New combinations and synonymies in the weevil genus Lyterius Schnherr (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), with a conspectus of historical works on Daldorffs Sumatran beetles

In preparation for a future taxonomic revision, we explore provenance, collectors, original owners and current repositories of the type material for three available genus-group names, Lyterius Schnherr, 1844, Barisoma Motschulsky, 1863 and Plaxes Pascoe, 1885, which have been applied to a group of small, relatively flat weevils associated with Pandanaceae. Lectotypes are designated for Rhynchaenus musculus Fabricius, 1802 and Plaxes impar Pascoe, 1885. The lectotype of Rh. musculus is designated as neotype for Curculio abdominalis Weber, 1801, making the species names objective synonyms (reestablished synonymy), with C. abdominalis having date priority. The names Barisoma Motschulsky and Plaxes are placed in synonymy with Lyterius (new synonymies). Five valid species names are recognised in Lyterius, L. abdominalis (Weber), L. dispar (Faust, 1896) new combination, L. impar (Pascoe) new combination, L. instabilis Boheman, 1844 and L. pandanicola (Motschulsky, 1863) new combination. We also provide an overview of the early descriptive works on Sumatran beetles collected by Daldorff and their original owners.

Museomics unveil systematics, diversity and evolution of Australian cycad-pollinating weevils

Weevils have been shown to play significant roles in the obligate pollination of Australian cycads. In this study, we apply museomics to produce a first molecular phylogeny estimate of the Australian cycad weevils, allowing an assessment of their monophyly, placement and relationships. Divergence dating suggests that the Australian cycad weevils originated from the Late Oligocene to the Middle Miocene and that the main radiation of the cycad-pollinating groups occurred from the Middle to the Late Miocene, which is congruent with the diversification of the Australian cycads, thus refuting any notion of an ancient ciophilous system in Australia. Taxonomic studies reveal the existence of 19 Australian cycad weevil species and that their associations with their hosts are mostly non-species-specific. Co-speciation analysis shows no extensive co-speciation events having occurred in the ciophilous system of Australian cycads. The distribution pattern suggests that geographical factors, rather than diversifying coevolution, constitute the overriding process shaping the Australian cycad weevil diversity. The synchronous radiation of cycads and weevil pollinators is suggested to be a result of the post-Oligocene diversification common in Australian organisms.

Revisiting the Raractocetus Fossils from Mesozoic and Cenozoic Amber Deposits (Coleoptera: Lymexylidae)

The fossils once assigned to Raractocetus Kurosawa from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic amber deposits differ from extant Raractocetus in the longer elytra, the more strongly projecting metacoxae, and the hind wing with vein 2A forked. Thus, these fossils should be removed from Raractocetus. Cretoquadratus engeli Chen from Kachin amber appears to be conspecific with R. fossilis Yamamoto. As a result, R. fossilis and R. extinctus Yamamoto from Kachin amber, R. balticus Yamamoto from Baltic amber, and R. sverlilo Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto from Rovno amber are transferred to Cretoquadratus Chen, as C. fossilis (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. extinctus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. balticus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. sverlilo (Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. engeli syn. nov. is suggested to be a junior synonym of C. fossilis.

Effect of interfacial and edge roughness on magnetoelectric control of Co/Ni microdisks on PMN-PT(011)

Uniform magnetic behavior within arrays of magnetoelectric heterostructures is important for the development of reliable strain-mediated microdevices. Multiple mechanisms may contribute to observed nonuniform magnetization reversal including surface roughness, non-uniform strain, and fabrication induced imperfections. Here, Co/Ni microdisks of 7 µm diameter were produced on both [Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃]_1−x–[PbTiO₃]_x with x = 0.3 nominal composition (PMN-30PT) (011) and Si substrates, and the out-of-plane magnetization reversal was characterized using magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). Coercivity variation across the microdisks within the arrays was observed on both the PMN-30PT and Si specimens with zero electric field applied. Co/Ni microdisks on a PMN-30PT substrate displayed relatively larger coercivity than those on a Si substrate due to the surface roughness effect. Quasistatic electric fields of varying magnitude were applied to the PMN-30PT substrate to assess the dependence of the coercivity on electric field induced strain. Our results indicate that while coercivity decreases with the increase of electric field induced strain, interfacial and edge roughness combine to realize a prohibitively large coercivity to overcome within the Co/Ni microdisks as well as a broad distribution of coercive field across a patterned microdisk array.

