the control when evaluated in the in-vivo experiments;in particular,three candidates,assigned to Phaeobacter sp.,Arthrobacter sp.,and Microbacterium sp.,significantly improved larval survival( P 0.05).Therefore,the healthy shrimp larviculture system harbored a diverse and favorable bacterial flora,which contribute to larval development and are of great importance in exploiting novel probiotics.     

NEMERTEANS OF ZHOUSHAN ISLANDS, EAST CHINA SEA COAST, CHINA Ⅱ.ENOPLA:DISTROMATORHYNCHOCOELA: MONOSTILIFERA: TETRASTEMMIDAE

A new monostiliferous hoplonemertean, Psummamphiporus microocelli sp. nov., is described. It differs from the single species of genus Psammamphiporus, P. elongatus, in being without a frontal organ and cephalic furrows, the stylet basis being conical rather than cylindrical.     

Influence of the roots of mixed-planting species on the shear strength of saline loess soil

In order to improve our knowledge of the mechanical effect of the roots of mixed-plantings on soil reinforcement and slope protection,the influence of roots of a mixed-planting with four herb species(Medicago sativa L.,Elymus nutans Griseb.,Puccinellia distanx(L.),and Poa pratensis L.)and one shrub species(Caragana korshinskii Kom.)were investigated on the shear strength characteristics of saline loess soil.The root distribution characteristics were assessed via a survey when the plants grew for one year.The effects of the root biomass density,the root mass ratio(RMR)of the fine roots to the coarse roots,the moisture content,and the salt content on the shear strength index of the rooted soil were analyzed via a triaxial compression test,and the mechanism of these effects was discussed.The results indicate that the biomass density decreased linearly with increasing depth.The RMR initially decreased with depth and then increased,exhibiting in a quadratic relationship.The cohesion of the rooted soil increased linearly as the biomass density increased.The cohesion of the rooted soil initially increased with increasing RMR and salt content,and then it decreased.The turning point of the cohesion occurred when the RMR was 0.6 and the salt content was 1.18%.The internal friction angle of the rooted soil initially increased with biomass density and then decreased,and the turning point of the internal friction angle occurred when the biomass density was 0.015 g/cm3.The relationships between the internal friction angle of the rooted soil and the RMR and salt content were exponential incremental and linear subtractive relationship,respectively.Both the cohesion and the internal friction angle of the rooted soil linearly decreased with increasing moisture content.