Taxonomic Identity of Gamochaeta americana and Gamochaeta coarctata (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae)

Gamochaeta (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) consists of about 60 species primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical America. Gamochaeta americana and G. coarctata are closely related species that have been mainly differentiated by its phyllary apices, plant height, width of basal leaves, and involucre height. In order to evaluate whether G. americana and G. coarctata can be differentiated on a morphological basis, we performed a morphometric analysis. A matrix of 24 morphological characters and 99 specimens was analyzed using two multivariate approaches: Cluster Analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis. Both, the dendrogram and the Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), showed that the two species are not clearly distinguished. No discriminating morphological characters for the two species have been found. In conclusion, all available data support that G. coarctata should be considered a synonym of G. americana. Lectotype is designated for Gnaphalium purpureum var. macrophyllum, and G. americana is described and illustrated.

Morphological differences in the commissural connections of the forebrain in white outbred mice and BALB/C mice

BACKGROUND: The study of the mechanisms of interaction of paired structures of the mammalian brain is a fundamental problem of modern neuroscience, which is of great applied importance. Even mild underdevelopment of the corpus callosum in humans can lead to autism. It is known that the intensity of intraspecific interactions in BALB/c mice is lower than in white outbred ones, while some BALB/c substrains are characterized by underdevelopment of the corpus callosum. AIM: To compare the morphological parameters of the large brain commissures in white outbred mice and BALB/c mice grown in the Rappolovo nursery (Leningrad region). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The morphology of the corpus callosum was studied in 13 male white outbred mice and 7 male BALB/c mice at the age of 8 months. RESULTS: In mice of both subpopulations, the area of the anterior commissure of the left hemisphere was smaller than that of the right hemisphere (p 0.05). There were no differences between subpopulations in this parameter. The area of the left section of the corpus callosum trunkus in outbred mice was larger than the right one (p 0.001), while in BALB/c mice the areas of the left and right slices did not differ. Despite the absence of significant differences in the area of the anterior part (rostrum et genu) of the corpus callosum the density of the location of oligodendrocytes in this brain structure in the mice of the two subpopulations was different. The number of oligodendrocytes in 0.01 mm2 on the left section of the anterior part of the corpus callosum in BALB/c mice was greater than in white outbred mice (p 0.05). A similar trend was revealed when comparing slices of the right hemisphere (p = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: The large area of the right parasagittal slice of the anterior commissure suggests that some of its constituent fibers do not cross the midline, but end within the same hemisphere, which may be the morphological basis for the functional dominance of the temporal cortex of the left hemisphere in mice of both subpopulations. The corpus callosum in BALB/c mice is developed symmetrically, and in white outbred ones asymmetrically. This feature may be the morphological basis for the functional dominance of the parietal cortex of the right hemisphere in outbred animals.

Phylogenetic reappraisal and epitypification of Laccaria macrocystidiata (Hydnangiaceae, Basidiomycota)

Laccaria macrocystidiata, a marasmioid species, originally described as Laccaria affinis f. macrocystidiata from Central Italy, was synonymised with the North American taxon Laccaria laccata var. pallidifolia, but only on a morphological basis. In this paper, the independent position of L. macrocystidiata from L. laccata var. pallidifolia and other species of Laccaria is pointed out on the basis of ITS-LSU phylogenetic analyses. According to our results, Laccaria macrocystidiata var. longispinosa is considered a synonym of Laccaria macrocystidiata. Laccaria macrocystidiata holotype consists of only one basidioma in poor condition; thus, a new epitype from an Italian collection was designated.

Jirivanaea, a new name for Vitalia P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R.Buck, hom. illeg. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryophyta) versus Vitalia Batista & Ciferri (Chaetothyriales, Ascomycota)

The genus Vitalia P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R. Buck in Carvalho-Silva et al. (2017:825) was established by Carvalho-Silva, Camara and Buck on molecular and morphological basis, including four species, the new species “Vitalia caespitosa (Hedwig, 1801:49) P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R.Buck in Carvalho-Silva et al. (2017:825)” as type, and three new combinations as V. cuspidifera (Mitten, 1869:480) P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R.Buck (2017:825), V. esmeraldica (Müller Hal.,1851:392) P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R.Buck (2017:825) and V. galipensis (Müller Hal., 1848:780) P.E.A.S.Camara, Carv.-Silva & W.R.Buck (2017:825) (Carvalho-Silva et al. 2017).However, the generic name Vitalia Batista & Ciferri (1962:105) had previously been used in botanical nomenclature of fungal Ascomycetes.

Formation of a morphological basis for spelling activity among primary schoolchildren with speech underdevelopment

This paper sets out to investigate problems associated with the formation of educational activity (including spelling) among students with disabilities. The author describes principles of speech therapy, generalises the results of long-term experience in studying dysorphography among primary schoolchildren with speech underdevelopment, indicates a positive and stable dynamics in the formation of a morphological basis for spelling activity (need-motivational, content-operational, control-evaluative components), as well as notes an overall increase in academic performance in the Russian language. The study has practical significance in terms of developing prevention and correction methods for managing this type of dysorphography among primary schoolchildren with speech underdevelopment. The described methods can be used for eliminating the mechanisms and symptoms of dysgraphia, carrying out a targeted and controlled formation of spelling activity, and improving spelling literacy. The obtained findings can be applied in speech therapy centres and educational institutions that carry out inclusive education of schoolchildren.

Identification of redgram resistant genotypes and morphological bases of resistance to pod fly, Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch)

Screening of 49 redgram genotypes conducted to identify pod fly resistant genotypes and morphological basis of resistance to pod fly revealed consistently resistance reaction of ICP 8864 (mean PSI 3.0) and VRG–59-1(mean PSI 3.3) to redgram pod fly. Pod length of various redgram germplasm ranged between 3.55 and 4.84 cm. Pod width ranged from 0.64 to 1.28 cm. Pod wall thickness ranged from 0.21 to 0.43 mm. Trichome density ranged between 302 and 375 per 9 mm2. Redgram pod width was the important morphological factor that influenced the redgram pod fly seed damage to a tune of 34.2 per cent. Pod length and width were positively correlated with the redgram pod fly seed damage while pod wall thickness and trichome density were negatively correlated. However, relationship between pod width and seed damage only was found to be significantly positive and rest of the morphological factors were not significant.