Phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of woody forest tree family Aceraceae based on plastid phylogenomics and nuclear gene variations.

The forest tree family Aceraceae is widespread in the northern hemisphere and it has ecological and economic importance. However, the phylogenetic relationships and classifications within the family are still controversial due to transitional intraspecific morphological characteristics and introgression hybridization among species. In this study, we determined the evolutionary relationships and molecular evolution of Aceraceae based on plastid phylogenomics and two nuclear gene variations. Phylogenetic analysis based on the plastid genomes suggested that Aceraceae species can be divided into two larger sub-clades corresponding to the two genera Acer and Dipteronia. Conjoint analysis of the plastid and nuclear gene sequences supported the classification with two genera in the family. Molecular dating showed that the two genera diverged 60.2 million years ago, which is generally consistently with previously reported results. Divergence hotspots and positively selected genes identified in the plastid genomes could be useful genetic resources in Aceraceae.

An illustrated key to the species of subgenus Gyrostoma Kirby, 1828 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) from China, with discovery of Polistes (Gyrostoma) tenuispunctia Kim, 2001.

The Chinese species of the subgenus Gyrostoma Kirby, 1828 of the polistine genus Polistes are reviewed. An illustrated key to the seven species of the subgenus known from China is given. New synonymy are proposed for Polistes rothneyi Cameron, 1900 =P. rothneyi grahami van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. hainanensis van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. iwatai van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. gressitti van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. tibetanus van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; = P. r. yayeyamae Matsumura, 1908, syn. nov.; =P. r. koreanus van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. sikkimensis van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.. P. (Gyrostoma) tenuispuntia Kim, 2001 is newly recorded from China. Its nest is described for the first time. Compared with the sympatric and similar species P. rothneyi f. grahami the nest is concealed in a hollow space instead of having the nest directly exposed under an eave as in P. rothneyi. The differences in nest architecture are briefly discussed.

Confirmation of the valid specific status of Dolichovespulakuami Kim & Yoon, 1996 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence.

The taxonomic validity of Dolichovespulakuami, especially in relation to D.flora, has been the subject of a long-term debate. Herein, the valid specific status of the former was supported through an integrated analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes. The pronotal rugae and male genitalia of the two species are different, and partial mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) indicate that they form significantly distinct lineages. The hitherto unknown male of D.kuami is described for the first time, and a brief discussion of the D.maculata species group is provided.

Diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato) copper(II) (CuII(atsm)) protects against peroxynitrite-induced nitrosative damage and prolongs survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive paralyzing disease characterized by tissue oxidative damage and motor neuron degeneration. This study investigated the in vivo effect of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato) copper(II) (CuII(atsm)), which is an orally bioavailable, blood-brain barrier-permeable complex. In vitro the compound inhibits the action of peroxynitrite on Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and subsequent nitration of cellular proteins. Oral treatment of transgenic SOD1G93A mice with CuII(atsm) at presymptomatic and symptomatic ages was performed. The mice were examined for improvement in lifespan and motor function, as well as histological and biochemical changes to key disease markers. Systemic treatment of SOD1G93A mice significantly delayed onset of paralysis and prolonged lifespan, even when administered to symptomatic animals. Consistent with the properties of this compound, treated mice had reduced protein nitration and carbonylation, as well as increased antioxidant activity in spinal cord. Treatment also significantly preserved motor neurons and attenuated astrocyte and microglial activation in mice. Furthermore, CuII(atsm) prevented the accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated and fragmented TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in spinal cord, a protein pivotal to the development of ALS. CuII(atsm) therefore represents a potential new class of neuroprotective agents targeting multiple major disease pathways of motor neurons with therapeutic potential for ALS.

Description of a new species of Megischus Brullé (Hymenoptera, Stephanidae), with a key to the species from China.

A new species of the genus Megischus Brullé, 1846, Megischus kuafu Ge & Tan, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. The key to all four species from China is included. A distribution map of the Chinese species is added.