Morphological phylogenetics provide new insights into the classification and evolution of fossil soldier beetles from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Cantharidae)

Cantharidae is a diverse group of soft-bodied beetles and frequently occurs in the Mid-Cretaceous (c. 99 Mya) amber of Myanmar. In the present paper, three new soldier beetles, Cretocantharis veda gen. & sp. nov., Palaeocantharispanna gen. & sp. nov. and Hukawngichthyurus maha sp. nov. are reported. A phylogenetic reconstruction of Cantharidae, including all extant subfamilies and tribes, corroborates a distinct lineage comprising cantharine-like cantharids from Burmese amber as sister to Silini (Silinae), revealing that the current subfamilial placement is probably inadequate. Together with our results and recent molecular phylogenetic frameworks, it reveals that subfamilies of Cantharidae evolved during the Cretaceous period and highlights a probable Gondwanan ancestry of main cantharid groups. Our topology also proposes that the systematically controversial tribe Tytthonyxini of Silinae constitutes an independent clade sister to Malthininae, rather than the component of Silinae. Furthermore, Archaeomalthodes rosetta, previously placed in Malthininae, is recovered as a member of Dysmorphocerinae, representing the oldest fossil record for this subfamily and enhancing the Gondwanan origin hypothesis of Burmese amber biota. The previous interpretation of reticulated elytra as a lycid-mimicry for the Cretaceous cantharid fossils and pleisiomorphy of Cantharidae are challenged and discussed.

Obesity associated pro-fibrotic protein augments fibrosis in heart

 

Chronic sterile inflammation in visceral fat has causal roles for systemic metabolic disorders in obesity. Inflamed visceral adipose tissue secretes pro-inflammatory adipokines, and this contributes to tissue remodeling under a metabolically stressed condition. Various kinds of white adipokines are broadly studied, however, roles of brown adipose tissue (BAT) derived adipokines (BATokine) remain to be explored. In this project, we tried to characterize pathogenic role of BATokine in obesity related fibrotic disorders, especially focusing on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). For this purpose, we analyzed two sets of DNA microarray data, and identified an obesity associated pro-fibrotic protein (OAFP) as a possible pathogenic BATokine. Our biobank studies showed OAFP increased in patients with diastolic dysfunction, and E/e' analyzed with cardiac echo increased in direct proportion to circulating OAFP level in humans. We generated dietary obese mice model, and found OAFP increased both in BAT and circulation. We generated a murine systemic or BAT specific OAFP knockout (KO) models, and found that obesity-induced diastolic dysfunction ameliorated in these models. Cardiac fibrosis was also suppressed by genetic depletion of OAFP. We found OAFP increased in circulation in aged humans and mice, and studies in chronologically aged mice showed this molecule increased in BAT with aging. Our results indicate that OAFP is secreted predominantly from BAT, and mediates pathogenic roles by augmenting cardiac fibrosis in dietary obesity or aging. Suppression of OAFP may become a therapy for HFpEF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cardiac mitofusin-1 is declined in non-responding patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background/Introduction

Mitochondria are dynamic regulators of cellular metabolism and homeostasis. The dysfunction of mitochondria has long been considered a major contributor to aging and age-related diseases. The prognosis of severe heart failure is still unacceptably poor and it is urgent to establish new therapies for this critical condition. Some patients with heart failure do not respond to established multidisciplinary treatment and they are classified as “non-responders”. The outcome is especially poor for non-responders, and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Purpose

Studies indicate mitochondrial dysfunction has causal roles for metabolic remodeling in the failing heart, but underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. This study tried to elucidate the role of Mitofusin-1 in a failing heart.

Methods

We examined twenty-two heart failure patients who underwent endomyocardial biopsy of intraventricular septum. Patients were classified as non-responders when their left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction did not show more than 10% improvement at remote phase after biopsy. Fourteen patients were classified as responders, and eight as non-responders. Electron microscopy, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence studies were performed to explore the biological processes or molecules involved in failure to respond. In addition to studies with cardiac tissue specific knockout mice, we also conducted functional in-vitro studies with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes.

