Vespidae (Hymenoptera) of Vietnam 3: Synoptic key to Vietnamese species of the polistine genus Ropalidia, with notes on taxonomy and distribution

Nineteen species of the paper wasp genus Ropalidia are recorded from Vietnam, of which three are new records for Vietnam. A key to all of the species, distribution records and taxonomic remarks are given. New synonymies proposed are: Ropalidia bicolorata parvula van der Vecht, 1962, under R. bicolorata van der Vecht, 1962; R. hongkongensis juncta van der Vecht, 1941, under R. hongkongensis (de Saussure, 1854); Icaria jucunda Cameron, 1898, and R. marginata sundaica van der Vecht, 1941, under R. marginata (Lepeletier, 1836); R. rufocollaris atrata van der Vecht, 1941, under R. rufocollaris (Cameron, 1900); and R. stigma rufa van der Vecht, 1941 and R. stigma nigrolineata van der Vecht, 1962, under R. stigma (Smith, 1858).     

On some aspects of parallel evolution in Chelicerata

A study is made of some aspects of parallel evolution in Chelicerata. Definitions are given of parallel evolution, convergence, homology and analogy. It is pointed out that the concept of parallel evolution (parallelism) is initially formed in an empirical way, and that a judgment must be based on formal criteria. Particular attention is paid to the rôle of gene regulation in parallel evolution, to the special case of convergence as a result of heterologous regulatory mechanisms, to parallel evolution in homonomous structures (and the superposition of parallelisms and divergences), and to parallelism in the evolution of characters used in higher classification.     

Lebenszyklus und postembryonale entwicklung der geibelspinne Tarantula marginemaculata C. L. Koch (Chelicerata,Amblypygi) im laboratorium

In the laboratory, Tarantula marginemaculata breeds during the summer months. Egg development takes 98 days. Development from hatching to maturity takes 8 to 10 months and involves 5 to 8 moults. Mature animals continue to moult and to grow and normally produce 1 to 2 broods per year. Moulting frequency, growth, development of sexual organs and of trichobothriotaxy, and regeneration are described and compared to those of other arachnids.

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Lebenszyklus und postembryonale entwicklung der geibelspinne Tarantula marginemaculata C. L. Koch (Chelicerata, Amblypygi) im laboratorium

     

The impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma reesei</Emphasis> Cel7A carbohydrate binding domain mutations on its binding to a cellulose surface: a molecular dynamics free energy study

A critical role of the Family 7 cellobiohydrolase (Cel7A) carbohydrate binding domain (CBD) is to bind to a cellulose surface and increase the enzyme concentration on the surface. Several residues of Trichoderma reesei Cel7A CBD, including Y5, N29, Y31, Y32 and Q34, contribute to cellulose binding, as revealed by early experimental studies. To investigate the interactions between these important residues and cellulose, we applied a thermodynamic integration method to calculate the cellulose–Cel7A CBD binding free energy changes caused by Y5A, N29A, Y31A, Y32A and Q34A mutations. The experimental binding trend was successfully predicted, proving the effectiveness of the complex model. For the two polar residue mutants N29A and Q34A, the changes in the electrostatics are comparable to those of van der Waals, while for three Y to A mutants, the free energy differences mainly come from van der Waals interactions. However, in both cases, the electrostatics dominates the interactions between individual residues and cellulose. The side chains of these residues are rigidified after the complex is formed. The binding free energy changes for the two mutants Y5W and Y31W were also determined, and for these the van der Waals interaction was strengthened but the electrostatics was weakened.     

Taxonomic notes on the paper wasps of the genus Ropalidia in the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The taxonomy of Ropalidia wasps in the Indian subcontinent is revised, recognizing 26 species in the subcontinent. Their diagnostic characteristics are summarized in a key to species. New synonymies proposed in the present study are: R. bicolorata shiva Das and Gupta, 1989 under R. bicolorata van der Vecht, 1962; R. colorata sordida van der Vecht, 1941 under R. colorata van der Vecht, 1941; R. rodialipa Lambert and Narendran, 2005 and R. anupama Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. cyathiformis Fabricius, 1804; R. jacobsoni flavoscutellata Das and Gupta, 1989, and R. bangalorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. jacobsoni du Buysson, 1908; R. travancorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. marginata Lepeletier, 1836; R. sridharani Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. rufocollaris Cameron, 1900; Ropalidia rufoplagiata nursei van der Vecht, 1941 under R. rufoplagiata Cameron, 1905; Icaria lugubris Smith, 1858, under R. sumatrae Weber, 1801; and a revised synonymy is Icaria pendula Smith, 1857, under R. variegata Smith, 1852. The new replacement name Ropalidia kasaragodensis Lambert and Narendran is proposed for R. indica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, non van der Vecht, 1941.     