An illustrated key to the species of Gasteruption Latreille (Hymenoptera, Gasteruptiidae) from Palaearctic China, with description of four new species.

Four new species of the genus Gasteruption Latreille, 1797 (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea: Gasteruptiidae: Gasteruptiinae) are described from China. Three are from Shaanxi (NW China; G. granulatum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov., G. pedion Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov., and G. reductum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov.) and one from S China and Ningxia (G. kexinae Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov.). Eleven species are newly recorded for Shaanxi (G. abeillei Kieffer, 1912, G. amoyense Pasteels, 1958, G. bimaculatum Pasteels, 1958, G. corniculigerum Enderlein, 1913, G. latitibia Zhao, van Achterberg & Xu, 2012, G. minutum (Tournier, 1877), G. nigritarse (Thomson, 1883), G. parvicollarium Enderlein, 1913, G. sinarum Kieffer, 1911, G. subtile (Thomson, 1883) and G. brevicuspis Kieffer, 1911). The newly-recorded species and the new species are keyed and illustrated. Two new synonyms are proposed: G. rufescenticorne Enderlein, 1913, with G. japonicum Cameron, 1888, syn. nov. and G. oriplanum Kieffer, 1911, with G. minutum (Tournier, 1877), syn. nov.

New Gnamptodontinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from China and Vietnam, with two genera new for China and seven new species.

The genus Pseudognaptodon Fischer, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Gnamptodontinae) is reported for the first time from the Palaearctic region, Neognamptodon Belokobylskij, 1999 is new for the Oriental region and both genera are new for China. Seven new species are described and fully illustrated: Pseudognaptodon sinensis Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Shaanxi), P. curvinervis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. bidoupensis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. longi van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam, Neognamptodon laticauda Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Yunnan), Tamdaona brevizona van Achterberg, sp. n. and T. sculpturata van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam. A key to the tribes and genera of the Gnamptodontinae are given, together with keys to species of Pseudognaptodon (Old World), Neognamptodon, and Tamdaona Belokobylskij, 1994.                The phylogeny and distribution of the Gnamptodontinae is discussed, Tamdaona Belokobylskij, is transferred from the Exothecinae to the Gnamptodontinae, and included in a new tribe, Tamdaonini van Achterberg, trib. n., together with Neognamptodon Belokobylskij. Gnamptodon novobritannicus Fischer, 1971, from Bismarck Archipelago is transferred to the latter genus (Neognamptodon novobritannicus (Fischer, 1971) comb. n.). Pseudognaptodon striatus Williams, 2004 (not P. striatus Braga Penteado-Dias, 2002), is renamed P. williamsi van Achterberg, nom. n., and P. carinatus Williams, 2004 (not P. carinatus Cirelli Penteado-Dias, 2002) is renamed P. carinatoides van Achterberg, nom. n. Tobiasnusa Papp, 2004, is a new synonym of Alysdacnusa Tobias Perepetchayenko, 1995 (syn. n.) and Alysdacnusa atomus (Papp, 2004) is a new combination (comb. n.).

Review of the Bobekia-group (Braconidae, Alysiinae, Alysiini), with description of a new genus and a new subgenus.

The world genera of the Bobekia-group of Alysiini (Braconidae: Alysiinae) are reviewed and keyed. A new genus (Neodiasta gen. nov.) is proposed for Phasmidiasta ecuadorensis Fischer, 2006, from Ecuador. One new subgenus (Parabobekoides subg. nov.; type species Separatatus (Parabobekoides) yinshanisp. nov. from NW China) is described and illustrated. Neosymphanes Belokobylskij, 1998 is a new synonym of Bobekia Niezabitowski, 1910 (syn. nov.).

Sexual variation in two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China, with description of female of Helorus caii He amp; Xu.

