Prepatterning the Drosophila notum: the three genes of the iroquois complex play intrinsically distinct roles

The Drosophila thorax exhibits 11 pairs of large sensory organs (macrochaetes) identified by their unique position. Remarkably precise, this pattern provides an excellent model system to study the genetic basis of pattern formation. In imaginal wing discs, the achaete-scute proneural genes are expressed in clusters of cells that prefigure the positions of each macrochaete. The activities of prepatterning genes provide positional cues controlling this expression pattern. The three homeobox genes clustered in the iroquois complex (araucan, caupolican and mirror) are such prepattern genes. mirror is generally characterized as performing functions predominantly different from the other iroquois genes. Conversely, araucan and caupolican are described in previous studies as performing redundant functions in most if not all processes in which they are involved. We have addressed the question of the specific role of each iroquois gene in the prepattern of the notum and we clearly demonstrate that they are intrinsically different in their contribution to this process: caupolican and mirror, but not araucan, are required for the neural patterning of the lateral notum. However, when caupolican and/or mirror expression is reduced, araucan loss of function has an effect on thoracic bristles development. Moreover, the overexpression of araucan is able to rescue caupolican loss of function. We conclude that, although retaining some common functionalities, the Drosophila iroquois genes are in the process of diversification. In addition, caupolican and mirror are required for stripe expression and, therefore, to specify the muscular attachment sites prepattern. Thus, caupolican and mirror may act as common prepattern genes for all structures in the lateral notum.     

Phylogeny of the Augochlora clade with the description of four new species (Hymenoptera,Apoidea)

The Augochlora clade includes four genera: Augochlora Smith, Augochlorella Sandhouse, Ceratalictus Moure, and Pereirapis Moure. This is one of the richest and most widespread groups of Augochlorini bees. There are about 150 species, which occur from Argentina to Canada. The species of Augochlora clade are considered solitary to facultatively social, except Ceratalictus for which nothing is known. Wood nesting behavior arose once in the clade, in Augochlora sensu strictu. The objective of this study is to describe four new species and to present a revised phylogenetic analysis of the Augochlora clade for the placement of these species. The morphological matrix comprised 77 characters and 42 terminals, and resulted in two most parsimonious trees. The monophyly of the Augochlora clade is corroborated. Ceratalictus and Pereirapis are considered as sister groups and Ceratalictus inflexus sp. nov. came as sister to other species of Ceratalictus. Augochlora and Augochlorella are monophyletic and sister groups. Both extant subgenera of Augochlora were corroborated as monophyletic. Augochlorella comis is considered as sister group to the rest of Augochlorella species. All Augochlorella new species described belong to the Augochlorella ephyra group. Augochlorella kelliae sp. nov. is phylogenetically related to Augochlorella una. Augochlorella procliva sp. nov. and Augochlorella mavricera sp. nov. constitute a clade with Augochlorella acarinata. Including the new species, Augochlorella has 19 species and Ceratalictus 11 species. A revised key for species of Augochlorella and Ceratalictus is also presented in the Supplementary Information.     

Stereochemical aspects of the metabolism of the isomeric methylcyclohexanols and methylcyclohexanones

1. The seven isomeric optically inactive forms of methylcyclohexanol (i.e. 1-, and cis- and trans-2-, -3- and -4-) are excreted by rabbits mainly as glucuronides of the thermodynamically more stable forms of the alcohols. The eighth isomer, cyclohexylmethanol, however, undergoes aromatization in vivo, giving rise to benzoic acid and hippuric acid. The (±)-2-, (±-3- and 4-methylcyclohexanones are reduced in the rabbit and excreted mainly as the glucuronides of the thermodynamically more stable forms of the corresponding methylcyclohexanols. 2. Racemic cis- and trans-2-methylcyclohexanol and 2-methylcyclohexanone are all excreted as conjugated trans-2-methylcyclohexanol. However, when the (±)-cis-alcohol or the (±)-ketone is fed, (+)-trans-2-methylcyclohexanol is excreted, whereas when the (±)-trans-alcohol is fed it is excreted as the (±)-trans-alcohol. 3. Racemic cis- and trans-3-methylcyclohexanol and 3-methylcyclohexanone are all excreted as conjugated racemic cis-3-methylcyclohexanol. cis- and trans-4-Methylcyclohexanol and 4-methylcyclohexanone are all excreted as conjugated trans-4-methylcyclohexanol. 4. The metabolic differences between the various methylcyclohexanols are explicable in terms of their conformations and of Vennesland's (1958) hypothesis of the role of NADH in dehydrogenation reactions.     