Results

Twenty-two patients with IDCM who underwent endomyocardial biopsy were enrolled in this study, including 14 responders and 8 non-responders. Transmission electron microscopy (EM) showed a significant reduction in mitochondrial size in cardiomyocytes of non-responders compared to responders. Quantitative PCR revealed that transcript of mitochondrial fusion protein, Mitofusin-1, was significantly reduced in non-responders. Studies with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) indicated that the beta-1 adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling pathway negatively regulates Mitofusin-1 expression. Suppression of Mitofusin-1 resulted in a significant reduction in mitochondrial respiration of NRVMs. We generated left ventricular pressure overload model with thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) in cardiac specific Mitofusin-1 knockout model (c-Mfn1 KO). Systolic function was reduced in c-Mfn1 KO mice, and EM study showed an increase in dysfunctional mitochondria in the KO group subjected to TAC.

Conclusions

Mitofusin-1 becomes a biomarker for non-responders with heart failure. In addition, our results suggest that therapies targeting mitochondrial dynamics and homeostasis would become next generation therapy for severe heart failure patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Circulating pro fibrotic protein promotes fibrosis in liver

Background/Introduction

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), driven by the obesity epidemic, has become the most common form of liver disease. Inflamed visceral adipose tissue secretes pro-inflammatory adipokines that are causal for systemic metabolic disorders. Role of adipokines in NASH, especially those from brown adipose tissues (BATokine) remain unclear.

Purpose

To show the pathogenic role of BATokine in NASH.

Methods

To identify and characterize the pathological roles of pro-fibrotic BATokine, we generated a murine obese NASH model by imposing a high fat diet in C57BL6/NCr mice, and murine systemic or BAT specific knockout (KO) models. We also conducted functional in-vitro studies with differentiated brown adipocytes.

Results

Analyzing two sets of DNA micro array data with bioinformatics, we identified a secreted form pro-fibrotic protein (sPFP) expressed in dysfunctional brown adipose tissues (BAT) in mice. Testing our biobank samples, we found this protein increased in plasma of NASH patients. We generated a murine obese NASH model by imposing a high fat diet in C57BL6/NCr mice for 9–10 months since 4 weeks of age, and found that sPFP is produced predominantly by BAT. In this model, we also found that sPFP increased in plasma. We generated a murine systemic or BAT specific sPFP knockout (KO) models and found that liver fibrosis ameliorated in these models. We also suppressed circulating sPFP with a peptide vaccine targeting this molecule, and found that sPFP vaccination therapy inhibited liver fibrosis. Next, we generated sPFP gain of function (GOF) model by the administration of plasmid encoding sPFP into skeletal muscle. Liver fibrosis augmented in sPFP-GOF model, and these results suggested that sPFP has causal role for the progression of fibrotic response in liver. In vitro studies with differentiated brown adipocytes showed that metabolic stress increased c-Fos in nuclear, and this was causal for an increase in sPFP level.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that one of the BATokines, sPFP, contributes for the progression of fibrotic responses in obese-NASH model. Inhibition of sPFP may become a therapy for NASH or obesity related fibrotic disorders.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cephalomalthinus simplicicornis (Wittmer, 1993) rev. stat. et comb. n.: a resurrected soldier beetle (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) from Taiwan based on morphological and molecular data

The genus Cephalomalthinus Pic, 1921 is a diverse group of soldier beetles known from East Asia, with modifications on the male antennae, which are traditionally used for species delimitation. However, antennae are uniform in some Cephalomalthinus groups, thus making species identification difficult. In this study, both morphological and molecular data are applied to solve the generic classification and species status of Micropodabrus simplicicornis Wittmer, 1993, which was recently synonymized with Cephalomalthinus formosanus (Pic, 1910). We analyzed holotypes, multiple specimens and DNA barcodes to re-examine the validity of this synonymy. The results suggest that M. simplicicornis should be resurrected from the synonymy with C. formosanus, and a new combination, Cephalomalthinus simplicicornis (Wittmer, 1993) rev. stat. et comb. n., is proposed accordingly. The results highlight the value of multisource taxonomy and the discordance between molecular and morphological data.

Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Omineus Lewis, 1895 in Taiwan, with description of two new species (Coleoptera, Mycteridae, Eurypinae)

The fauna of Mycteridae Blanchard, 1845 in Taiwan is small, with only two documented species. In the present paper, two new species of Omineus Lewis, 1895 are described: O. taiwanensis sp. nov. and O. chuangae sp. nov., highlighting the potential diversity of this family in Taiwan. New species descriptions are supplemented with photographs and illustrations of habitus and salient structures of both sexes. A key for the identification of Omineus species in Taiwan is provided.

