Locations In Italy Research Articles

Bioacoustic assessment of the taxonomic status of pool frog populations (Rana lessonae) with reference to a topotypical population

Six structural and temporal features of the mating calls of pool frogs recorded at eight localities in Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia and Albania were compared with those of the calls of topotypical Rana lessonae in northern Italy. All populations shared three out of six characters studied: call duration, intercall interval and call period. The pool frogs of three localities in peninsular Italy significantly differed in three characters from those of the other six localities, including the northern Italian one: pulses per pulse group, pulse groups per call, and pulse groups per second. This study demonstrates the existence of Rana bergeri, a pool frog species different from R. lessonae in peninsular Italy, but does not support the species status of the chemotaxonomically established R. shqiperica, which is considered as a synonym of R. lessonae.

Functional characterisation of three Italian Populus alba L. genotypes under salinity stress

The functional response to salt stress was studied in three Populus alba L. genotypes, from three localities of Italy: genotype 6K3 from northern Italy, genotype 2AS11 from middle-southern Italy, and genotype 14P11 from a coastal zone in southern Italy. Plants of the three genotypes were submitted to a progressive salt stress by NaCl irrigation during 4 weeks. The severity of symptoms was linked to the sodium accumulated in leaves of salt-stressed plants. Genotype 2AS11 accumulated significantly less sodium in leaves than the other genotypes, arising the hypothesis that mechanisms for sodium exclusion at root level could exist in this genotype. Its height growth was significantly reduced by salt stress but diameter growth and leaf abscission were not affected. 14P11 and 6K3 accumulated significantly more sodium in leaves and they were significantly affected by leaf abscission and reduction of height and diameter growth. Genotype 6K3 was the most salt-sensitive and its leaves had more extensive necrosis than 14P11 and 2AS11. The transcription profile of plasma membrane H + -ATPase and tonoplast H + -ATPase genes revealed a different regulation in response to salt stress in 2AS11 and 14P11, but it was unchanged in 6K3. The different response to salinity could be related to different ability to exclude sodium in roots and to different regulation of ion transport across membranes of leaf cells. The differences observed could be the expression of evolutive adaptation to the ecological conditions of original provenances. Likely a different genetic basis underlies the different degree of salt tolerance observed.

A revision of scombrid fishes (Scombroidei, Perciformes) from the Middle Eocene of Monte Bolca, Italy

Abstract: A taxonomic revision of mackerel‐like fishes (Scombridae, Scombroidei, Perciformes) from the Monte Bolca localities in Italy is presented as part of continuing research into phylogenetic relationships of fossil and Recent scombroids. Three new genera are proposed: †Godsilia, †Pseudauxides and †Thunnoscomberoides. In addition, species generally known as †Thynnus bolcensis, †Thynnus lanceolatus, †Scombrosarda propterygia, †Scomberomorus speciosus and †Scomberomorus tenuis are renamed †Thunnoscomberoides bolcensis comb. nov., †Godsilia lanceolata comb. nov., †Auxides propterygius comb. nov. and †Pseudauxides speciosus comb. nov., respectively. †S. tenuis, a nomen nudum, is a junior synonym of †P. speciosus. Provisional phylogenetic hypotheses of these Monte Bolca scombrids are as follows. †Auxides and †Pseudauxides are most likely primitive sister taxa of the mackerels Scomber and Rastrelliger with †Pseudauxides as the most primitive. †Godsilia may be placed between Scombrinae and Scomberomorinae. †Thunnoscomberoides seems to fit between Scombrinae and Thunnini.

UPDATE OF THE MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPES SPECIES COMPLEX BY INCLUDING SPECIMENS FROM SOUTH TYROL (ITALY) AND CARINTHIA (AUSTRIA)

The phylogenetic relationships of the Austropotamobius pallipes species complex were assessed in several recent genetic studies by analysing sequences of the mitochondrial DNA. Although the Alpine region is known to harbour great extents of morphological and genetic diversity, none of the previous studies included populations from South Tyrol in Northern Italy and Carinthia in Southern Austria. In order to clarify their taxonomic status white-clawed crayfish were sampled from six populations in South Tyrol and three populations in Carinthia. Phylogenetic analyses are based on partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial DNA 16S rRNA gene, which were supplemented with sequences deposited in GenBank. All surveyed individuals from the six populations in South Tyrol comprised a single haplotype that equalled the already described haplotype S3. This haplotype is distributed in Plansee (Austria) as well as several other localities in Italy and Switzerland, and belongs to the A. italicus carinthiacus clade. The investigated specimens from all three Carinthian populations also displayed one single haplotype. However, this haplotype clustered in the A. italicus carsicus clade and has not been published before. Our study clearly shows that neither Austrian crayfish populations from Plansee and Carinthia, nor populations from South Tyrol and Carinthia belong to the same phylogenetic lineage.

