Phase contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography and the oldest damselflies in amber (Odonata: Zygoptera: Hemiphlebiidae)

Electrohemiphlebia barucheli gen. et sp. nov. and Jordanhemiphlebia electronica gen. et sp. nov. , two new genera and species are described, based on exceptional inclusions of hemiphlebiid damselflies in Cretaceous amber from France and Jordan. The type specimen of E. barucheli was studied using phase contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography, giving exceptional images and detailed information. Its comparison with the recent Hemiphlebia mirabilis confirms the attribution of several Cretaceous damselflies to the Hemiphlebiidae, showing that this particular group was widespread in the Early Cretaceous and probably originated in the Late Jurassic or earlier. The ecological niches today occupied by the small coenagrionoid damselflies were occupied during the Triassic and Jurassic by Protozygoptera, hemiphlebiids during the Early Cretaceous, and modern taxa in the Cenozoic.     

中国樟科木姜子属植物纪要*

描述一新种即沧源木姜子Litsea cangyuanensis J. Li et H. W. Li; 一中国新纪录种白叶木姜子L1albescens
( Hook. f. ) D. G. Long; 3 个新异名: 大叶木姜子L1 chunii Cheng var1longipedicellata Yang f1 latif olia Yang 归并到高
山木姜子L1 chunii Cheng, 狭叶桂北木姜子M1 subcoriacea Yang et P. H. Huang var. stenophylla Yang et P. H.
Huang 归并入桂北木姜子L1 subcoriacea Yang et P. H. Huang, 狭叶华南木姜子L1greenmaniana Allen var1 angustifolia
Yang et P. H. Huang 归入华南木姜子L1greenmaniana Allen; 思茅木姜子L1szemaois ( H. Liou) J. Li et H. W. Li
作为新等级提升为种; 并对秃净木姜子L1 kingii Hook. f. 与山鸡椒L1 cubeba ( Lour . ) Pers. 两者间的差异进
行澄清, 对台湾产的黄肉树应采用L1 hypophaea Hayata 和广西产的蜂窝木姜子应采用L1f oveola Kosterm. 进
行了讨论。一个新名称: L1 sinoglobosa J. Li et H. W. Li 替代同名的L1 globosa Yang et P. H. Huang 。     

Revision of the family Idelinellidae,with a review of the Permian Eoblattida (Insecta)

Permian Eoblattida, which include the families Tillyardembiidae, Protembiidae (=Sylvardembiidae), Soyanopteridae, and Idelinellidae, are reviewed. The latter family is revised; it includes Idelinella macroptera Storozhenko, 1997 from the Middle Permian (Lower Kazanian Substage) of northern European Russia, Permostriga augustalis Novokshonov, 1999, Sylvastriga miranda Aristov, 2004, Strigulla cuculiophora (Aristov, 2002) comb. nov., Cucullistriga cucullata Aristov et Rasnitsyn, gen. et sp. nov., Scutistriga scutata Aristov et Rasnitsyn, gen. et sp. nov. from the Lower Permian (Kungurian Stage) of the Urals, Permeoblatta borealis Rasnitsyn et Aristov, 2010 from the Upper Permian (Upper Severodvinian Substage) of northern European Russia, and probably also Rasstriga americana Aristov et Rasnitsyn, gen. et sp. nov. from the Upper Carboniferous (Desmoinesian Stage) of Illinois.     

RAD in the realm of next-generation sequencing technologies

The first North American RAD Sequencing and Genomics Symposium, sponsored by Floragenex (http://www.floragenex.com/radmeeting/), took place in Portland, Oregon (USA) on 19 April 2011. This symposium was convened to promote and discuss the use of restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing technologies. RAD sequencing is one of several strategies recently developed to increase the power of data generated via short-read sequencing technologies by reducing their complexity (Baird et al. 2008; Huang et al. 2009; Andolfatto et al. 2011; Elshire et al. 2011). RAD sequencing, as a form of genotyping by sequencing, has been effectively applied in genetic mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses in a range of organisms including nonmodel, genetically highly heterogeneous organisms (Table 1; Baird et al. 2008; Baxter et al. 2011; Chutimanitsakun et al. 2011; Pfender et al. 2011). RAD sequencing has recently found applications in phylogeography (Emerson et al. 2010) and population genomics (Hohenlohe et al. 2010). Considering the diversity of talks presented during this meeting, more developments are to be expected in the very near future.     

