Vetch aphid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Megoura crassicauda</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Aphididae), parasitism does not reduce the bean production of narrow-leaved vetch, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia sativa</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">nigra</Emphasis> (Fabaceae)

Megoura crassicauda Mordvilko (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a dominant aphid species found on Vicia sativa subsp. nigra (L.) Ehrh. (Fabaceae) in the spring. Worker ants of Formica japonica, the dominant ant species attracted to the extrafloral nectaries of V. s. nigra, often attack ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata), which are aphid enemies. However, the workers of F. japonica do not attack or exclude M. crassicauda, the non-myrmecophilous aphid. It appears that the “bodyguard” retained by the plant guards the plant’s herbivore by attacking the herbivores’ enemies, rather than guarding the plant itself. The relationship between V. s. nigra and M. crassicauda was observed in the field to examine and evaluate the cost of parasitism. Parasitism by M. crassicauda delayed flower bud formation markedly in V. s. nigra but did not kill the plants. V. s. nigra plants that were parasitized showed a net bean production similar to that of the non-parasitized controls. The parasitism rate of M. crassicauda increased when extrafloral nectaries were used by F. japonica. These results may indicate that M. crassicauda provides V. s. nigra with benefits by preventing other serious disadvantages.     

Reasserting the priority of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypericum cordiforme</Emphasis> A.St.-Hil. (Hypericaceae) over <Emphasis Type="Italic">H. cordatum</Emphasis> (Vell.) N.Robson

Priority concerning the publication of St. Hilaire’s name Hypericum cordiforme over H. cordatum is confirmed since its effective publication in Flora Brasiliae Meridionalis (1828) predates the publication of Vellozo’s name Receveura cordata, the basionym of H. cordatum, in Florae fluminensis (1829). We also provide a second-step lectotypification for H. cordiforme and a lectotypification and epitypification for Receveura cordata. Hypericum cordiforme var. genuinum is for the first time determined to be an invalid name, and H. cordatum subsp. kleinii is placed in the synonymy of H. cordiforme.     

Overexpression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">SNF4</Emphasis> and deletions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">REG1</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">REG2</Emphasis>-enhanced maltose metabolism and leavening ability of baker’s yeast in lean dough

Maltose metabolism of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in lean dough is suppressed by the glucose effect, which negatively affects dough fermentation. In this study, differences and interactions among SNF4 (encoding for the regulatory subunit of Snf1 kinase) overexpression and REG1 and REG2 (which encodes for the regulatory subunits of the type I protein phosphatase) deletions in maltose metabolism of baker’s yeast were investigated using various mutants. Results revealed that SNF4 overexpression and REG1 and REG2 deletions effectively alleviated glucose repression at different levels, thereby enhancing maltose metabolism and leavening ability to varying degrees. SNF4 overexpression combined with REG1/REG2 deletions further enhanced the increases in glucose derepression and maltose metabolism. The overexpressed SNF4 with deleted REG1 and REG2 mutant ΔREG1ΔREG2?+?SNF4 displayed the highest maltose metabolism and strongest leavening ability under the test conditions. Such baker’s yeast strains had excellent potential applications.     

Mitochondrial signatures revealed panmixia in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutjanus argentimaculatus</Emphasis> (Forsskål 1775)

Mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus is a commercially important fish. The genetic stock structure of L. argentimaculatus from Indian waters was identified using mitochondrial ATPase 6 and ATPase 8, and cytochrome b (Cytb) genes. A 842 bp region of ATPase 6/8 genes and 1105 bp region of Cytb gene were amplified in 120 samples from six different locations along the Indian coast and obtained 58 and 66 haplotypes, respectively. The high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity values along with mismatch distribution, Tajima’s D and Fu’s \(F_\mathrm{s}\) analysis suggested a genetic bottleneck events or founder effect, with subsequent population expansion in L. argentimaculatus. Coefficient of genetic differentiation \((F_\mathrm{ST})\) values was low and nonsignificant for both ATPase 6/8 gene and Cytb genes indicating low genetic differentiation in L. argentimaculatus which can be managed as a unit stock in Indian waters.     