Responses of Quercus ilex from Different Provenances to Experimentally Imposed Water Stress

Responses of Quercus ilex L. seedlings from three different localities in Italy to experimentally imposed drought stress were analysed. Predawn (Ψpd) and midday (Ψm) leaf water potential of stressed seedlings decreased on an average until -4.0 and -4.2 MPa, respectively, in the severe water stress. At the end of the severe water stress the relative water content (RWC) was 72.5 - 83.6 % and the photosynthetic rates (PN) near zero. The critical threshold value of Ψpd for complete stomatal closure was from -4.0 to -4.5 MPa. The leaf damage after the severe water stress was significantly greater in seedlings originated from the acorns of climax area (45 % total leaf injured area and 40 % fallen leaves) than in the other seedlings (on an average 20.5 % total leaf injured area and 21 % fallen leaves).

Structural and functional plasticity of Quercus ilex seedlings of different provenances in Italy

Functional and structural leaf traits of Quercus ilex seedlings originated from parent plant acorns from three different localities in Italy were studied. Acorns from three different localities along a gradient from the north to the south of Italy: Nago (site A) in the Garda Lake region at the northernmost limit of holm oak distribution area in Italy, Castelporziano near Rome (site B), at the centre of the distribution area, and Frassanito near Otranto (site C), in a drier area in the south of Italy. Morphological and anatomical leaf traits differed between the provenances with a higher leaf mass area, total leaf thickness and the ratio of palisade to mesophyll thickness in the driest provenance (C seedlings). These traits gave C seedlings a higher water use efficiency, relative water content at predawn and photosynthetic rates than the other provenances in high air temperature conditions. The smaller leaf area of A seedlings seemed to have a higher photosynthetic capacity in low air temperature conditions than B and C seedlings. Growth analysis underlined a higher shoot relative growth rate in B seedlings explaining the highest shoot length and leaf number per shoot. The plasticity index [sensu Valladares et al. (2000) Ecology 81:1925–1936] for physiological traits of the seedlings was higher than morphological and anatomical traits, but the largest differences in plasticity among ecotypes were found for morphological and anatomical traits. The ecotypes of Q. ilex studied here seemed to integrate, at leaf level, functions of growth activity, morphology and physiology related to the climate of the original provenance.

Ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in Sarcoptes mites from different hosts and geographical regions.

In order to investigate the extent of the genetic variation in the DNA sequences of Sarcoptes scabiei, mite populations collected on Alpine chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra), Pyrenean chamois ( Rupicapra pyrenaica) and red fox ( Vulpes vulpes) from different localities of Italy and Spain were studied. Sequence analyses were carried out on the second internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and on the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene. ITS-2 sequences showed a higher degree of genetic polymorphism, mostly randomly distributed in the isolates from different hosts and localities, although both genomic regions are characterised by fixed nucleotide substitutions which were able to discriminate the mites collected on Pyrenean chamois from north-western Spain and on foxes from north-eastern Spain and from north-western Italy with respect to the other isolates. These results suggest the existence of a limitation to free gene exchange between the studied populations, probably related to the genetic structuring of local populations rather than to a differential adaptation to host species.

Genetic differentiation and detection of cryptic species in the genusLepismachilis(Insecta: Microcoryphia) from the Western Mediterranean region

Different species of the bristletail genusLepismachiliswere collected in 14 localities in Italy and Spain and an allozyme electrophoretic survey was carried out to estimate the degree of genetic variability and differentiation at intra- and interspecific levels. Four morphological species were initially identified (L. osellai,L. y-signata,L. affinis,L. targionii), but the electrophoretic analysis demonstrated the presence of two additional species among the individuals ofL. targionii(Lepismachilissp1 and sp2). The validity of these species and their differentiation fromL. targioniiwere demonstrated by the fixation of alternative allelic patterns at several loci (7 inLepismachilissp1 and 8 inLepismachilissp2), coupled with fixed, previously undetected, morphological differences. In addition,Lepismachilissp2 was sympatric withL. targioniiin three collecting sites, where the fixation of alternative allelic patterns unequivocally demonstrated reproductive isolation. Genetic variability did not seem to be correlated with local ecological factors, and differences between species should rather be explained by different historical factors. Low levels of gene flow, estimated with two different indirect methods, were observed inL. targioniiandL. y-signata, and were due to high levels of structuring among populations. Genetic differentiation among conspecific populations was not correlated to their geographical arrangement and the presence of loci fixed for different alleles among them suggested that stochastic factors (such as genetic drift) may have played a role in determining genetic differentiation of geographically isolated populations. Genetic divergence values indicated that the six species are well differentiated and allozyme profiles were diagnostic for all of them. On the other hand, allozyme data did not provide adequate information to resolve evolutionary relationships among the species, nor did they confirm the validity of the two subgenera (LepismachilisandBerlesilis) in which the genusLepismachilisis traditionally divided.