Evidence for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesis in the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles

Summary For the study of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system of Xenopus laevis tadpoles, hypothalamic lesions were made by means of the electrocoagulation technique. Lesioning of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus resulted in a decrease of the number of ACTH cells in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland and in a diminution of the PAS-positive reaction of these cells. In addition, regeneration of the neurosecretory cells of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus observed 6 weeks after lesioning was accompanied by the reappearance of normal PAS-positive ACTH cells in the pars distalis. It is suggested that the neurosecretory cells of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles are related to the ACTH synthesizing cells, probably by producing CRF.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. med. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthdayThe authors thank Prof. Dr. J.C. van de Kamer for his interest, Prof. Dr. P.G.W.J. van Oordt for his many helpful comments, and Messrs. H. van Kooten, E. van der Vlist, J.J. van der Vlis and M.C.A. van Pinxteren for preparing the illustrations     

REVIEW Evolution and systematics of the Chelicerata

After approximately 40 years of discussion about the question of whether the Arthropoda are a monophyletic or a paraphyletic group or even a polyphyletic assemblage of unrelated taxa, most morphologists, palaeontologists and molecular taxonomists agree that the Arthropoda are a monophylum. The Euarthropoda are composed of the Arachnomorpha and Mandibulata. Myriapods are usually considered to be mandibulates; however, new molecular data as well as some morphological characters show similarities which the Myriapoda share with the Chelicerata, suggesting that there is no taxon Antennata or Atelocerata. Chelicerata are usually considered to be the sister group of Trilobita or, more correctly, Trilobita branch off from the chelicerate stem line. The first adaptive radiation of the Chelicerata took place in the Cambrian. All extant and some extinct orders were present during the Carboniferous. Two systems are compared. It is suggested that the Chelicerata contain the Pantopoda and Euchelicerata. The Euchelicerata are divided into Xiphosura and terrestrial Arachnida. Scorpiones are considered to be the sister group of all other arachnids, the Lipoctena and these are further divided into the Megoperculata (Uropygi, Amblypygi, and Araneae) and Apulmonata (all other groups). The Acari are tentatively considered to be a monophylum and the sister group of the Ricinulei. However, the Actinotrichida and Anactinotrichida diverged early and therefore have had a long history of independent evolution.     

Resting cysts of someChaetoceros species,identified and figured by A. Van der Werff

This note is dedicated to Albert van der Werff (1903–1991), the Dutch diatom expert, distributing his extended knowledge to numerous students interested in aquatic ecology. His drawings of the resting cysts ofChaetoceros affine Lauder andCh. constrictum Gran, not figured in his diatom flora (van der werff andhuls, 1957–1974), are published and discussed. The figures represent a valuable contribution to taxonomical literature. Publication no. 661 Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Centre for Estuarine and Coastal Ecology, Yerseke, The Netherlands.     

Mode analysis of a tubular structure of coupled non-linear oscillators for digestive-tract modelling

A commonly accepted mathematical model for the slow-wave electrical activity of the gastro-intestinal tract of humans and animals comprises a set of interconnected nonlinear oscillators. Using a van der Pol oscillator with third-power conductance characteristics as the unit oscillator a number of structures have been analysed using a matrix Krylov-Bogolioubov method linearisation. The mode analysis of one-dimensional chains and two-dimensional arrays has been reported. In this paper the method has been extended to consider a tubular structure which is relevant to modelling small-intestinal rhythms. It is shown that this structure is capable of producing stable single models, non-resonant double modes and degenerated modes. General expressions are obtained for anm×n structure and examples given of two special conditions of 3×4 (i.e. odd numbers of oscillators in a ring) and 4×3 cases. The analytical results obtained for these two cases have been vertified experimentally using an electronic implementation of coupled van der Pol oscillators. Results obtained using fifth-power non-linear oscillators are summarised.     

Monte Carlo Study of the Buckingham Exponential-six Fluid

Abstract

In this paper we report the results of extensive Monte Carlo simulations of a pure fluid of Buckingham modified exponential-six molecules. Data are presented for the configurational energy and pressure covering a wide range of temperatures and densities. These data are interpreted using the generalized van der Waals partition function with a novel separation into free volume and mean potential terms. We find, surprisingly, that the Buckingham fluid is described by a simple van der Waals-like equation of state provided that the b parameter is temperature dependent and chosen in a theoretically correct manner.     

Book reviews

Books Reviewed in the Article: Biology of Desert Invertebrates Clifford S. Crawford. Mangrove ecosystems in Australia: structure, function and management Edited by B.F. Clough Principles of dispersal in higher plants (third edition) L. van der Pijl Pollination and evolution L. van der Pijl     

Van der Waals forces. Special characteristics in lipid-water systems and a general method of calculation based on the Lifshitz theory

A practical method for examining and calculating van der Waals forces is derived from Lifshitz'' theory. Rather than treat the total van der Waals energy as a sum of pairwise interactions between atoms, the Lifshitz theory treats component materials as continua in which there are electromagnetic fluctuations at all frequencies over the entire body. It is necessary in principle to use total macroscopic dielectric data from component substances to analyze the permitted fluctuations; in practice it is possible to use only partial information to perform satisfactory calculations. The biologically interesting case of lipid-water systems is considered in detail for illustration. The method gives good agreement with measured van der Waals energy of interaction across a lipid film. It appears that fluctuations at infrared frequencies and microwave frequencies are very important although these are usually ignored in preference to UV contributions. “Retardation effects” are such as to damp out high frequency fluctuation contributions; if interaction specificity is due to UV spectra, this will be revealed only at interactions across <200 angstrom (A). Dependence of van der Waals forces on material electric properties is discussed in terms of illustrative numerical calculations.     