New insight into the species diversity and life cycles of rust fungi (Pucciniales) affecting bioenergy switchgrass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panicum virgatum</Emphasis>) in the Eastern and Central United States

Research was undertaken to clarify the taxonomic identity of leaf rust (Pucciniales) fungi on bioenergy switchgrass in the Eastern and Central U.S. We integrated internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequence data from collections taken from cultivated switchgrass and herbarium specimens, including purported aecial and telial states of Puccinia graminicola and Puccinia pammelii. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses revealed four monophyletic clades: Puccinia emaculata sensu stricto (s.s.), P. pammelii, P. graminicola, and Puccinia novopanici. Results also indicated that P. emaculata s.s. was not affecting cultivated, bioenergy switchgrass. Aecidium pammelii and P. pammelii were distinct phylogenetically from P. emaculata s.s. and grouped within a well-supported clade, demonstrating aecial-telial host alternation for P. pammelii between Euphorbia corollata and switchgrass. Aecidium stillingiae on queen’s delight (Stillingia sylvatica)—a purported aecial state host for P. graminicola—shared identical sequences with the recently described species Puccinia pascua. The latter fungus, however, was recovered within a subclade of P. graminicola. Hence, queen’s delight likely is not an aecial host to P. graminicola s.s. Additional molecular studies are warranted to determine species boundaries within the P. graminicola complex. The majority of contemporary collections from cultivated switchgrass were recognized as P. novopanici. Collectively, bioenergy switchgrass is host to at least three phylogenetically distinct species, presenting a significant challenge to the future selection and breeding of switchgrass with improved rust resistance.     

Transformation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dang</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">ki</Emphasis> Healing: The Embodied Self and Perceived Legitimacy

Since spirit possession in mediumship and shamanism resembles psychotic symptoms, early researchers perceived spirit mediums and shamans as psychiatric patients whose psychopathology was culturally sanctioned. However, other researchers have not only challenged this assumption, but also proposed that spirit possession has transformative benefits. The idiom of spirit possession provides cultural meanings for spirit mediums and shamans to express and transform their personal experiences. The present case study focuses on dang-ki healing, a form of Chinese mediumship practiced in Singapore, in which a deity possesses a human (i.e., dang-ki) to offer aid to supplicants. This study seeks to explore whether involvement in dang-ki healing is transformative; and if so, how the dang-ki’s transformation is related to his self and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. At a shrine, I interviewed 20 participants, including a male dang-ki, 10 temple assistants, and nine clients. The results obtained were supportive of the therapeutic nature of spirit possession. First, there is a relationship between his self-transformation and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. As his clients and community have recognized his spirit possession as genuine, and the healing power of his possessing god, he is able to make use of mediumship as a means for spiritual development. Second, he has developed his spirituality by internalizing his god’s positive traits (e.g., compassion). Deities worshipped in dang-ki healing can be conceptualized as ideal selves who represent a wide range of positive traits and moral values of Chinese culture. Thus, the possession of a deity is the embodiment of an ideal self. Finally, the dang-ki’s transformation may run parallel to his god’s transformation. In Chinese religions, gods have to constantly develop their spirituality even though they are already gods. An understanding of the god’s spiritual development further sheds light on the dang-ki’s self-transformation.     

A revision of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphaeria pilosa</Emphasis> Pers. and re-evaluation of the Trichosphaeriales

Sphaeria pilosa, the basionym of the type of Trichosphaeria, T. pilosa, was insufficiently described by Persoon. The current interpretation of T. pilosa comes from Fuckel and is based on his own material published in the exsiccatal series Fungi Rhen. Exs. no. 946. The examination of the type and other authentic material of S. pilosa and T. pilosa revealed several different fungi. Fresh material of T. pilosa is not available and Fuckel’s historical specimens have never been sampled for DNA. In order to reconcile Persoon’s concept of S. pilosa with Fuckel’s concept of T. pilosa, we designate a neotype in our study. The species is a unitunicate ascomycete characterized by perithecial ascomata, persistent paraphyses, and cylindrical short-stipitate asci without visible apical annulus containing eight hyaline, ellipsoidal ascospores. The genus Trichosphaeria includes 87 described species and the Trichosphaeriales with the single family Trichosphaeriaceae recently accommodate 17 genera of apparently diverse phylogenetic affinity. Although the relationship of Trichosphaeria with other members of the Sordariomycetes is unknown, the family and order based on it are widely used to label incertae sedis clades inferred in phylogenetic analyses. Based on these findings, the Trichosphaeriales are re-evaluated and their use in phylogenetic studies is recommended to be abandoned until recognition of T. pilosa by molecular data.     

Different determinants of exercise capacity in HFpEF compared to HFrEF

Background

Quality of life is as important as survival in heart failure (HF) patients. Controversies exist with regards to echocardiographic determinants of exercise capacity in HF, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine echocardiographic parameters that correlate and predict functional exercise capacity assessed by 6 min walk test (6-MWT) in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

In 111 HF patients (mean age 63?±?10 years, 47% female), an echo-Doppler study and a 6-MWT were performed in the same day. Patients were divided into two groups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m and Group II: >300 m).