New and little-known Eoblattida (Insecta) from the Paleozoic of Russia

New taxa of the insect order Eoblattida from the Upper Carboniferous of Russia are described, including Narkemina kata sp. nov., Narkeminopsis inversa sp. nov., Carbonokata storozhenkoi gen. et sp. nov., Tshunoptera ampla gen. et sp. nov., and Evenkiophlebia collucata gen. et sp. nov. from the Chunya locality (Krasnoyarsk Region), Narkemulla sibirica gen. et sp. nov. from the Chunya and Izykhskie Kopi localities, Khakassia (all Cnemidolestidae), and Izykhia tridentis gen. et sp. nov. from Izykhskie Kopi (?Spanioderidae). Narkeminuta permiana gen. et sp. nov. (Cnemidolestidae) is described from the Kedrovka locality (Kemerovo Region; Lower Permian), and Issadische maximum gen. et sp. nov. (Eoblattida incertae familiae) is descriobed from the Isady locality (Vologda Region; Upper Permian). Permeoblatta borealis Rasnitsyn et Aristov, 2010 (Idelinellidae) from Isady is redescribed.     

New acrodont lizards (Lacertilia) from the Middle Eocene of southern Mongolia

The problematic lizard family Changjiangosauridae, representatives of which inhabited Asia in the Early Paleogene, is discussed. Six new species of this group, including Acrodontopsis robustus gen. et sp. nov., Agamimus gracilis gen. et sp. nov., Graminisaurus interruptus gen. et sp. nov., Khaichinsaurus reshetovi gen. et sp. nov., Lavatisaurus elegans gen. et sp. nov., and Lentisaurus giganteus gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Eocene of the Khaichin Uul 2 locality (southern Gobi, Mongolia) are described. It is shown that Changjiangosauridae are probably related to the Late Cretaceous Isodontosauridae and recent Uromastycidae; independent development of a number of dental features in different lineages of Acrodonta (Iguania) is corroborated.     

Redefining the damselfly families: a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Zygoptera (Odonata)

An extensive molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of the suborder Zygoptera of the Odonata is presented, based on mitochondrial (16S, COI) and nuclear (28S) data of 59% of the 310 genera recognized and all (suspected) families except the monotypic Hemiphlebiidae. A partial reclassification is proposed, incorporating morphological characters. Many traditional families are recovered as monophyletic, but reorganization of the superfamily Coenagrionoidea into three families is proposed: Isostictidae, Platycnemididae and Coenagrionidae. Archboldargia Lieftinck, Hylaeargia Lieftinck, Palaiargia Förster, Papuargia Lieftinck and Onychargia Selys are transferred from Coenagrionidae to Platycnemididae, and Leptocnemis Selys, Oreocnemis Pinhey and Thaumatagrion Lieftinck from Platycnemididae to Coenagrionidae. Each geographically well‐defined clade of Platycnemididae is recognized as a subfamily, and thus Disparoneurinae (i.e. Old World ‘Protoneuridae’) is incorporated, Calicnemiinae is restricted, and Allocnemidinae (type genus: Allocnemis Selys) subfam.n ., Idiocnemidinae (type genus: Idiocnemis Selys) subfam.n . and Onychargiinae (type genus: Onychargia Selys) subfam.n . and Coperini trib.n . (type genus: Copera Kirby) are described. Half of Coenagrionidae belongs to a well‐supported clade incorporating Coenagrion Kirby and the potential subfamilies Agriocnemidinae, Ischnurinae and Pseudagrioninae. The remainder is less well defined, but includes the Pseudostigmatidae and New World Protoneuridae that, with Argiinae and Teinobasinae, may prove valid subfamilies with further evidence. Ninety‐two per cent of the genera formerly included in the polyphyletic Amphipterygidae and Megapodagrionidae were studied. Pentaphlebiidae, Rimanellidae and Devadattidae fam.n . (type genus: Devadatta Kirby) are separated from Amphipterygidae, and Argiolestidae, Heteragrionidae, Hypolestidae, Philogeniidae, Philosinidae and Thaumatoneuridae from Megapodagrionidae. Eight further groups formerly placed in the latter are identified, but are retained as incertae sedis; the validity of Lestoideidae, Philogangidae and Pseudolestidae is confirmed. For some families (e.g. Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae) a further subdivision is possible; Protostictinae subfam.n . (type genus: Protosticta Selys) is introduced in Platystictidae. Numerous new combinations are proposed in the Supporting Information. Many long‐established families lack strong morphological apomorphies. In particular, venation is incongruent with molecular results, stressing the need to review fossil Odonata taxonomy: once defined by the reduction of the anal vein, Protoneuridae dissolves completely into six clades from five families.     

