New data on Trematosauroid labyrinthodonts of Eastern Europe: 1. Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Inflectosaurus</Emphasis> Shishkin, 1960

New materials and previously unpublished data on trematosaurid labyrinthodonts from the Early Triassic Bolshoe Bogdo locality (Astrakhan Region) are described. All cranial trematosaurid specimens from this locality are assigned to the monotypic genus Inflectosaurus based on the postorbital length of the skull roof. The diagnosis of the genus is amended. The intermediate position of Inflectosaurus between Angusaurus and Trematosaurus is marked.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Spathebothrium vivekanandai</Emphasis> sp.n. (Platyhelminthes: Cestoidea) from a Freshwater Fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Channa striatus</Emphasis> from West Bengal,India

The monotypic genus Spathebothrium Linton, 1922 contains the only known species Spathebothrium simplex Linton, 1922. In this paper Spathebothrium vivekanandai sp.n. is described and illustrated. The specimen was obtained from the intestine of a freshwater fish Channa striatus which was collected from Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. The species is characterized by a small scolex, rounded anteriorly; presence of neck; genital pores irregularly or regularly alternate and U-shaped ovary. In addition to these characters, absence of vaginal sphincter and absence of seminal receptacle differentiates the present species from the earlier described one. The genus Spathebothrium Linton, 1922 is being reported for the first time from West Bengal, India.     

A review of 15 years of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spartina</Emphasis> management in the San Francisco Estuary

Regional, ecosystem-level conservation projects with significant vegetation management components require planning, coordination, and responsive management strategies to minimize negative impacts and maximize ecological benefits over time. The California State Coastal Conservancy’s Invasive Spartina Project (ISP) offers an example of a complex, ecosystem-scale weed eradication effort guided by regional conservation goals. We review the management framework developed by the ISP, describe decision thresholds used for site-specific management transitions over the project’s 15 years, and present strategies being used to address major challenges to project completion. These strategies include developing genetics and weed mapping approaches to aid with identification of hybrids between the introduced Spartina alterniflora and the native Spartina foliosa. The ISP also developed a tidal marsh restoration project to enhance habitat for an endangered bird, the California Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus obsoletus), that uses tall, dense forms of hybrid Spartina as high tide refugia and nesting substrate. By 2014, the ISP had installed over 300,000 native plants and recorded a greater than 96 % estuary-wide reduction in hybrid Spartina (from 323 ha to 12 net ha) despite treatment restrictions imposed at 11 sites since 2011 to protect the rail. Approximately 80 % of the remaining hybrid Spartina occurs in areas currently restricted from treatment, delaying project completion. The successes and setbacks of the ISP illustrate the complexities of achieving ecosystem-level conservation goals dependent on large-scale vegetation management.     

Morphology of a fossil elephant calf (Archidiskodon,Elephantidae) from the Oldowan Muhkai IIa site

The skull and lower jaw morphology of a calf of Archidiskodon sp. from the Oldowan (Early Paleolithic) Muhkai IIa site (Akushinskii raion, Dagestan) is described. The Muhkai IIa site is dated more than 1.5 Ma. This is the first record of the skull and lower jaw of calf of this species from the northern Caucasus. A skull fragment and lower jaw with functioning teeth of the DP2/DP3 generation are preserved. The calf is at most 8–10 months of individual age. The finely plicate enamel and formation of a complete enamel loop on DP3 are evidence that the calf belongs to Archidiskodon rather than to the European Elephas lineage.     