Results

Group I were older (p?=?0.008), had higher prevalence of diabetes (p?=?0.027), higher baseline heart rate (p?=?0.004), larger left atrium - LA (p?=?0.001), longer LV filling time - FT (p?=?0.019), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p?=?0.037), shorter pulmonary artery acceleration time - PA acceleration time (p?=?0.006), lower left atrial lateral wall myocardial velocity (a’) (p?=?0.018) and lower septal systolic myocardial velocity (s’) (p?=?0.023), compared with Group II.Patients with HF and reduced EF (HFrEF) had lower hemoglobin (p?=?0.007), higher baseline heart rate (p?=?0.005), higher NT-ProBNP (p?=?0.001), larger LA (p?=?0.004), lower septal s’, e’, a’ waves, and septal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), shorter PA acceleration time (p?<?0.001 for all), lower lateral MAPSE, higher E/A & E/e’, and shorter LVFT (p?=?0.001 for all), lower lateral e’ (p?=?0.009), s’ (p?=?0.006), right ventricular e’ and LA emptying fraction (p?=?0.012 for both), compared with HFpEF patients.In multivariate analysis, only LA diameter [2.676 (1.242–5.766), p?=?0.012], and diabetes [0.274 (0.084–0.898), p?=?0.033] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance in the group as a whole. In HFrEF, age [1.073 (1.012–1.137), p?=?0.018] and LA diameter [3.685 (1.348–10.071), p?=?0.011], but in HFpEF, lateral s’ [0.295 (0.099–0.882), p?=?0.029], and hemoglobin level [0.497 (0.248–0.998), p?=?0.049] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance.

Conclusions

In HF patients determinants of exercise capacity differ according to severity of overall LV systolic function, with left atrial enlargement in HFrEF and longitudinal systolic shortening in HFpEF as the the main determinants.

     

Species-specific alleles at a <Emphasis Type="Italic">β-</Emphasis>tubulin gene show significant associations with leaf morphological variation within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus petraea</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q. robur</Emphasis> populations

Quercus petraea and Q. robur are largely sympatric oak species in western and central Europe and known for their intensive genetic exchange which has made the discovery of species-diagnostic markers a huge challenge. Various natural white oak populations (Q. petraea/Q. robur including mixed stands) were investigated for their variability and differentiation patterns at a β-tubulin gene (qutub8) in a European-wide survey. This gene was chosen as a possible candidate among loci subjected to selection and maintaining integrity between species. Two frequent alleles depicted as indels within qutub8’s first intron showed remarkably high interspecific genetic differentiation, with Weir and Cockerham’s theta per allele values ranging from 0.17 to 0.30 for one allele and from 0.04 to 0.19 for the other allele in such mixed oak stands where the multi-allelic qutub8 locus showed significant interspecific F _ST . For three mixed stands, qutub8’s F _ST significantly departed from the expected neutral differentiation patterns (F _ST ranging from 0.063 to 0.080 for this multi-allelic marker) and thus could be influenced by selection. Significant associations were found between genotypic variation and leaf dimensions as well as leaf structure patterns, after having accounted for species and stand effects. Qutub8 represents a locus that exhibits significant species differentiation and is linked to morphological discriminant traits. Consequently, qutub8 likely contributes to species divergence within the European white oak complex.     

Whole Mitochondrial Genome of Blakiston’s Fish Owl <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubo</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ketupa</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">blakistoni</Emphasis> Suggests Its Redescription in the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ketupa</Emphasis>

The paper reports the whole mitochondrial genome (approximately 13 kb) sequencing in three individual representatives of the continental population of Blakiston’s fish owl Bubo blakistoni (Seebohm 1884), the IUCN Red List species in the family Strigidae. The analysis revealed extremely low mtDNA genetic diversity, which may be indicative of the critical state of the studied population. The phylogenetic analysis performed on the basis of the whole mitochondrial genome sequencing data showed that Blakiston’s fish owl is more closely related to the Strix genus than to the Bubo genus with the genetic divergence between blakistoni and either of the two genera being statistically significant and close to intergeneric level (p-distance of 0.135 in the case of the Strix genus and p-distance of 0.151 in the case of the Bubo genus). The results obtained in this work do not match the published data on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the nuclear RAG-1 gene, which laid the basis for the assignment of Blackiston’s fish owl to the Bubo genus in the recent taxonomic bulletins, but rather support the earlier taxonomic classification according to which all four Asian forms, blakistoni, flavipes, zeylonensis, and ketupu, constituted a separate Ketupa genus.     