Epstein-Barr virus DNA XII. A variable region of the Epstein-Barr virus genome is included in the P3HR-1 deletion.

The P3HR-1 subclone of Jijoye differs from Jijoye and from other Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cell lines in that the virus produced by P3HR-1 cultures lacks the ability to growth-transform normal B lymphocytes (Heston et al., Nature (London) 295:160-163, 1982; Miller et al., J. Virol. 18:1071-1080, 1976; Miller et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71:4006-4010, 1974; Ragona et al., Virology 101:553-557, 1980). The P3HR-1 virus was known to be deleted for a region which encodes RNA in latently infected, growth-transformed cells (Bornkamm et al., J. Virol. 35:603-618, 1980; Heller et al., J. Virol. 38:632-648, 1981; King et al., J. Virol. 36:506-518, 1980; Raab-Traub et al., J. Virol. 27:388-398, 1978; van Santen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78:1930-1934, 1980). This deletion is now more precisely defined. The P3HR-1 genome contains less than 170 base pairs (and possibly none) of the 3,300-base pair U2 region of EBV DNA and is also lacking IR2 (a 123-base pair repeat which is the right boundary of U2). A surprising finding is that EBV isolates vary in part of the U2 region. Two transforming EB viruses, AG876 and Jijoye, are deleted for part of the U2 region including most or all of a fragment, HinfI-c, which encodes part of one of the three more abundant cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNAs of growth-transformed cells (King et al., J. Virol. 36:506-518, 1980; King et al., J. Virol. 38:649-660, 1981; van Santen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78:1930-1934).     

The pterolichoid feather mites (Acarina, Astigmata) of the Megapodiidae (Aves, Galliformes)

The pterolichoid feather mites of megapodes are reviewed. Named taxa are briefly discussed and most are figured. The Pterolichidae (Pterolichinae) are: Ascetohchus Perez & Atyeo, three species; Echinozonus Atyeo & Perez, six species; Pereziella Atyeo, two species; and Phycoferus Atyeo & Perez, two species. New pterolichine taxa, with the type species listed first, include: Botryaspis cordiforma gen. et sp.n. and B. cordata gen. et sp.n.; Cycloprotarsus lineatus gen. et sp.n., C. centralis gen. et sp.n. and C. monacrotrichus gen. et sp.n.; Eurypterolichus gen.n. for Pterolichus navicula comb.n. Trouessart & Neumann and E. coniger gen. et sp.n.; Goniodurus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) quadratus comb.n. Trouessart and G. bilobatus gen. et sp.n.; Haptepigynus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) tridentiger comb.n. Trouessart and H. holonotus gen. et sp.n.; Heliaspis ventralis gen. et sp.n.; Leipobius ocellatus gen. et sp.n.; Maleolichus maleo gen. et sp.n.; Mayracarus gen.n. for Pterolichus (P.) tritilobus comb.n. Trouessart; Megapodobius arcuatus gen. et sp.n. and M. striatus gen. et sp.n.; Oxygynurus brevissimus gen. et sp.n., O. longicaulis gen. et sp.n., O. mediocaulis gen. et sp.n. and O. parvicaulis gen. et sp. n.; Prionoturus amembranatus gen. et sp. n.; Talegallobius bidentatus gen. et sp.n.; and Tanysomacarus imperfectus gen. et sp.n. and T. brachymeles gen. et sp.n. A new taxon of the Thoracosathesidae is: Thoracosathes caudiculata sp.n. Keys are provided and host- commensal associations are discussed. All taxa are restricted to the Megapodiidae. Cheylabis fuscina Trouessart is assigned to Pereziella and has as a synonym P. dupilcata Atyeo.     