Genetic differentiation and detection of cryptic species in the genus Lepismachilis (Insecta: Microcoryphia) from the Western Mediterranean region

Different species of the bristletail genus Lepismachilis were collected in 14 localities in Italy and Spain and an allozyme electrophoretic survey was carried out to estimate the degree of genetic variability and differentiation at intra- and interspecific levels. Four morphological species were initially identified (L osellai, L. y-signata, L. affinis, L. targionii), but the electrophoretic analysis demonstrated the presence of two additional species among the individuals of L. targionii (Lepismachilis spl and sp2). The validity of these species and their differentiation from L targionii were demonstrated by the fixation of alternative allelic patterns at several loci (7 in Lepismachilis spl and 8 in Lepismachilis sp2), coupled with fixed, previously undetected, morphological differences. In addition, Lepismachilis sp2 was sympatric with L. targionii in three collecting sites, where the fixation of alternative allelic patterns unequivocally demonstrated reproductive isolation. Genetic variability did not seem to be correlated with local ecological factors, and differences between species should rather be explained by different historical factors. Low levels of gene flow, estimated with two different indirect methods, were observed in L. targionii and L. y-signata, and were due to high levels of structuring among populations. Genetic differentiation among conspecific populations was not correlated to their geographical arrangement and the presence of loci fixed for different alleles among them suggested that stochastic factors (such as genetic drift) may have played a role in determining genetic differentiation of geographically isolated populations. Genetic divergence values indicated that the six species are well differentiated and allozyme profiles were diagnostic for all of them. On the other hand, allozyme data did not provide adequate information to resolve evolutionary relationships among the species, nor did they confirm the validity of the two subgenera (Lepismachilis and Berlesilis) in which the genus Lepismachilis is traditionally divided.

Geographical cline of DNA variation within the F intersterility group of Heterobasidion annosum in Italy

Eighty‐six Heterobasidion annosum isolates, mainly belonging to the F intersterility group and obtained from 32 different geographical localities in Italy, were subjected to genetic analysis by the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The similarity between F and S groups was higher than that between F and P. In UPGMA Cluster Analysis, the F isolates originating from the same locality usually grouped in the same cluster. The isolates also showed a tendency to group at the level of larger geographical areas. Within the F group, isolates from the south of the Italian peninsula showed the highest genetic variation and northern isolates from the Alpine regions showed the lowest. This indicates a gradual cline along the peninsula. The genetic variability in the Italian F group is discussed in relation to the past and present distribution of the host species in Italy and Europe.

Mediterranean evergreen oak diversity: morphological and chemical variation of acorns

Acorns of mediterranean evergreen oak were collected from eight ecogeographically contrasting localities in Italy and Spain. Biometrical analysis of acorns and their cupules showed much greater variation among Spanish populations, encompassing the variation in Italy. The Spanish population at El Pardo, considered the type locality for Quercus rotundifolia, separated from all others. Multivariate analyses of the chemical data indicated, on the one hand, separation of Spain from Italy, and on the other hand, a separation of interior Spanish populations from coastal populations. The importance of lipid composition in the former separation may reflect genetic differentiation between these two origins. Coastal populations were closer to Italian and we suggest were a zone of introgression and hybridization between Quercus ilex and Q. rotundifolia and probably also Quercus coccifera at Bonete Albacete. Key words: Quercus ilex, Quercus rotundifolia, biometry, diversity, chemistry, ecogeography.

Evidence for crustal assimilation, mixing of magmas, and a87Sr-rich upper mantle

18O/16O,87Sr/86Sr and chemical analyses were made on 39 lavas and ignimbrites from M. Vulsini, the most northerly district of the K-rich Quaternary Roman Province of Italy. These rocks belong mainly to the undersaturated, leucite-bearing (High-K) series, but also included are samples from the less abundant, SiO2-saturated, hypersthene-(quartz)-normative (Low-K) series. The effects of post-eruption alteration on theδ18O of these lavas were taken into account by analyzing phenocrysts or by using the extrapolation procedure developed for the nearby Alban Hills center. Because of the high Sr contents (500–2400 ppm), the87Sr/86Sr ratios of these rocks were little affected by such alteration processes. The M. Vulsini volcanics have Sr- and O-isotopic ratios much less uniform, and on the average much higher, than at any of the other volcanic centers of the province:87Sr/86Sr=0.7097 to 0.7168;δ18O=6.5 to 13.8. This is attributable to the fact that M. Vulsini is one of the sites of greatest crustal assimilation and hybridism between K-rich Roman magmas and SiO2-rich Tuscan anatectic magmas. The High-K series parent magmas at M. Vulsini had a very high and uniform87Sr/86Sr=0.7102 to 0.7104, and a somewhat more variableδ18O=+5.5 to +7.5; they must have come from an upper mantle source region previously metasomatically enriched in87Sr and LIL elements. These18O/16O and87Sr/86Sr ratios are identical to the parent magma at the Alban Hills, 120 km to the south, where Low-K lavas are absent. Low-K series magmas at M. Vulsini originated from a lower-87Sr source region than the High-K series (<0.7097); a similar relationship is observed in all of the other localities in Italy where the two magma series coexist.