Omophorus (Sinomophorus) wallacei: a new weevil from Borneo highlights the enigmatic Ethiopian-Oriental disjunct distribution (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Molytinae)

In the present study we describe a new species of the genus Omophorus, O. (Sinomophorus) wallacei sp. nov., from Malaysian Borneo. Photographs of habitus and genitalia, a distribution map, and a key for the identification of Omophorus species are included. The definition of the subgenus Sinomophorus is revised and several new diagnostic characters are added. This is the first documented occurrence of Omophorus in Borneo, highlighting its potential diversity in the Oriental region and providing additional evidence of Ethiopian-Oriental disjunction within this genus.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Protanilla (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Leptanillinae) from Taiwan

A new species of Protanilla Taylor, 1990, P. jongi sp. nov., from Taiwan is described and illustrated, along with a supplementary description of the queen morphology of P. lini Terayama, 2009 and biological notes of Protanilla species. Furthermore, Furcotanilla Xu, 2012 is considered a junior synonym of Protanilla on reanalysis of purported diagnostic characters. A key to the world fauna of genus Protanilla based on the worker caste is provided.

Description of the mature larva of Pseudopyrochroa depressa (Pic) (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae), with comparison to other Taiwanese Pseudopyrochroa

Field collections and rearing has established an association between the larva and adult of the Taiwanese Pseudopyrochroa depressa. Larvae were collected from beneath bark of the exposed portions of a dead, decaying log in a mesic montane forest and successfully reared to the adult stage. The mature larva is described and salient features are illustrated and compared to other known pyrochroid larvae from Taiwan. Notes on larval habitats and natural history are also provided.

Review of the genus Stenothemus Bourgeois from Taiwan, with description of three new species (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) and additional distributional records of previously known species

The genus Stenothemus Bourgeois from Taiwan is reviewed, with description of three new species: S. lupus sp. nov., S. gemini sp. nov. and S. vulpecula sp. nov. Each species is described with photos of habitus, and the new species also include illustrations of aedeagi, female genitalia and abdominal ventrite VII (= sternite VIII) of female if available. In addition, the female of S. mamorui Okushima & M. Satô, 1999 is described for the first time, and female genitalia and the abdominal ventrite VII are illustrated. A distribution map of Stenothemus from Taiwan is presented, and an updated key for the identification of Stenothemus species from Taiwan is given.

A new species of Synchroa Newman from China (Coleoptera: Synchroidae)

The family Synchroidae Lacordaire, 1859 is a small group of beetles with an elongate, tapered, and slightly flattened body and brownish to black coloration. Members exhibit morphological similarity to some genera of Melandryidae, but can be distinguished based on larval morphology and the unmodified apical maxillary palpomeres. They are widely distributed throughout the Oriental, Palaearctic and Nearctic regions and possess the highest species diversity in Eastern Asia (Nikitsky 1999; Hsiao 2015). Synchroa bark beetles had been viewed as members of the Melandryidae for a long time, but were treated as an independent family in Böving & Craighead (1931). Crowson (1966) followed Böving & Craighead's treatment and suggested close relatives among the members of Zopheridae and Stenotrachelidae based on both larval and adult characters. Currently, only 8 species distributed amongst three genera have been described in this family: Mallodrya Horn, 1888 is a monotypical genus from North America; Synchroa Newman, 1838, the nominal genus and the largest genus widely distributed in North America, east Palearctic region and the Oriental region, including 5 species; Synchroina Fairmaire, 1898 is from the Oriental region and includes two species. (Nikitsky 1999; Hsiao 2015).Recently, the first author had the opportunity to examine the collection of the Museum of Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (SYSBM) discovering one remarkable species of Synchroa with dark coloration and a narrow prothorax, which are very different from previously described species of this genus. After careful examination and comparisons to other described species it is described here as new. In addition, an updated key to the world species of Synchroa is provided.