Heeft de indeeling van de Flexnergroep der dysenteriebacteriën volgens Andrewes en Inman epidemiologische beteekenis?

Samenvatting Mededeeling van eenige waarnemingen, welke kunnen bijdragen tot de beantwoording van de vraag, of de indeeling van de Flexnergroep volgensAndrewes enInman beteekenis heeft voor de epidemiologie der bacillaire dysenterie.      

Phylogeny of African monkeys based upon mitochondrial 12S rRNA sequences

The suborder Anthropoidea of the primates has traditionally been divided in three superfamilies: the Hominoidea (apes and humans) and the Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys), together comprising the infraorder Catarrhini, and the Ceboidea (New World monkeys) belonging to the infraorder Platyrrhini.We have sequenced an approximately 390-base-pair part of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for 26 species of the major groups of African monkeys and apes and constructed an extensive phylogeny based upon DNA evidence. Not only is this phylogeny of great importance in classification of African guenons, but it also suggests rearrangements in traditional monkey taxonomy and evolution. Baboons and mandrills were found to be not directly related, while we could confirm that the known four superspecies of mangabeys do not form a monophyletic group, but should be separated into two genera, one clustering with baboons and the other with mandrills. Patas monkeys are clearly related to members of the genus Cercopithecus despite their divergence in build and habitat, while the talapoin falls outside the Cercopithecus clade (including the patas monkey). Correspondence to: A.C. van der Kuyl     

On the Emsian (Early Devonian) arthropods of the Rhenish Slate Mountains: 3. The chasmataspididDiploaspis

New specimens of the chasmataspidDiploaspis casteri Størmer, 1972 (Chelicerata: Chasmataspidida) are described from the late Lower Emsian of Alken an der Mosel, Germany. Chasmataspidids represent a distinct clade within Chelicerata, sharing characters with both xiphosurans and eurypterids.Diploaspis is significant in having the most complete appendage series of any known chasmataspidid, while we question previous interpretations of the ventral preabdominal plate.Diploaspis has unmineralized cuticle and is therefore preserved with a number of different morphologies. Study of both our new fossils andStørmer’s type material suggests that the co-occurring Alken fossilHeteroaspis novojilovi Størmer, 1972 is a preservational variant, which is regarded here as a junior synonym, ofD. casteri.     

Unveiling the Unique Phase Transformation Behavior and Sodiation Kinetics of 1D van der Waals Sb2S3 Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries

Carbon‐coated van der Waals stacked Sb₂S₃ nanorods (SSNR/C) are synthesized by facile hydrothermal growth as anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The sodiation kinetics and phase evolution behavior of the SSNR/C anode during the first and subsequent cycles are unraveled by coupling in situ transmission electron microscopy analysis with first‐principles calculations. During the first sodiation process, Na⁺ ions intercalate into the Sb₂S₃ crystals with an ultrafast speed of 146 nm s^?1. The resulting amorphous Na_x Sb₂S₃ intermediate phases undergo sequential conversion and alloying reactions to form crystalline Na₂S, Na₃Sb, and minor metallic Sb. Upon desodiation, Na⁺ ions extract from the nanocrystalline phases to leave behind the fully desodiated Sb₂S₃ in an amorphous state. Such unique phase evolution behavior gives rise to superb electrochemical performance and leads to an unexpectedly small volume expansion of ≈54%. The first‐principles calculations reveal distinctive phase evolution arising from the synergy between the extremely low Na⁺ ion diffusion barrier of 190 meV and the sharply increased electronic conductivity upon the formation of amorphous Na_x Sb₂S₃ intermediate phases. These findings highlight an anomalous Na⁺ ion storage mechanism and shed new light on the development of high performance SIB anodes based on van der Waals crystals.     

Kluyveromyces: systematics since 1970

The taxonomy ofKluyveromyces has been the object of intense study since van der Walt's (1970) monograph. This is an account of the major developments and the classification to be adopted in the 4th edition ofThe Yeasts, a Taxonomic Study. The guiding principles that will be followed in eventual revisions of the genus are presented.     

Temperature-dependent van der Waals forces

Biological systems can experience a strong van der Waals interaction involving electromagnetic fluctuations at the low frequency limit. In lipid-water mixtures the free energy of this interaction is proportional to temperature, primarily involves an entropy change, and has qualitative features of a “hydrophobic bond.” Protein-protein attraction in dilute solution is due as much to low frequency proton fluctuation (Kirkwood-Shumaker forces) and permanent dipole forces as to high frequency (infrared and UV) van der Waals intreactions. These conclusions are described in terms of numerical calculations via the Lifshitz theory of van der Waals forces.