Phyllocarida and the origin of the Malacostraca

Tentative homologies with Decapoda are proposed for grooves on the carapace of Echinocaris and Montecaris. Together with F.R. Schram's hoploid trend, reinforced by the discovery of a raptorial limb in Sairocaris, this may strengthen a phyllocarid origin for Eumalacostraca. Both these trends, however, may be parallelisms, and phylogenetic analysis is required. Pleopods are here proved to have been present in additional Archaeostraca, which improves their ancestral condition. E. Dahl's view of the phyllocarids as an evolutionary dead end is falsified from fossils, and the phyllocarids are supported as a stem group of the Malacostraca.     

Description of Telamoptilia grewiae sp. n. and the consequences for the definition of the genera Telamoptilia and Spulerina (Lepidoptera,Gracillariidae, Gracillariinae)

The new species Telamoptilia grewiae, reared from leafmines on Grewia biloba (Malvaceae) is described with details on adult and immature stages. The larval head and the pupa are described for the first time in Telamoptilia Kumata & Kuroko, 1988, and are illustrated with scanning electron micrographs and line drawings. Photographs of adult habitus, wing venation, male and female genitalia, as well as host plant and mines are provided. The apomorphic adult and larval characters of the new species in Telamoptilia are discussed in relation to the recognition of the genera Telamoptilia and Spulerina Vári, 1961.     

A revision of the ant genus Mystrium in the Malagasy region with description of six new species and remarks on Amblyopone and Stigmatomma (Hymenoptera,Formicidae, Amblyoponinae)

The genus Mystrium is revised for the Malagasy region. Six species, Mystrium barrybressleri sp. n., Mystrium labyrinth sp. n., Mystrium eques sp. n., Mystrium mirror sp. n., Mystrium shadow sp. n., and Mystrium janovitzi sp. n. are described as new. Two existing names, Mystrium fallax Forel and Mystrium stadelmanni Forel, are synonymized with Mystrium voeltzkowi Forel and Mystrium mysticum Roger, respectively. All recognized species, including species outside of the Malagasy region, are assigned to one of the three newly proposed species groups. The associations between existing names and males are reexamined, and males of eight of the ten Malagasy species are described or redescribed. The taxonomic history of Mystrium highlights the importance of using unique identifiers when designating type specimens and the use of deposited vouchers in phylogenetic and ecological studies. Keys to species for workers, queens, and males are provided. Furthermore, a neotype for Mystrium mysticum is designated, as well as lectotypes for Mystrium camillae Emery, Mystrium rogeri Forel, Mystrium fallax Forel, Mystrium oberthueri Forel, Mystrium stadelmanni Forel, and Mystrium voeltzkowi Forel. Stigmatomma gingivale (Brown) is reassigned to Amblyopone as comb. rev. and Amblyopone awa Xu & Chu, Amblyopone kangba Xu & Chu, Amblyopone meiliana Xu & Chu, and Amblyopone zomae Xu & Chu are transferred to the genus Stigmatomma as comb. n.     