Descriptions of the mature larvae for two species of Pseudopyrochroa from Taiwan (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae), with notes on their natural history

Field collections and rearing have established the first species-level associations for larvae of Pyrochroidae from Taiwan. Larvae of Pseudopyrochroa carinifrons and Pseudopyrochroa fainanensis were collected from beneath bark and in coarse, decaying woody debris of dead logs and successfully reared to the respective adult stages. The mature larvae are described and salient features are illustrated. Notes on larval habitats and natural history are also provided.

Description of two new species of the genus Stenothemus from Taiwan (Coleoptera: Cantharidae)

Two new species of the genus Stenothemus Bourgeois are described from Taiwan, under the names of S. seediq sp. nov. and S. cou sp. nov. Both species are provided with photos of habitus and illustrations of aedeagi, the seventh abdominal ventrites of females, and a distribution map for both the new species is presented. A key for the identification of Stenothemus species from Taiwan is given.

Monte Carlo simulations of therapeutic proton beams for relative biological effectiveness of double-strand break

PURPOSE

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values relative to (60)Co for the induction of double-strand breaks (DSB) were calculated for therapeutic proton beams. RBE-weighted absorbed doses were determined at different depths in a water phantom for proton beams.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The depth-dose distributions and the fluence spectra for primary protons and secondary particles were calculated using the FLUKA (FLUktuierende KAskade) MC (Monte Carlo) transport code. These spectra were combined with the MCDS (Monte Carlo damage simulation) code to simulate the spectrum-averaged yields of clustered DNA lesions. RBE for the induction of DSB were then determined at different depths in a water phantom for the unmodulated and modulated proton beams.

RESULTS

The maximum RBE for the induction of DSB at 1 Gy absorbed dose was found about 1.5 at 0.5 cm distal to the Bragg peak maximum for an UNMODULATED 160 MeV proton beam. The RBE-weighted absorbed dose extended the biologically effective range of the proton beam by 1.9 mm. The corresponding maximum RBE value was inversely proportional to the proton beam energy, reaching a value of about 1.9 for 70 MeV proton beam. For a modulated 160 MeV proton beam, the RBE weightings were more pronounced near the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) distal edge.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that a fast MCDS code could be used to simulate the DNA damage yield for therapeutic proton beams. Simulated RBE for the induction of DSB were comparable to RBE measured in vitro and in vivo. Depth dependent RBE values in the SOBP region might have to be considered in certain treatment situations.

Cellular dosimetry and microdosimetry for internal electron emitters

Radiobiological descriptions of cellular dosimetry and microdosimetry require both radiation dose and radiation quality. The lineal energy, defined as a ratio of the energy deposition by a particle in the biological target and the mean chord length of this target, is generally adopted to characterise the radiation quality. Most microdosimetry applications assume that the cell nucleus is the target region. Therefore, the lineal energy is obtained for the source (S) to target (T) geometry, T ← S, where S = cell surface, cytoplasm, cell nucleus and T = cell nucleus. The definition of lineal energy is based on the approximation that the particle mean pathlength is equal to target mean chord length. This approximation is valid for crossers of external irradiations. In the case of starters, insiders and stoppers of internal sources, particle pathlengths are always shorter than target chord lengths. Thus, the lineal energy does not reflect the specific energy deposition along particle path. In the present work, the specific energy deposition in a target is calculated using three distance parameters, i.e. target mean chord length, particle mean pathlength in the target and particle individual pathlength in the target. Monte Carlo calculations are performed for electrons of various energies and cells of different sizes. Results are analysed and discussed.

Highly Regioselective Friedländer Reaction

[reaction: see text]. A highly regioselective Friedländer reaction is described. By introduction of a phosphonate group at one of the alpha-carbons of a ketone, regioselectivity can be perfectly controlled.

Synthesis of an anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carbapenem via stannatrane-mediated Stille coupling

[formula: see text] A short synthesis of carbapenem 1 is described. They key step involves the cross-coupling of an enol triflate with an amino-substituted sp3 carbon. This cross-couping, which allows the introduction of the complete side chain in one step, utilizes a stannatrane as the heteroalkyl transfer reagent.

Preparation of crystalline p-nitrobenzyl 2-formyl carbapenems by oxidative cleavage

Crystalline 1beta-methyl-2-formyl carbapenem pNB esters were prepared by osmium-mediated oxidative cleavage of the corresponding 2-vinyl derivatives. Reduction of the 2-formyl compounds gave the corresponding 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives, which are key intermediates for the anti-MRS carbapenem candidate (1).