Response to Midgley: the costs of reproduction cannot differ between the sexes

Many studies have compared the reproductive cost and vegetative growth at a particular time point. In our review (Liu et al. 2021b), we summarized those results but did not compare absolute reproductive costs between the sexes (Hultine et al. 2016; Juvany and Munné-Bosch 2016). Moreover, we did not propose that the observed vegetative and environmental differences between the sexes were the only reasons for differences in sexual functioning, especially in the spreading and receiving of pollen (Midgley 2022). Yet, we need further evidence to support the argument. Previous studies have shown that differences in primary and physiological traits between the sexes strongly depend on the plant species and their environmental conditions, and that they may arise from a number of reasons, such as differences in trait optima of each sex along a series of resource gradients, sexual selection and sex-specific responses to sexual selection (Barrett and Josh 2013; Geber et al. 1999; Juvany and Munné-Bosch 2016; Kohorn et al. 1994; Rabska et al. 2021; Retuerto et al. 2018; Scopece et al. 2021; Wang et al. 2021). In the comment, Midgley (2022) stated that our general argument is that ‘the net reproductive costs are higher for females because they not only flower but must also produce fruits/cones/seeds (Figure 3). Midgley (2022) suggests (Figure 2) that females can ameliorate their higher costs of reproduction by maximizing resource acquisition and resource gain’. However, in our review, we summarized the general opinion and pointed out that this pattern was not universal (see more detail in Liu et al. 2021b). In consistent with previous reviews, our review argues that there is no widespread rule in sex-related differences in the cost of reproduction despite the general opinion that females have higher reproductive costs than males (Darwin 1877; Liu et al. 2021b; Lloyd and Webb 1977). We summarized possible factors causing biased sex ratios in plants, rather than only underpinning the higher net reproductive costs in females than in males (Liu et al. 2021b). Similarly, we proposed possible mechanisms causing sexual differences in responses to biotic stress, rather than underpinning the higher net reproductive costs in females than in males (Liu et al. 2021b), which is also adapted from Núñez-Farfán and Valverde (2020).     

Probability models and the applicability of statistical procedures in the identification of chromosomal fragile sites

Summary. Böhm et al. (1995, Human Genetics 95 , 249–256) introduced a statistical model (named FSM–fragile site model) specifically designed for the identification of fragile sites from chromosomal breakage data. In response to claims to the contrary (Hou et al., 1999, Human Genetics 104 , 350–355; Hou et al., 2001, Biometrics 57 , 435–440), we show how the FSM model is correctly modified for application under the assumption that the probability of random breakage is proportional to chromosomal band length and how the purportedly alternative procedures proposed by Hou, Chang, and Tai (1999, 2001) are variations of the correctly modified FSM algorithm. With the exception of the test statistic employed, the procedure described by Hou et al. (1999) is shown to be functionally identical to the correctly modified FSM and the application of an incorrectly modified FSM is shown to invalidate all of the comparisons of FSM to the alternatives proposed by Hou et al. (1999, 2001). Last, we discuss the statistical implications of the methodological variations proposed by Hou et al. (2001) and emphasize the logical and statistical necessity for fragile site identifications to be based on data from single individuals.     

A mitotic recombination in Wilms tumor occurs between the parathyroid hormone locus and 11p13

Summary Wilms tumor is believed to occur as the result of two mutations affecting both alleles of a critical gene located within the p13 band of chromosome 11 (Knudson and Strong 1972; Riccardi et al. 1978). Several mechanisms by which these mutations occur have already been determined in retinoblastoma (Cavenee et al. 1983) and Wilms tumor (Koufos et al. 1984; Orkin et al. 1984; Reeve et al. 1984; Fearon et al. 1984a; Eccles et al. 1984). Of the various mechanisms, however, no example of a mitotic recombination was demonstrated in Wilms tumor. An example is presented here which has been detected by the use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) mapping to chromosome 11p. In addition the data presented are consistent with the mapping location of parathyroid hormone (PTH) being proximal to 11p13.     