A new Late Miocene ovibovine-like bovid (Bovidae,Mammalia) from the Kassandra Peninsula (Chalkidiki,Northern Greece) and implications to the phylogeography of the group

A new Late Miocene bovid, Urmiatherium kassandriensis sp. nov., from Northern Greece is described. The material comes from the Fourka locality in the Kassandra Peninsula (Chalkidiki), and the included fauna is estimated to be of Vallesian age. The two preserved crania represent a medium-sized taxon with short, conical horn cores, a flat cranial roof (consisting of the posterior part of the frontals, parietal and occipital), thick and porous frontals and pneumatized short parietals, an extremely thick basioccipital with voluminous posterior tuberosities and accessory articular facets for the atlas. The specialized atlanto-occipital joint recalls Pleistocene and extant ovibovines, but the braincase structure as a whole and the horn core features closely match Late Miocene ovibovine-like taxa, especially Plesiaddax and even more Urmiatherium. Nevertheless, the Kassandra bovid differs from representatives of both genera in the simpler horn core morphology and external brain anatomy. Urmiatherium is known to appear first in China and Iran at about 7.8 Ma, whereas its westernmost appearance on Samos Island (Greece) is dated much later. The presence of Urmiatherium kassandriensis sp. nov. in N. Greece suggests a farther west and earlier (Vallesian at least) first appearance of the genus. This would justify a basic geographic and phylogenetic split of Urmiatherium into two main Turolian lineages: a central-eastern Asian one leading to the sister species U. polaki and U. intermedium and a western one leading to U. rugosifrons.     

Behavioral responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyalesthes obsoletus</Emphasis> to host-plant volatiles cues

The polyphagous planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret is considered to be the principal vector of stolbur phytoplasma, which is associated with yellow diseases of grapevine. To explore the possibility of developing novel control strategies, the behavioral responses to six synthetic mixtures and nine single compounds, previously identified from the headspace of Vitex agnus-castus L. (chaste tree) and Urtica dioica L. (nettle), were investigated in Y-tube bioassays. Choice tests revealed differences in the behavioral responses of males and females to the volatiles that they were exposed to. Males were attracted to a mixture containing (E)-β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, (E,E)-α-farnesene, (E)-β-farnesene, and methyl salicylate (mixture 2). The addition of methyl benzoate to this five-compound mixture (mixture 3) did not attract males but elicited positive responses in females. Furthermore, females were attracted to a mixture containing (E)-β-caryophyllene, (E,E)-α-farnesene, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and benzothiazole (mixture 4), but here addition of methyl salicylate (mixture 5) did not attract females. Neither males nor females showed attractivity or repellency toward the singly tested compounds. This study enhances knowledge on the interaction of insect behaviorally effective constituents in complex plant volatile mixtures. The attractive mixtures of plant volatiles identified suggest the possibility of using them in monitoring and management of H. obsoletus.     

Stability and electronic properties of praseodymium-doped silicon clusters PrSin (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 12–21)

The neutral PrSi _n (n = 12–21) species considering various spin configurations were systematically studied using PBE0 and B3LYP schemes in combination with relativistic small-core potentials (ECP28MWB) for Pr atoms and cc-pVTZ basis set for Si atoms. The total energy, growth-pattern, equilibrium geometry, relative stability, hardness, charge transfer, and magnetic moments are calculated and discussed. The results reveal that when n < 20, the ground-state structure of PrSi _n evaluated to be prolate clusters. Starting from n = 20, the ground-state structures of PrSi _n are evaluated to be endohedral cagelike clusters. Although the relative stabilities based on various binding energies and different functional is different from each other, the consensus is that the PrSi₁₃, PrSi₁₆, PrSi₁₈, and PrSi₂₀ are more stable than the others, especially the PrSi₂₀. Analyses of hardness show that introducing Pr into Si _n (n = 12–21) elevates the photochemical sensitivity, especially for PrSi₂₀. Calculated result of magnetic moment and charge transfer shows that the 4f electrons of Pr in the clusters are changed, especially in endohedral structures such as PrSi₂₀, in which one electron transfers from 4f to 5d orbital. That is, the 4f electron of Pr in the clusters participates in bonding. The way to participate in bonding is that a 4f electron transfers to 5d orbital. Although the 4f electron of Pr atom participates in bonding, the total magnetic moment of PrSi _n is equal to that of isolated Pr atom. The charge always transfers from Pr atom to Si _n cluster for the ground state structures of PrSi_n (n = 12–19), but charge transfer is reverse for n ≥ 20. The largest charge transfer for endohedral structure reveals that the bonding between Pr and Si _n is ionic in nature and very strong. The fullerenelike structure of PrSi₂₀ is the most stable among all of these clusters and can act as the building blocks for novel functional nanotubes.     