Taxonomic study on the Phytosciara genus group (Diptera: Sciaridae) in Korea,including the description of a new species

The Phytosciara genus group (Diptera, Sciaridae: Phytosciara Frey, Dolichosciara Tuomikoski, and Prosciara Frey) are studied in the Korean peninsula. Dolichosciara koreaensis Shin & Menzel sp. n. is described and illustrated as new to science. Additionally, four species are reported as new to Korea: Dolichosciara orcina (Tuomikoski, 1960), Dolichosciara semiferruginea (Menzel, 1995), Prosciara producta (Tuomikoski, 1960), and Prosciara ussuriensis (Antonova, 1977). Identification keys are given for the genera of the Phytosciara genus group and for the Korean species of the genera Dolichosciara Tuomikoski and Prosciara Frey. The COI barcode for the new species is studied.     

Four new species of the mite genus Bakerdania (Heterostigmata, Pygmephoridae) from Russia

Four new mite species (Bakerdania palustris, B. taymyrica, B. mycophila, and B. littoralis) from different regions of Russia are described. Bakerdania palustris sp. n. is most similar to B. janetscheki Mahunka, 1970, differing in the presence of adjoining bases of setae ps ₂ and ps ₃ (in B. janetscheki, ps ₃ is separated from ps ₂) and also by shorter smooth setae 2b (in B. janetscheki, setae 2b are serrate and distinctly longer). Bakerdania taymyrica sp. n. is most similar to B. heisseli Mahunka, 1970, differing in the presence of the brush-like setae 1a (that are trichoid and serrate in B. heisseli); shorter setae tc′ on the tibiotarsus I, that are almost half as long as setae pl′ (in B. heisseli, tc′ is much longer, nearly as long as pl′). Bakerdania mycophila sp. n. is most similar to B. racki (Mahunka, 1967), differing in the presence of significantly longer ventral setae and the separate solenidion ω₁ (in B. racki, the latter is fused with the tibiotarsus). Bakerdania littoralis sp. n. is most similar to B. racki, differing from the latter in the shape of setae 1a, 2a, 3a, 3b, 4a that are basally thickened; in the shape of setae ps ₁ (trichoid in B. racki); and in the presence of the non-furcated setae 1b (in B. racki, these setae are bifurcate).     

A Key and Diagnostic Compendium to the Species of the Genus Pratylenchus Filipjev, 1936 (Lesion Nematodes)

An identification key to 63 species of Pratylenchus is given. A compendium of the most diagnostic characters to be used directly in identification of species is included as a practical alternative and supplement to the key. P. tenuis, P. similis, P. impar, P. ranjani, and P. neocapitatus are recognized as valid species on the basis of study of type specimens. P. hyderabadensis Singh &Gill, 1986 is synonymized with P. dasi Fortuner, 1985. P. hexincisus Taylor &Jenkins, 1957 is confirmed as occasionally having 4 -6 lines in lateral field (instead of 6 only). Comments on the status of some species and a list of species of the genus are given.     

On the occurrence of the fireworm Eurythoe?complanata complex (Annelida,Amphinomidae) in the Mediterranean Sea with an updated revision of the alien Mediterranean amphinomids

The presence of two species within the Eurythoe complanata complex in the Mediterranean Sea is reported, as well as their geographical distributions. One species, Eurythoe laevisetis, occurs in the eastern and central Mediterranean, likely constituting the first historical introduction to the Mediterranean Sea and the other, Eurythoe complanata, in both eastern and Levantine basins. Brief notes on their taxonomy are also provided and their potential pathways for introduction to the Mediterranean are discussed. A simplified key to the Mediterranean amphinomid genera and species of Eurythoe and Linopherus is presented plus an updated revision of the alien amphinomid species reported previously from the Mediterranean Sea. A total of five exotic species have been included; information on their location, habitat, date of introduction and other relevant features is also provided.     