Trilobites of the Galgenberg Member (Tannenknock Formation), middle Cambrian Stage 5, Franconian Forest,Germany: a paradigmatic lowermost middle Cambrian West Gondwanan fauna

Earliest middle Cambrian rocks in the Franconian Forest, formerly known as the ‘Galgenberg Formation’, include a moderately diverse fauna with a characteristic West Gondwanan, Atlas-type trilobite assemblage with often surprisingly well-preserved specimens. The hitherto inadequately characterised and poorly described assemblage includes Kingaspidoides frankenwaldensis, K. sp. aff. usitata, K. alberti sp. nov., K. meieri sp. nov., K.? sp. A, Ornamentaspis cf. crassilimbata, Latikingaspis sp. aff. alatus, Enixus sp. aff. juvenis, Acadoparadoxides sp. A, Parasolenopleura wurmi sp. nov., Parasolenopleura parabolica sp. nov. and Acanthomicmacca franconica Geyer, 2016. In addition to precise documentation of the species’ morphology and ontogenetic development, this study exemplifies allometric developments during the ontogeny of ellipsocephaloid and early solenopleurid trilobites, particularly Kingaspidoides and Parasolenopleura, and effects of deformation and distortion caused by diagenesis and tectonics. It further discusses the aspects of the trilobites’ ecology and taphonomy, and it characterises generic differences within the Kingaspis clade, particularly of Kingaspidoides, Latikingaspis and Ornamentaspis.     

Genetic relationships of Chukchi charr <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus andriashevi</Emphasis> and Taranetz charr <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus taranetzi</Emphasis>

On the basis of sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR), cytochrome b (Cytb), and cytochrome oxidase-1 (CoI) genes, the relationships of endemic species Salvelinus andriashevi Berg, 1948, represented by the only population from Lake Estikhed (Chukotka), were estimated. The data on the genealogical analysis of mtDNA haplotypes supported phylogenetic closeness of S. andriashevi and S. taranetzi. It was also demonstrated that the specimens of Chukchi charr, along with Salvelinus sp. 4 (Lake Nachikinskoe), S. krogiusae (Lake Dal’nee), S. boganidae and S. elgyticus (Lake El’gygytgyn), and S. a. erythrinus from Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) belonged to the Arctic group of Taranetz charr. The problem of coincidence of taxonomic differentiation of charrs of the genus Salvelinus based on morphological and genetic analyses is discussed.     

Solution of Levinthal’s paradox is possible at the level of the formation and assembly of protein secondary structures

The complete volume of a protein’s conformation space is smaller by many orders of magnitude at the level of secondary-structure elements as compared with the conformation of amino-acid residues. According to Levinthal’s estimate, the latter is ~10^2L, with L being the number of residues in the chain, while the former, at the level of secondary structures, increases no faster than ~L^N with N being the number of the secondary-structure elements. N is approximately L/15 according to the statistics of protein structures. This drastic decrease in the exponent (L/15 instead of 2L) considerably reduces the sampling space and explains the reason that sampling of the conformation space at the level of secondary-structure elements does not prevent the protein chain from finding its most stable structure.     

The extended phenology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spartina</Emphasis> invasion alters a native herbivorous insect’s abundance and diet in a Chinese salt marsh

Plant invasions can alter the trophic interactions of invaded ecosystems because of phenological differences between native and invasive plants that may affect the population dynamics and diets of indigenous arthropod herbivores. This issue, however, has seldom been studied. We here report on how abundance and diet of a local tussock moth (Laelia coenosa) are affected by the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora in a Chinese salt marsh previously dominated by the moth’s native host plant, Phragmites australis. We monitored the population dynamics of L. coenosa from four types of hosts: (1) Phragmites in its monoculture, (2) Spartina in its monoculture, and either (3) Phragmites, or (4) Spartina in Phragmites–Spartina mixtures. Additionally, we tested the diet of L. coenosa from the mixtures with isotope analysis. We found that the larval densities of L. coenosa were similar on Spartina and Phragmites in their respective monocultures and mixtures in summer but were greater on Spartina than on Phragmites in autumn. Stable isotope analysis showed that Spartina was a food resource for L. coenosa. The change in the insect’s population dynamics associated with Spartina invasion might be caused by phenological differences between Spartina and Phragmites in that Spartina has a longer growing season than Phragmites. Our study indicates that the extended phenology of Spartina invasion has altered the abundance and diet of the indigenous herbivorous insect (L. coenosa) previously feeding on native Phragmites. We predict such alternation may increase the consuming pressure to native plants via apparent competition, and thereby may facilitate the further invasion of the exotic plants in the salt marsh.     