Phylogeny of the Permian family Metalegoceratidae (Goniatitida,Ammonoidea)

The paper discusses the evolution of the Permian ammonoid family Metalegoceratidae, and a new phylogenetic reconstruction is proposed. Three subfamilies are recognized in this family: Metalegoceratinae Plummer et Scott, 1937; Pericycloceratinae Zhao et Zheng, 1977; and Eothinitinae Ruzhencev, 1956. The genus Metalegoceras Schindewolf, 1931 is subdivided into three subgenera: Metalegoceras s. str., Mesometalegoceras subgen. nov., and Artimetalegoceras subgen. nov. Five species of the endemic South Chinese metalegoceratids are described: Pseudometalegoceras shangraoense (Zhao et Zheng, 1977), P. liratum (Zhao et Zheng, 1977), P. platyventrum (Zhao et Zheng, 1977), P. spirale (Zhao et Zheng, 1977), and Pericycloceras costatum (Zhao et Zheng, 1977).     

Mechanic stimulation of the soles support zones as a countermeasure of the contractile properties decline under microgravity conditions

Decrease in muscle contractility is an inevitable consequence of exposure in microgravity. A wealth of currently accumulated facts is indicative of profound modifications in structure and function of the skeletal muscles in the absence of gravity. Investigations with humans during space flights of varying duration (L.I. Kakurin et al., 1971; I.B. Kozlovskaya et al., 1984, 1987, 1991;.), ground-based simulation studies (A.M. Genin et al., 1969; L.S. Grigorieva et al., 1983), and numerous experiments with animals (E.I. IIyina-Kakueva et al., 1979; O.M. Edgerton et al 1991; B.S. Shenkman et al., 1994) made it evident that removal of gravitational loading is fraught with significant reductions in the contractile properties of muscular fibers, especially noticeable in muscles-extensors. Results of ground-based simulation studies led to the hypothesis that changes in muscle contractility developing already after few days in microgravity conditions are consequent to reduction in support afferentation that plays an important role in initiation and maintenance of the activity of tonic motor units (A.V. Kirenskaya et al., 1986). In view of the above, an idea has been proposed to prevent losses in tonic muscles contractility by application of artificial support. Testing of this hypothesis was the theme of the present investigation.     

A Check-List of the Spiders (Araneae) of the Bolshekhekhtsyrski Nature Reserve, Khabarovsk Province, the Russian Far East

326 species of spiders belonging to 26 families are recorded from the Bolshekhekhtsyrski State Nature Reserve,of them 70 are new records for the reserve and six are new to the fauna of Russia:Asperthorax borealis Ono et Saito,2001; Cyclosa kumadai Tanikawa,1992; Cyclosa okumae Tanikawa,1992(earlier it was identified as C. argenteoalba Bosenberg et Strand,1906); Haplodrassus taepaikensis Paik,1992; Hypselistes fossilobus Fei et Zhu,1993; and Pachygnatha gaoi Zhu et al.,2003. The name Pronous minutus (S. Saito,1939) is synonymized with Pronoides brunneus Schenkel,1936. The male of H. taepaikensis is illustrated for the first time. Composition of the fauna is briefly discussed; 41% of the recorded species have their ranges confined to the SE Palaearctics. By its species diversity,the reserve's fauna is the second largest local fauna eastward of the Urals. An expected spider diversity of this reserve is likely to be over 400 species.     

Taxonomic studies on the Chlorarachniophyta. II. Generic delimitation of the chlorarachniophytes and description of Gymnochlora stellata gen. et sp. nov. and Lotharella gen. nov.

