Phylogeny, Evolution and Historical Zoogeography of Ticks: A Review of Recent Progress

There has been much progress in our understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of ticks, particularly hard ticks, in the past 5 years. Indeed, a consensus about the phylogeny of the hard ticks has emerged. Our current working hypothesis for the phylogeny of ticks is quite different to the working hypothesis of 5 years ago. So that the classification reflects our knowledge of ticks, several changes to the nomenclature of ticks are imminent. One subfamily, the Hyalomminae, will probably be sunk, yet another, the Bothriocrotoninae n. subfamily, will be created. Bothriocrotoninae n. subfamily, and Bothriocroton n. genus, are being created to house an early-diverging (‘basal’) lineage of endemic Australian ticks that used to be in the genus Aponomma (ticks of reptiles). There has been progress in our understanding of the subfamily Rhipicephalinae. The genus Rhipicephalus is almost certainly paraphyletic with respect to the genus Boophilus. Thus, the genus Boophilus will probably become a subgenus of Rhipicephalus. This change to the nomenclature, unlike other options, will keep the name Boophilus in common usage. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus may still called B. microplus, and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus may still be called B. annulatus, but the nomenclature will have been changed to reflect our knowledge of the phylogeny and evolution of these ticks. New insights into the historical zoogeography of ticks will also be presented. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Agave as a biofuel feedstock in Australia

The opportunity for commercial production of Agave in Australia stems from the substantial carbohydrate and fibre content of Agave, the nature of carbohydrates stored, the pre‐existence of an Agave ethanol‐producing industry in Mexico, demand for biofuel feedstocks, impressive water‐use efficiencies of plants with the CAM pathway, and legislation mandating the ethanol content of fuel in Australia, where an estimated 748 ML will be required for blending with petrol by 2010–2011, compared with about 440 ML in 2009. Agave has potential as a crop for areas of seasonally limited rainfall in Australia, a judgement based upon desktop analyses and agronomic experience of growing Agave in Australia before 1915. Development of a viable Australian Agave farming system requires production be located in suitable regions, efficient propagation methods, mechanized production, and viable business plans at grower, processor and marketing levels. Growers and processors agree that Agave will not be grown commercially until plants are grown, maintained and harvested in Australia, product is produced and tested, and yield and risks are evaluated. To this end, Agave were imported into Australia from Mexico and a tissue culture propagation technique developed. A trial crop of Agave tequilana was planted in northern Queensland and CO₂ exchange, nitrogen and water dynamics, carbohydrate content, and system inputs and outputs are being monitored. The experience will be used to fine‐tune the farming system, assess production costs and develop robust life‐cycle assessments. Processing of plants from trials will test harvesting and transport infrastructure and will provide material to processors for testing. Samples will be provided to potential producers of value‐added products. An Australian Agave industry should provide opportunities for stimulating agronomic, scientific and commercial exchange between Australia and Mexico. Successful integration of Agave into Australian agriculture will require a biofuels‐focussed breeding programme in collaboration with Mexican researchers.     

Oud-leerling versus ancien élève: A Comparative Study of Adjectives Grammaticalizing into Prefixes in Dutch and French

This article analyzes the grammaticalization of adjectives into prefixes in Dutch and French. In the first part, the notion of ‘affixoids’, hybrid elements that combine properties of free lexemes and bound morphemes, will be defined and illustrated. It will be claimed that affixoids can be seen as a result of a grammaticalization process for which we will advance phonological, morphological, semantic and distributional parameters applying to the evolution of adjectives into prefixes. The second part will be devoted to a specific case study in which these grammaticalization parameters will be applied to the Dutch adjectives oud ‘old’ and nieuw ‘new’ and their French counterparts ancien ‘old’ and nouveau ‘new’ when used in word-formation. More particularly, we will examine whether these adjectives may develop prefix-like properties when embedded in a compound structure and determine their degree of grammaticalization. Kristel Van Goethem is a Postdoctoral fellow of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)     

Effects of increased temperature and nitrogen availability on the displacement of Calluna vulgaris by Pteridium aquilinum

Abstract. Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations will continue to rise for the foreseeable future, and, due to radiative forcing, surface temperatures will also increase. If soils warm sufficiently, this will result in increased litter decomposition rates, while nitrogen availability will also rise due to increased deposition. A field-based experiment manipulating air temperatures using polythene tents and nitrogen availability by adding 50 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 has shown that this will result in further encroachment of Pteridium into Calluna moorland. Although this experiment, treating plots on and around the boundary between Pteridium and Calluna, did not show any statistically significant effect on the movement of the boundary, there were clear indications of Calluna dieback at the boundary. In addition, the frequency of Pteridium fronds increased in the Calluna-dominated areas, while Calluna became less abundant in the pure Pteridium plots. Calluna dieback was not due to litter accumulation as is frequently assumed, but the dieback is likely to be caused by shading of Calluna by the increased growth of Pteridium fronds. Botanical diversity was higher in the Pteridium plots, but considering the importance of grouse shooting for the maintenance of Calluna moorland, displacement of Calluna by Pteridium may result in a lower conservation and economic value of moorlands.     