Chemical defences of native European coccinellid eggs against intraguild predation by the invasive Asian coccinellid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis> (Pallas)

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) is a coccinellid of Asian origin that has recently invaded substantial parts of Europe and is suspected to affect native coccinellid populations through intraguild predation and competition for food. Previous work has shown that two species from the Calvia genus appeared to be well protected against H. axyridis predation. To deepen our understanding on chemical protection of Calvia spp. and the predation risk by H. axyridis, we tested for susceptibility and palatability of Calvia spp. and H. axyridis eggs against predation by H. axyridis neonate larvae. Results show that eggs of C. quatuordecimguttata were mostly not eaten by H. axyridis, while eggs of the congeneric C. decemguttata were found to be largely unprotected against predation by the invasive coccinellid. We also observed that H. axyridis first instars successfully cannibalized on conspecific eggs. Removing the surface chemicals from C. quatuordecimguttata eggs resulted in significantly reduced protection from being preyed upon by H. axyridis, while applying these extracts onto C. decemguttata and H. axyridis eggs resulted in increased protection against H. axyridis larvae. The importance of surface chemicals in the interactions between H. axyridis and native coccinellids was confirmed by GC–MS analysis, showing a high diversity of hydrocarbons located on the surface of C. quatuordecimguttata eggs, i.e. more than twice as many when compared to C. decemguttata. Survival of H. axyridis larvae feeding on eggs of C. quatuordecimguttata, C. decemguttata or conspecific eggs, from which surface chemicals were removed by washing them with hexane, was not different from survival on unwashed eggs.     

Ancient split of major genetic lineages of European Black Pine: evidence from chloroplast <Emphasis>DNA</Emphasis>

The European Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) has a long and complex history. Genetic distance and frequency analyses identified three differentiated genetic groups, which corresponded to three wide geographical areas: Westerns Mediterranean, Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. These groups shared common ancestors (14.75 and 10.72 Ma). The most recent splits occurred after the Messinian Salinity Crisis (4.37 Ma) and the Early–Middle Pleistocene Transitions (0.93 Ma). The posterior ancestral population size (Na) is 260,000–265,000 individuals. Each pool is further fragmented, with evidence of a phylogeographic structure (N _st  > G _st ) typically observed in some natural populations from the Western Mediterranean region and the Balkan Peninsula. The laboratory analysis was performed by fragment analysis—i.e. electrophoretic sizing of polymerase chain reaction fragments, combined with the sequencing analysis of 33 % of all individuals as a control. Intense sampling of chloroplast DNA polymorphisms (3154 individuals and 13 markers: SNPs and SSRs) over the full area of the species’ natural distribution indicated moderate among-population variability (G _st(nc) ≤ 0.177) in various parts of its range. These results indicate that the natural populations have long migration histories that differ from one another and that they have been strongly phylogeographically affected by complex patterns of isolation, speciation and fragmentation. Long and varying climatic fluctuations in the region of the principal genetic group have been the probable cause of different forest community associations with different successional patterns resulting in interglacial refugia vs. macro long-term refugia.     

Mid-Pliocene bald ibis (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Geronticus</Emphasis> cf. <Emphasis Type="Italic">calvus</Emphasis>; Aves: Threskiornithidae) from the Cradle of Humankind,Gauteng, South Africa and its environmental and evolutionary implications