A Statistical Approach for Insulator Design in Polluted Areas

The paper describes the statistical approach used by ENEL in the design of insulators to be used in polluted areas. This approach includes determination, on a statistical basis, of the type and level of the pollution of the site, choice of the artificial laboratory test method suitable for that site, determination of the withstand severity of an insulator set which assures a pre-established risk of failure of the line or substation to be designed, and eventually, choice of the insulator set (insulator type, insulator set length and arrangement) on the basis of the results of labora tory tests. In particular, the problem of determining site severity is amply discussed in the paper and the relevant method developed by ENEL, based on surface conductance measurements on sample insulators, is fully described. The results of systematic long-term recording performed by this method in several localities in Italy are reported on and analyzed. Examples of application of the statistical approach, using these results, are given and the problem of standardization of insulators for polluted areas is discussed.

A Statistical Approach For Insulator Design In Polluted Areas

The paper describes the statistical approach used by ENEL in the design of insulators to be used in polluted areas. This approach includes determination, on a statistical basis, of the type and level of the pollution of the site, choice of the artificial laboratory test method suitable for that site, determination of the withstand severity of an insulator set which assures a pre-established risk of failure of the line or substation to be designed, and eventually, choice of the insulator set (insulator type, insulator set length and arrangement) on the basis of the results of labora tory tests. In particular, the problem of determining site severity is amply discussed in the paper and the relevant method developed by ENEL, based on surface conductance measurements on sample insulators, is fully described. The results of systematic long-term recording performed by this method in several localities in Italy are reported on and analyzed. Examples of application of the statistical approach, using these results, are given and the problem of standardization of insulators for polluted areas is discussed.

Soviet Studies on the History of the Family

Within the last two decades, European and American historians have shown extraordinary interest in family history. (1) Much of the finest work has concentrated on local communities whose populations have been reconstructed with the aid of parish registers and other demographic indicators. The results have been especially impressive for English and French history, but there also have been remarkable studies that treat localities in Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Balkans, as well as Latin America and Japan. (2) Although some of the most successful work has been devoted to exposing the mentalities that governed family life, by far the bulk of Western family history has been quantitative. (3) Asa result, we now know a good deal about age at marriage, household size, strategies of marriage, infant mortality, and adult mortality. In many particulars the picture that has emerged has been surprising: men and women of Europe generally married late and, unlike much of the rest of the world, also married someo...

Feldspar crystallization trends in leucite-bearing and related assemblages

Feldspar chemical variations in representative leucite-bearing and related rocks from well-known localities in Italy, Germany, Uganda and Australia demonstrate that “phenocrystal” core to rim variations may not represent the feldspar crystallization trend in the host lava and only the groundmass feldspar zoning trend is a reliable indicator of crystal-liquid relationships. Textural relationships indicate that coexisting plagioclase and alkali feldspar crystallized sequentially, the latter after the former, rather than cotectically. Groundmass alkali feldspar show Ca-, Na-depletion and K-enrichment zoning trends. Plagioclase crystallization follows Ca-depletion, Na and K-enrichment trends. Typically, Sr and Ba solid solubility is significant, particularly in groundmass feldspar. The alkali feldspar variation trend from groundmass assemblages is not consistent with the theoretical phase relationships in the system NaAlSiO4-KAlSiO4 CaAl2Si2O8-SiO2 (“The phonolite pentahedron”) proposed by Carmichael et al. (1974). Factors believed to be important in controlling feldspar crystallization trends are the Sr-Ba feldspar components, the role of the coexisting pyroxene and the presence of F, Cl and/or their alkali compounds.

Temporal and spatial distribution of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) polymorphism in natural populations ofDrosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster adults were collected for several years in various localities of Italy. The frequencies of thePgm electrophoretic alleles were determined and the similarity of the configuration of allelic frequencies observed. It was concluded that the PGM electrophoretic polymorphism could be maintained by random genetic drift in the natural populations studied only if the effective breeding size (Ne) during the bottle-neck period is about 5000.