A new look for TWS publications

The appearance of The Wildlife Society (TWS) publications (i.e., Journal of Wildlife Management [JWM], Wildlife Monographs [WM], Wildlife Society Bulletin [WSB]) has changed over the years. In 2021, a new journal design (NJD) will be implemented for TWS publications following months of discussion with Council and the journal editors. The scope of the articles and the mission of the journals will not change, but the format and layouts will be modified to simplify typesetting, assist with online reading, and provide a contemporary look for the publications of TWS.     

The Hermes element from Musca domestica can transpose in four families of cyclorrhaphan flies

Transgenic insect technology will provide opportunities to explore the basic biology of a broad range of insect species in ways that will prove insightful and important. It is also a technology that will provide opportunities to manipulate the genotypes of insects of practical significance to the health and welfare of humans. TheHermes transposable element from the housefly,Musca domestica, is a short inverted repeat-type element related tohobo fromDrosophila melanogaster, Ac fromZea mays, andTam3 fromAntirrhinum majus. It has potential to become a versatile and efficient broad host-range insect transformation vector. The ability ofHermes to transpose when introduced into five species of diptera from four divergent families was tested using anin vivo, interplasmid transpositional recombination assay.Hermes was capable of transposing in all species tested, demonstrating thatHermes has a broad host-range. In addition, the rates of transposition were sufficiently high in all species tested to suggest thatHermes will be an efficient gene transfer vector in a wide range of insect species. TheHermes element also revealed a pattern of integration into the target substrate that permitted factors determining integration site selection to be identified. Primary nucleotide sequence of the integration site played a role as did proximity to preferred integration sites and the nucleosomal organization of the target.     

On the challenges of detecting whole Staphylococcus aureus cells with biosensors

Due to the increasing number of nosocomial infections and multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus is now a major worldwide concern. Rapid detection and characterization of this bacterium has become an important issue for biomedical applications. Biosensors are increasingly appearing as low‐cost, easy‐to‐operate and fast alternatives for rapid detection. In this review, we will introduce the main characteristics of S. aureus and will focus on the interest of biosensors for a faster detection of whole S. aureus cells. In particular, we will review the most promising strategies in the choice of ligand for the design of selective and efficient biosensors. Their specific characteristics as well as their advantages and/or disadvantages will also be commented.     

First-Year Responses of Cheatgrass Following Tamarix spp. Control and Restoration-Related Disturbances

Current invasion ecology theory predicts that disturbance will stimulate invasion by exotic plant species. Cheatgrass or Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) was surveyed in three sites near Florence, Colorado, U.S.A., immediately following Tamarisk or Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) control and restoration activities that caused disturbance. Despite predictions to the contrary, neither mowing with heavy machinery nor tilling for seedbed preparation stimulated invasion, with a trend for the opposite pattern such that highest percent cover of B. tectorum was observed in the least disturbed transects. Aerial application of imazapyr for Tamarix spp. control caused mortality of nearly all B. tectorum and other understory plant species in all sites. Mechanical control of Tamarix spp. will not necessarily result in increased abundance of invasive species already present, possibly due to the effects of mulch usually left on‐site. Imazapyr will control B. tectorum and other herbaceous understory species when applied aerially for Tamarix spp. control. These results are encouraging for managers of riparian systems who may fear that control of woody invasives will stimulate herbaceous invasions.     

Determining desirable levels of ecosystem services per capita

Ecosystem services are the numerous, essential processes that natural ecosystems provide free to human societies. Examples include the maintenance of breathable air; the movement, storage, and purification of water; the breakdown of wastes; and the provision of food, building materials, and medicines. However, the exponential increases in human population and concomitant environmental destruction make it likely that the level of ecosystem services available per capita will decline. There are three possible scenarios. First, if present practices continue, ecosystem services per capita will surely decline. Second, if a no-net-loss policy is implemented for habitats and species, ecosystem services per capita will still decline due to increases in human population, but the declines will be less precipitous. Third, if habitat is restored (including concomitant ecosystem services) at a rate exceeding that of destruction, then, perhaps the current level of ecosystem services per capita can be maintained, or even expanded to provide increased levels of ecosystem services per capita to more of the world's people.     