We document the presence of the bald ibis genus Geronticus Wagler, 1832 (Aves: Threskiornithidae) from the mid-Pliocene (ca. 3–3.5 Ma) of South Africa based on an incomplete skull from the Bolt’s Farm Cave System (Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, South Africa). The fossil cranium is distinct on morphometric and structural grounds from Geronticus apelex, the only other Pliocene Geronticus described from Southern Africa, but is very close in dimensions and general morphology to the extant G. calvus of South Africa, and the Bolt’s Farm fossil ibis is therefore attributed to G. cf. calvus. Modern Geronticus ibises are localised to temperate, open grasslands and semi-arid steppe, and nest exclusively on cliffs and similar rocky eminences. Given its attribution as G. cf. calvus, the Bolt’s Farm ibis was likely similar in ecology to the extant G. calvus, suggesting that the habitat surrounding the Bolt’s Farm fossil site during the mid-Pliocene featured open grassland and presence of cliffs. This record constrains the divergence between G. calvus and its putative ancestor G. apelex to the mid-Pliocene and implies that G. calvus has possibly been subject to “evolutionary/morphological stasis” for more than 3 million years. This postulated stasis would be consistent with the notion that extant genera with few species (i.e. high genus-to-species ratios) show low rates of phenotypic diversification and change through the Neogene.     

Two new complete mitochondrial genomes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dorcus</Emphasis> stag beetles (Coleoptera,Lucanidae)

The systematics of Dorcus MacLeay has been a long-standing debate. Mitochondrial genomes were widely used to deeply understand the phylogeny of problematic taxa in virtue of their genetic importance and comprehensiveness. To provide more useful genetic data for resolving the systematic disputation of Dorcus stag beetles. The complete mitochondrial genomes of Dorcus hopei and Dorcus seguyi were obtained using the next generation sequencing. Characteristics of the two genomes are explicated through comparing their genome organization and base composition, protein-coding genes and codon usage, intergenic spacers and non-coding region, transfer and ribosomal RNA genes and control region. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs from 9 stag beetles and 3 scarab beetles. The complete mitogenomes of D. hopei and D. seguyi was 16,026 bp/17,955 bp long, respectively. A tandem repeat with the length of 940 bp was presented in the A+T-rich region in D. hopei. An unexpected non-coding region of 332 bp was located between nad2 and trnW in D. seguyi. The phylogenetic analyses robustly supported that D. hopei formed a branch with the generic type of D. parallelipipedus. Whereas D. seguyi was not covered in the branch of (D. hopei?+?D. parallelipipedus), but was sister to them. The results indicated that D. hopei should be a good member of Dorcus MacLeay. The taxonomic status of D. seguyi remained to be studied furtherly.     

Analysis of an N-terminal deletion in subunit <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> ATP synthase

Subunit a is a membrane-bound stator subunit of the ATP synthase and is essential for proton translocation. The N-terminus of subunit a in E. coli is localized to the periplasm, and contains a sequence motif that is conserved among some bacteria. Previous work has identified mutations in this region that impair enzyme activity. Here, an internal deletion was constructed in subunit a in which residues 6–20 were replaced by a single lysine residue, and this mutant was unable to grow on succinate minimal medium. Membrane vesicles prepared from this mutant lacked ATP synthesis and ATP-driven proton translocation, even though immunoblots showed a significant level of subunit a. Similar results were obtained after purification and reconstitution of the mutant ATP synthase into liposomes. The location of subunit a with respect to its neighboring subunits b and c was probed by introducing cysteine substitutions that were known to promote cross-linking: a_L207C + c_I55C, a_L121C + b_N4C, and a_T107C + b_V18C. The last pair was unable to form cross-links in the background of the deletion mutant. The results indicate that loss of the N-terminal region of subunit a does not generally disrupt its structure, but does alter interactions with subunit b.     

Craniology of the Plesiosaur <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abyssosaurus nataliae</Emphasis> Berezin (Sauropterygia,Plesiosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous of the Central Russian Platform

Cranial bones of the plesiosaurus Abyssosaurus nataliae Berezin, 2011 from the Upper Hauterivian (Lower Cretaceous) of Chuvashia are described. It differs from other known Cryptoclididae in the evident pedomorphic characters in the skull structure. The skull is strongly hypertrophic; the visceral part is shortened relative to its large occipital region; the orbits are enlarged, the lower jaw is narrow. The jugal is well developed, positioned vertically, and borders most of the posterior orbital wall. This skull structure is evidence of deepwater mode of life. The species diagnosis is revised.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paroxyaena</Emphasis> (Hyaenodontidae,Creodonta) from phosphorites of Quercy,Late Eocene,France

An almost complete skull without a lower jaw of Paroxyaena pavlovi sp. nov. (Pterodontinae) is described. A new tribe, Paroxyaenini tribe nov., is established. The round foramen and orbital fissure of Paroxyaenini are completely fused, whereas those of Pterodontini are separate. The deciduous teeth of Paroxyaena are described for the first time.     