A new chlorarachniophytan alga, Gymnochlora stellata Ishida et Y. Hara gen. et sp. nov., has been isolated from Anae Island in Guam. It is a green, star-shaped, unicellular, amoeboid organism with several filopodia that do not form a reticulopodial network. Neither zoospores nor walled coccoid cells have been observed throughout the life cycle. The chloroplast ultrastructure is similar to those of described species; however, the pyrenoid matrix, which is invaded by many tubular structures originating from the inner membrane of the chloroplast envelope, is unique. A classification system is proposed for the Chlorarachniophyta. In this system, the ultrastructural features of the pyrenoid and the location of the nucleomorph in the periplastidial compartment are used as generic criteria, while the morphological features of the vegetative cells and life cycle patterns are used for species criteria. The described species, except for Cryptochlora perforans Calderon-Saenz et Schnetter, are also reassessed under the new system, and consequent nomenclatural requirements for the genus Chlorarachnion are dealt with in this paper. The taxonomic rank of a previously described species, Chlorarachnion globosum Ishida et Y. Hara, is elevated and Lotharella globosa (Ishida et Y. Hara) Ishida et Y. Hara gen. nov. et comb. nov. is proposed.     

New seeds of gymnosperms from the Lower Permian of the Ural mountains

New taxa of detached seeds are described from the Kungurian (Lower Permian) of the Middle Cis-Urals: Laevigatospermum compressum gen. et sp. nov., Hirsutospermum paniculatum gen. et sp. nov., Rugosospermum callosum gen. et sp. nov., and Craspedosperma filiferum sp. nov. The systematic position of the new taxa is discussed.     

The autocatalytic processing of the subtilisin Carlsberg pro-region is independent of the primary structure of the cleavage site

Subtilisins are extracellular seryl-proteases produced by bacilli (Markland and Emil, 1971). In addition to signal sequences, these proteases have N-terminal extensions (pro-regions) which have also been identified in several other proteases (Silen et al., 1988; Vasantha et al., 1984; Polhner et al., 1987; Henderson et al., 1987; Yanagida et al., 1986; Takagi et al., 1985). The pro-region holds the pro-protease associated with the membrane and release of the protease takes place as a result of pro-region removal by autocatalytic processing (Egnell and Flock, 1991). In this report we describe the construction of four deletion-mutations in the gene encoding subtilisin Carlsberg at the junction between the pro-region and mature subtilisin Carlsberg. We found that the introduction of different deletions abolished the ability of subtilisin to undergo autocatalytic cleavage of the pro-region in cis, whereas cleavage by exogenous subtilisin could still occur in trans. Point mutations were also introduced in positions -5 to +4 around the pro-region and native subtilisin cleavage site. Processing of pro-subtilisin with the point mutations showed that the autocatalytic cleavage and recognition of this junction of the subtilisin Carlsberg pro-region is independent of the amino acid sequence around the cleavage site.     

Kibadachi in karate: pain and crossing boundaries within the 'lived body' and within sociality

Kibadachi is a rather simple karate exercise performed during a several-day-long special training, in which the participants squat in a crouching position for an hour and a half without moving. Despite its simplicity, and because its main feature is the immediate and excruciating pain it induces, kibadachi stimulates a kind of permeability between the participants, and also causes changes in the relations between physical and mental parts of their lived body. Following Deleuze and Guattari, kibadachi , and its capacity to dissolve boundaries, is analysed here as a way of becoming a Body without Organs. The participants of kibadachi enter social and somatic dynamics which operate potentiality hidden in their lived bodies, alter boundaries, and reinforce connectedness.  

Résumé

Le kibadachi est un exercice de karaté relativement simple, exécuté au cours d'un entraînement spécial de plusieurs jours, lors duquel les participants se tiennent accroupis pendant une heure et demie sans bouger. En dépit de sa simplicité, et parce que sa principale caractéristique est la douleur immédiate et cuisante qu'il provoque, le kibadachi suscite une sorte de perméabilité entre les participants et provoque aussi des changements dans les relations entre les parties physique et mentale de leur corps vécu. Dans l'esprit de Deleuze et Guattari, le kibadachi et sa capacité d'abolir les frontières sont analysés ici comme un moyen de devenir un Corps sans Organes. Les participants au kibadachi s'engagent dans des dynamiques sociales et somatiques qui opèrent sur les potentialités cachées dans leurs corps vécus, modifient les frontières, et renforcent les liens aux autres.