What is ‘post-race’ and what does it reveal about contemporary racisms?

ABSTRACT

In this paper, I will critically engage those aspects of Goldberg’s Are We All Postracial Yet that I found to be particularly generative for thinking about contemporary racisms. These foci include the place of post-racial mystification vis-à-vis liberal market capitalism, animalization and synchronic global relationalities. A case will be made for post-race being best understood in terms of how it both incorporates as well as exceeds the explanatory terrain already serviced by the concept of ‘Cultural Racism’ and/or ‘New Racism’. A unique connection to Chamayou’s recent Manhunts will also be advanced. I will read contemporary processes of post-racial animalization via Chamayou’s key contention that Power is always about who is to be the object of force, who shall do the enforcing and how is it to be enforced – a historically contingent force that results in particular technologies of classification, hunting, surveillance, internment, killing and fortification.     

Responses of Metapopulation Dynamics to Two Different Kinds of Habitat Destruction Caused by Human Activities

Habitat destruction can be classified into instantaneous destruction and continuous destruction by the different ways of human destroying habitat. Previous studies, however, always focused on instantaneous destruction. In this study, we develop a universal model, Multi-time scale N-species model, to study and compare the responses of metapopulation dynamics to both kinds of habitat destruction. The model explores that: (1) under instantaneous habitat destruction, species extinction is determined by the proportion of habitat destruction (D) and the structure of metapopulation (q). When D>q, species will go extinct ranked from the best competitor to the worst. When D≤ q, no species will go extinct, but the equilibrium abundances of odd-ranked competitors will decrease, and the equilibrium abundances of even-ranked competitors will increase; (2) under continuous destruction, species extinction is dependent on the speed of habitat destruction and the metapopulation structure. The higher the speed of habitat destruction and the bigger q are, the earlier species go extinct. Usually, there are two possible mechanisms of species extinction: one is that all species go extinct collectively following complete destruction, and the other is that species go extinct in ranked competitive order from best to worst, and the survivals, if they exist, will go extinct collectively following complete destruction. The oscillation amplitudes of inferior competitors are so large as to increase the probability of stochastic extinction under instantaneous destruction. Therefore, it is relatively propitious for the persistence of rare species under slow and continuous destruction, especially when continuous destruction stops.     

Seeing the world differently: variability in the photosensory mechanisms of two model fungi

Light plays an important role for most organisms on this planet, serving either as a source of energy or information for the adaptation of biological processes to specific times of day. The fungal kingdom is estimated to contain well over a million species, possibly 10‐fold more, and it is estimated that a majority of the fungi respond to light, eliciting changes in several physiological characteristics including pathogenesis, development and secondary metabolism. Two model organisms for photobiological studies have taken centre‐stage over the last few decades – Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus nidulans. In this review, we will first discuss our understanding of the light response in N. crassa, about which the most is known, and will then juxtapose N. crassa with A. nidulans, which, as will be described below, provides an excellent template for understanding photosensory cross‐talk. Finally, we will end with a commentary on the variability of the light response among other relevant fungi, and how our molecular understanding in the aforementioned model organisms still provides a strong base for dissecting light responses in such species.     

The genetic basis of resistance to downy mildew in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis</Emphasis> spp.—latest developments and prospects

Downy mildew, caused by the Oomycete pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is one of the most destructive diseases of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and muskmelon (C. melo L.). Although the process of pathogenesis is well understood, there are few disease control options available. The development and deployment of resistant cultivars is generally considered to be the best approach to control downy mildew. The recently completed sequencing of the cucumber genome provides a great opportunity for reliable and thorough study of the sequence and function of resistance genes in the Cucurbitaceae, which will help us to understand the resistance mechanisms and metabolic pathways activated by these genes. It can be anticipated that, in the near future, we will have more information about the genetic bases of resistance to downy mildew in Cucumis, which will facilitate efforts to breed for resistance to this pathogen.     

Cardioprotective effect of lycopene in the experimental model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

The continuous advancements in cancer research have contributed to the overwhelming evidence of the presence of telomerase in primary and secondary tumours together with hsp90 and c-Myc. This review will discuss the important role of telomerase together with hsp90 and c-Myc within the initiation and progression of gliomas. Also it will review the differential expression of these genes in the different grades of gliomas and the possibility of new treatments targeting these specific genes.     

