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The new species Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton from Shan State, Myanmar is described. It is most similar to Petrocosmea kerrii Craib, P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu and P. heterophylla B.L.Burtt in Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera but differs particularly in inflorescence structure, inflorescence indumentum and in the long calyx lobes.

Clarification of the nomenclature of names used for species of Theaceae in Singapore is provided. Lectotypes are designated for Gordonia multinervis King, Gordonia concentricicatrix Burkill, Gordonia excelsa Blume var. sincapuriana Dyer, Gordonia grandis King and Pyrenaria acuminata Planch. ex Choisy

Work on the Gentianales for the Flora of Singapore has clarified the identities of two names based on types collected in Singapore that have long been considered of uncertain application. Dischidia wa

Henry Nicholay Ridley (1855-1956) described more than 450 taxa of Gentianales, mostly from Southeast Asia, and was the author of over 70 additional combinations in this order. A listing of these names

An excited isomeric state has been identified in the 196At nucleus using the recoil decay tagging technique. This is the first identification of an excited state in this neutron-deficient odd-odd nucleus. Several tentative prompt γ-rays have also been correlated with 196At α-decay, although it has not been possible to assign them to specific energy levels in 196At. The mean lifetime of the isomeric state has been measured as τ = 11±2 µs. The new level is compared with similar low-lying states in neighbouring nuclei and is de-excited by an E2 γ-ray transition, the large hindrance of which is not expected.

Two databases containing distribution data of species and specimens show that within Thailand preferably four floristic or phytogeographical regions can be discriminated (areas with a typical, unique and distinct plant composition): the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Central Region. They differ from the seven regions used at present in the Flora of Thailand Project. Modelling the effects of slight climate changes due to global warming shows that the floristic regions will be different in 2050. Not only will the areas differ, but the numbers of species per area will decrease dramatically, although species from outside Thailand may migrate into Thailand. Predictions contain a high degree of uncertainty, and they may never come true as they are strongly influenced by small, currently unpredictable effects. Nevertheless, the loss of biodiversity and its consequences for climate, economies, health, et cetera, are already becoming noticeable. Therefore, the protection and improvement of biodiversity should become the main focus of attention for all governments in the region.

The genus Aeschynanthus Jack is revised for Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Four species for Singapore and fourteen species for Peninsular Malaysia are recognised, keys to the species are given, al

Wang, J.H., Middleton, D.J. & Humphreys, D.J. Effects of monensin on the bioavailability and elimination of selenium from blood in lambs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap, 13, 378–385. A bioavailability study was conducted in lambs following intravenous and oral administration of sodium selenite (0.4 mg selenium/kg body weight) with and without concurrent oral monensin. Two-or three-compartment open models with first-order absorption after oral administration adequately described plasma selenium disposition irrespective of whether monensin was being administered. No significant differences were observed between groups of lambs receiving intravenous selenium with or without monensin with respect to distribution or elimination half-lives of selenium, areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC), volumes of distribution (Vd(ss), or clearances (CI). In lambs given selenium per os, no significant differences were observed with animals receiving monensin as well with respect to absorption and elimination half-lives, Vd(ss), or the time at which peak selenium concentrations occurred (tmax). However, peak selenium levels (Cmax) and AUC values were significantly higher in the group given monensin. The bioavailability of selenium with and without monensin was estimated to be 60% and 43%, respectively. Dr D. J. Middleton, Department of Veterinary Pathology, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts. AL9 7TA, UK.

Histological examination of the reproductive tract of the male dog failed to identify glandular tissue other than the prostate gland and its disseminated portion. A biochemical study of the three fractions of the ejaculate demonstrates similarities between the first and the third fractions. The composition of three ejaculates collected over 12 hours indicated that storage of prostatic secretion was a possible explanation for the biochemical differences observed. It is suggested that both the first and third fractions originate from the prostate gland.

The genus Epithema Blume (Gesneriaceae) is revised. A key is given, all species are described and several are illustrated. Twenty species are recognised and two new combinations are made, Epithema philippinum (Hilliard & B.L.Burtt) Bransgrove and Epithema pusillum (C.B.Clarke) Bransgrove. Provisional IUCN conservation assessments are given for all species.

High-spin states in neutron-rich Dy isotopes, populated in deep-inelastic processes produced by the interaction of 234 MeV 37Cl ions with a 160Gd target, have been studied using the highly sensitive EUROBALL IV gamma-ray detector array. The previously known level schemes for 159,160,161,162Dy have been extended to significantly higher spin ( ? 30?) and the i13/2 band crossing in 159Dy has been observed for the first time. The experimental results are discussed within the framework of cranked shell model and projected shell model calculations with particular reference to the observed delayed band crossing in 162Dy.

Excited states in the Z= 85 nucleus 197At have been identified for the first time using the recoil-decay-tagging (RDT) technique. The excitation energy of these states is found to be consistent with the systematics of neutron-deficient astatine nuclei and with theoretical calculations indicating that the nucleus may be deformed in its ground state.

Excited states in the 197At nucleus have been identified for the first time using the recoil-decay-tagging technique. The excitation energy of these states is found to be consistent with the systematics of neutron-deficient. At nuclei and with calculations indicating that the nucleus may be deformed in its ground state. A more recent experiment, to study states in 195At, is discussed.

We have deduced for the first time a level scheme for the {sup 199}At nucleus. The angular distribution data and the conversion electron information have allowed for multipolarity assignments and spin suggestions to be made. The current data and the level systematics of odd At isotopes suggest that the first excited state should be isomeric with a lifetime of the order of a microsecond.

Excited states in 167Ta, populated in the 141Pr(30Si,4n)167Ta reaction, have been studied using the NORDBALL Ge detector array. For the πh11/2[514]9/2− decay sequence, strong signature-dependent effects in the transition quadrupole moment ratio, Q1(I→I−1)/Q2(I→I−2), have been observed over the spin range 21/2⩽I⩽39/2 which encompasses a BC neutron alignment. This is interpreted as strong evidence for departure from axial symmetry.

The neutron deficient 199At nucleus has been studied in the 175Lu+28Si reaction at Eb= 141 MeV. In order to select events of interest in the presence of the very strong background caused by fission, γ-rays have been detected in coincidence with recoiling evaporation residues. The excited states of 199At observed for the first time may indicate that this nucleus is deformed.

High-spin states in 167Hf, populated in the 141Pr(30Si, p3n)167Hf reaction, have been studied using the nordball Ge detector array. Three rotational cascades have been observed for the first time and the previously-known level scheme has been extended to significantly higher spin. Band-crossing effects are discussed within the framework of Woods-Saxon cranking calculations and are found to be in good agreement.