Methylation of the genes for the microRNAs miR-129-2 and miR-9-1, changes in their expression,and activation of their potential target genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Methylation of promoter CpG islands and microRNA (miRNA) interactions with mRNAs of target genes are epigenetic mechanisms that play a crucial role in deregulation of gene expression and signaling pathways in tumors. Altered expression of six chromosome 3p genes (RARB(2), SEMA3B, RHOA, GPX1, NKIRAS1, and CHL1) and two miRNA genes (MIR-129-2 and MIR-9-1) was observed in primary clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs, 31–48 samples) by RT-PCR and qPCR. Significant downregulation (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test) was observed for SEMA3B, NKIRAS1, and CHL1; and differential expression, for the other chromosome 3p and miRNA genes. Methylation-specific PCR with primers to RARB(2), SEMA3B, MIR-129-2, and MIR-9-1 showed that their methylation frequency was significantly (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test) elevated in the ccRCC samples. Significant correlations between promoter methylation and expression were confirmed for SEMA3B and observed for the first time for RARB(2), GPX1, and MIR-129-2 in ccRCC (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r _s ranging 0.31–0.60, p < 0.05). The MIR-129-2 and RARB(2) methylation frequencies significantly correlated with ccRCC progression. MIR-129-2 methylation correlated with upregulation of RARB(2), RHOA, NKIRAS1, and CHL1 (r _s ranging 0.35–0.53, p < 0.05). The findings implicate methylation in regulating RARB(2), SEMA3B, GPX1, and MIR-129-2 and indicate that miR-129-2 and methylation of its gene affect RARB(2), RHOA, NKIRAS1, and CHL1 expression.     

A review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudocleonus</Emphasis> subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phryganocleonus</Emphasis> Arnol’di,with the description of a new species from Afghanistan (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Lixinae)

Pseudocleonus (Phryganocleonus) kratkyi sp. n. is described from Afghanistan. Some remarks on the taxonomy of the subgenus Phryganocleonus are given, with a key to the species. Lectotypes of Pseudocleonus guldarensis Arnol’di, Ps. iskanderi Arnol’di, and Ps. tadzhika Arnol’di are designated. Hypotheses on the historical biogeographical events that may have caused species differentiation are proposed.     

Pistil-function breakdown in a new <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-allele of European pear, <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">21</Emphasis></Subscript>°, confers self-compatibility

European pear exhibits RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility controlled by the polymorphic S-locus. S-allele diversity of cultivars has been extensively investigated; however, no mutant alleles conferring self-compatibility have been reported. In this study, two European pear cultivars, ‘Abugo’ and ‘Ceremeño’, were classified as self-compatible after fruit/seed setting and pollen tube growth examination. S-genotyping through S-PCR and sequencing identified a new S-RNase allele in the two cultivars, with identical deduced amino acid sequence as S ₂₁ , but differing at the nucleotide level. Test-pollinations and analysis of descendants suggested that the new allele is a self-compatible pistil-mutated variant of S ₂₁ , so it was named S ₂₁ °. S-genotypes assigned to ‘Abugo’ and ‘Ceremeño’ were S ₁₀ S ₂₁ ° and S ₂₁ °S ₂₅ respectively, of which S ₂₅ is a new functional S-allele of European pear. Reciprocal crosses between cultivars bearing S ₂₁ and S ₂₁ ° indicated that both alleles exhibit the same pollen function; however, cultivars bearing S ₂₁ ° had impaired pistil-S function as they failed to reject either S ₂₁ or S ₂₁ ° pollen. RT-PCR analysis showed absence of S ₂₁ °-RNase gene expression in styles of ‘Abugo’ and ‘Ceremeño’, suggesting a possible origin for S ₂₁ ° pistil dysfunction. Two polymorphisms found within the S-RNase genomic region (a retrotransposon insertion within the intron of S ₂₁ ° and indels at the 3′UTR) might explain the different pattern of expression between S ₂₁ and S ₂₁ °. Evaluation of cultivars with unknown S-genotype identified another cultivar ‘Azucar Verde’ bearing S ₂₁ °, and pollen tube growth examination confirmed self-compatibility for this cultivar as well. This is the first report of a mutated S-allele conferring self-compatibility in European pear.