Eucalypts face increasing climate stress

Global climate change is already impacting species and ecosystems across the planet. Trees, although long‐lived, are sensitive to changes in climate, including climate extremes. Shifts in tree species' distributions will influence biodiversity and ecosystem function at scales ranging from local to landscape; dry and hot regions will be especially vulnerable. The Australian continent has been especially susceptible to climate change with extreme heat waves, droughts, and flooding in recent years, and this climate trajectory is expected to continue. We sought to understand how climate change may impact Australian ecosystems by modeling distributional changes in eucalypt species, which dominate or codominate most forested ecosystems across Australia. We modeled a representative sample of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species (n = 108, or 14% of all species) using newly available Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios developed for the 5th Assessment Report of the IPCC, and bioclimatic and substrate predictor variables. We compared current, 2025, 2055, and 2085 distributions. Overall, Eucalyptus and Corymbia species in the central desert and open woodland regions will be the most affected, losing 20% of their climate space under the mid‐range climate scenario and twice that under the extreme scenario. The least affected species, in eastern Australia, are likely to lose 10% of their climate space under the mid‐range climate scenario and twice that under the extreme scenario. Range shifts will be lateral as well as polewards, and these east–west transitions will be more significant, reflecting the strong influence of precipitation rather than temperature changes in subtropical and midlatitudes. These net losses, and the direction of shifts and contractions in range, suggest that many species in the eastern and southern seaboards will be pushed toward the continental limit and that large tracts of currently treed landscapes, especially in the continental interior, will change dramatically in terms of species composition and ecosystem structure.     

TREGED: A new strategy for inducing deletions in plant genomes

We have created a DNA construct, TREGED (transposon-and recombinase-mediated genome deletion), that will automatically induce deletions in plant genomes. TREGED contains the maizeAc/Ds transposon, the yeast R-RS site-specific recombination system, the bacterialtetR repression systems, a novel artificial superintron, and the marker genesGUS andLc. The novelty of TREGED is that only one cross is required to trigger a sequence of events leading to deletion and, simultaneously, to a color assay to detect the deletion. Crossing is done to introduceAc transposase which activatesDs transposition from TREGED to a nearby chromosome region.Ds transposition, in turn, activates recombination between an engineeredRS site on TREGED and anRS site on the transposedDs fragment, thus deleting the genome segment between TREGED andDs. The recombination event also deletesLc orGUS and part oftetR, which triggers expression ofGUS orLc color genes for an upstream or downstream deletion respectively. Each TREGED insertion site will produce multiple kinds of deletions identifiable by inspecting a single F₁ plant and its progeny for colored tissue. The color markers can also be used to differentiate between deletion and other more rare events such as translocation and inversion. We anticipate TREGED will greatly simplify the steps required to obtain useful deletions—eventually allowing the creation of detailed deletion libraries. Such libraries will be particularly useful for anlaysis of gene and chromatin function in plant species with large genomes.     

辽河三角洲河口芦苇沼泽湿地植被固碳潜力

增加陆地生态系统碳汇是一种有效应对CO2浓度升高的措施。河口湿地是一类特殊的陆地生态系统,是生产力最高的生态系统之一。研究河口湿地的固碳潜力对准确评估河口湿地碳汇、发挥和提高湿地固碳功能具有重要意义。通过野外调查和数值模型,量化研究了辽河三角洲河口沼泽湿地的植被固碳潜力。根据区域的实际情况,将植被的固碳潜力分为湿地演替、人工灌溉苇田和气候变化的潜力。研究结果表明辽河三角洲河口沼泽湿地植被具有很高的固碳潜力,翅碱蓬(Suaeda pterantha)群落扩张每年可递增固碳潜力0.053—0.07Gg C,滩涂转变为芦苇(Phragmites australis)沼泽每年可递增固碳潜力0.07Gg C,芦苇、獐毛草甸(Aeluropus sinensis)演替为芦苇沼泽的固碳潜力为17.2 Gg C/a,通过灌溉管理措施,芦苇沼泽的固碳潜力为474.6—544.6 Gg C/a。根据未来气候变化情景和预测结果,到2030年、2050年、2100年,芦苇沼泽湿地的固碳潜力分别为576.9—655.1Gg C/a,603.3—684.1Gg C/a,680.9—769.4Gg C/a,其中由人工灌溉苇田的潜力最大。     

Molecular genetics of the Pax gene family

Three members of the Pax gene family are now known to be responsible for the established mouse developmental phenotypes Splotch, Small eye and undulated; two of these genes are implicated in the human congenital diseases Waardenburg's syndrome and aniridia. The mouse mutants will act as model systems for these human disorders and, in addition, will provide insights into the processes of vertebrate development.