A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Mermithidae (Nematoda)

The genera of the insect parasitic nematode family Mermithidae axe reviewed, and 16 of them axe redescribed and illustrated. Information is given on methods of rearing adult mermithid specimens and on host specificity. The four types of merrnithid life cycles axe described in detail. One figure shows the variety of insects parasitized by merrnithids and the location and size of the nematode within the insect. Several mermithid eggs are illustrated, and their usefulness in identification is discussed.Taxonomically, the primary emphasis is on the adult stages of the merrnithJds with larval and egg characteristics supplementaxy. An emended family diagnosis is given. Merrnis subnigrescens is considered a synonym of M. nigrescens, and M. tahitiensis is synonymized with M. mirabilis. Hydromermis contorta is accepted, leaving the genus Paramermis in an uncertain position. Study of the Steiner collections of Limnornermis bathybia indicates that Limnornerrnis is accepted as a valid genus. The adults of Agamermis decaudata are descried and illustrated for the first time. The genus Gastromermis is limited to the long single-spiculed forms, as it is now apparent that five or more genera have ventrally shifted mouth orifices. Amphirnermis tinyi n. sp. is described from damselflies from Louisiana. The genus Lanceimermis is accepted, and three species in this genus are illustrated. The taxon Reesimermis nielseni has been accepted for this important parasite of more than 20 mosquito species. This nematode previously has been referred to as Romanomermis sp. Romanomermis iyengari is transferred to the genus Reesirnermis. Diximermis peterseni n. gen., n. sp., from anopheline mosquitoes, is described and iUustrated. The adults of Agamomermis culicis which parasitize Aedes sollicitans, are described for the first time, and the species placed in a new genus, Perutilimermis. The new genus Neornesornermis is proposed for Mesomermis flumenalis Welch, 1962. Several problems on mermithid morphology and taxonomy are discussed. Type material is established for some of the taxa.     

Nematode Problems Affecting Agriculture in the Philippines

Nematodes are considered major pests on most economic crops in the Philippines, particularly on banana, pineapple, citrus, tomato, ramie, and sugarcane. Radopholus similis is the most destructive nematode on banana, while Meloidogyne spp. are more serious on various vegetable crops such as tomato, okra, and celery and on fiber crops such as ramie. Tylenchulus semipenetrans is a problem on citrus and Rotylenchulus reniformis on pineapple and some legume crops. Hirschmanniella oryzae and Aphelenchoides besseyi are becoming serious on rice, and Pratylenchus zeae is affecting corn in some areas. Lately, Globodera rostochiensis has been causing serious damage on potato in the highlands. Control measures such as crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, chemical nematicide application, and biological control have been recommended to control these nematodes.     

黄土高原1961-2009年参考作物蒸散量的时空变异

基于48个站点的气象数据,对黄土高原1961—2009年参考作物蒸散量的空间分布特征和时间变化趋势进行了分析。结果表明,黄土高原年均参考作物蒸散量为1060.3 mm,西北部高于东南部,最低值出现在西南区。1961—2009年整体呈上升趋势,年均增幅1.3 mm;春季变化最显著,冬季变化最小。ET0在1994年发生上升趋势的突变,之后上升趋势一直非常显著。湿度和温度是最重要的影响因子。ET0不断增长而降水呈降低趋势,这将恶化该区水资源短缺的问题,需要采取一定的措施来减缓气候变化带来的负面影响。     

Prenyltransferases from the flavedo of Citrus sinensis

A prenyltransferase activity (EC 2.5.1.1) has been partially purified from the flavedo of Citrus sinensis with 30–40-fold purification and 35–60 % yield. The enzyme catalyses the condensation of IPP with DMAPP or GPP. The products are neryl and geranyl pyrophosphate as well as (2E,6E)- and (2Z,6E)-farnesyl pyrophosphate. The two C₁₅-products are predominant. The E- and Z-synthetase activities are partially dissociated during the purification procedure, as well as by heat or ageing. Preparations devoid of Z-synthetase were obtained. Mg^{2 +} is required for full activity. Mn^{2 +} or Co^{2 +} can replace Mg^{2 +}. The ratio of E/Z-products formed is different for each cation. Mg^{2 +} complexes of allylic substrates or of products protect the enzyme against heat-inactivation and against inactivation by DTNB. The results are interpreted in terms of two or more prenyltransferases stereoselective for the synthesis of E- and Z-products.