Effect of Some Honeybee Diseases on Seasonal Mortality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera intermissa</Emphasis> in Algeria Apiaries

With a view to identify the pathogens and to establish the role of these pathogens in regulation of the density of honey bee population occurring in the apiaries of the area concerned samples of honeybee were collected from the beekeepers in some parts of central Algeria It is revealed that Nosema sp., Varroa destrutor, Peanibacillus larvae are associated with the disease manifestation in honey bees. The presence of Nosema sp., Varroa destrutor, Peanibacillus larvae was analyzed using standard OIE methods. Spores of Paenibacillus larvae were detected in 56.6 % in winter 52.32 % in spring. 29.33 % in autumn and 11.25 % in summer. Nosema infestation was recorded in 47.91 % bee individuals during spring. Varroa infestation rate was maximum 12.57 % in summer and lowest 3.44 % in spring. Analysis of data indicates that Boumerdes and Tipaza, diseases induced mortality exceeds 10 % in honeybee. There exists a significant correlation between Nosema disease and mortalities in honeybees. Seasons play significant role, irrespective of pathogens, in disease manifestation.     

Phylogenetic Diversity and In Vitro Susceptibility Profiles of Human Pathogenic Members of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium fujikuroi</Emphasis> Species Complex Isolated from South India

Availability of molecular methods, gene sequencing, and phylogenetic species recognition have led to rare fungi being recognized as opportunistic pathogens. Fungal keratitis and onychomycosis are fairly common mycoses in the tropics, especially among outdoor workers and enthusiasts. The frequently isolated etiological agents belong to genera Candida, Aspergillus, and Fusarium. Within the genus Fusarium, known to be recalcitrant to prolonged antifungal treatment and associated with poor outcome, members of the Fusarium solani species complex are reported to be most common, followed by members of the Fusarium oxysporum SC and the Fusarium fujikuroi SC (FFSC). Morphological differentiation among the various members is ineffective most times. In the present study, we describe different species of the FFSC isolated from clinical specimen in south India. All twelve isolates were characterized up to species level by nucleic acid sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The molecular targets chosen were partial regions of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA region, the panfungal marker and translation elongation factor-1α gene, the marker of choice for Fusarium speciation. Phylogenetic analysis was executed using the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software (MEGA7). In vitro susceptibility testing against amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, natamycin, and caspofungin diacetate was performed following the CLSI M38-A2 guidelines for broth microdilution method. The twelve isolates of the FFSC were F. verticillioides (n = 4), F. sacchari (n = 3), F. proliferatum (n = 2), F. thapsinum (n = 1), F. andiyazi (n = 1), and F. pseudocircinatum (n = 1). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. andiyazi from India and of F. pseudocircinatum as a human pathogen worldwide. Natamycin and voriconazole were found to be most active agents followed by amphotericin B. Elderly outdoor workers figured more among the patients and must be recommended protective eye wear.     

Application of the LAMP assay for the detection of the Argentine ant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Linepithema humile</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), from captures of pan traps

We applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to monitor invasions of Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, a notorious invasive insect worldwide. Species-specific LAMP primers were designed on the basis of the partial sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I region of L. humile. The species specificity and sensitivity of these primers were determined in the laboratory and considered adequate for practical use. We also confirmed that the assay successfully detected L. humile from captures of pan traps, which contained L. humile and several non-target ant species. The assay detected the target species even when the captures contained only a leg or an antenna. Since the LAMP assay is simple and rapid, this assay will contribute to the early detection and accurate identification of L. humile.