The intra-specific variation of two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China is studied and for the first time the sexual variation in Chinese Helorus species is described. Both sexes of Helorus antefurcalis He Xu, 2015 (new for Shaanxi) and H. caii He Xu, 2015 (up to now only known from one male), are described and illustrated. Helorus xinjiangensis He Xu, [June] 2015, is a new junior synonym of H. alborzicus Izadizadeh, van Achterberg Talebi, [April] 2015 and H. elgoni Risbec, 1950, is re-instated as valid species. A revised key to the Old World species of Helorus Latreille (except Australian region) is included.

Corrigenda: Tan J-L, Carpenter JM, van Achterberg C (2018) An illustrated key to the genera of Eumeninae from China, with a checklist of species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). ZooKeys 740: 109-149. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.740.22654.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.740.22654.].

Northeast Asian Allorhynchium van der Vecht (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), with a key to Oriental species.

The Oriental species of Allorhynchium van der Vecht, 1963 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) are keyed for the first time and their distribution is summarised, with special reference to China and Vietnam. Archancistrocerus Giordani Soika, 1986, is synonymized with Allorhynchium van der Vecht (syn. nov.). Allorhynchium diffinis (Giordani Soika, 1986) is a new combination and A. quadrimaculatum Gusenleitner, 1997, is recorded from Vietnam for the first time.

Parastephanellus Enderlein (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae) revisited, with description of two new species from China.

Two new species of Parastephanellus Enderlein, 1906 (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae) are described and illustrated from China: P. evexus Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. and P. yixiwui Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. The male of P. brevicoxalis Hong, van Achterberg Xu, 2011, is described and the supposed male by Chen et al. (2016) is included in P. evexus. Parastephanellus austrochinensis Belokobylskij, 1995, (former synonym of P. brevistigma Enderlein, 1913) is reinstated. A new key to the species of Parastephanellus Enderlein from China is provided and all species are illustrated.

Five new species of Utetes Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Opiinae) from NW China.

Five new species of the genus Utetes Foerster, 1863 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Opiinae) are reported from Shaanxi and Ningxia provinces (NW China). The new species (U. aharmus sp. n., U. elongisulcus sp. n., U. karsius sp. n., U. stenotus sp. n. and U. subrosae sp. n.) are keyed and fully illustrated. Opiognathus pratensis (Weng Chen, 2005) comb. n., Apo-desmia punctata (Chen Weng, 2005) comb. n. and Phaedrotoma saltator (Telenga, 1950) comb. n. are new combinations.

New species of Trigonalyidae (Hymenoptera) from NW China.

Four new species of Trigonalyidae are described and illustrated from Qinling Mts (Shaanxi, NW China): Bareogonalos xibeidai Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Jezonogonalos mandibularissp. n., J. shaanxiensissp. n., and Taeniogonalos paraclypeatasp. n.Orthogonalys hirasana Teranishi, 1929, is re-instated and reported from China. The female of Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991) is described for the first time. In total, 18 species are known from Shaanxi province, 20 species for NW China, and eight described species are newly recorded for Shaanxi: Jezonogonalos luteata Chen et al., 2014, Orthogonalys hirasana Teranishi, 1929, O. elongata Teranishi, 1929, Pseudogonalos hahnii (Spinola, 1840), Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991), T. formosana (Bischoff, 1913), T. taihorina (Bischoff, 1914), and Teranishia glabrata Chen et al., 2014. Poecilogonalos maga Teranishi, 1929, syn. n. and Taiwanogonalos claripennis Tsuneki, 1991, syn. n. are new synonyms of Taeniogonalos taihorina (Bischoff, 1914) and Taiwanogonalos alishana Tsuneki, 1991, syn. n. of Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991). Revised keys to species of the genera Bareogonalos, Jezonogonalos, and Orthogonalys are included.

The mitochondrial genome of the Vespa bicolor Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae).

Here, we report the first representative mitochondrial genome of the subfamily Vespinae (Hymenopterea: Vespidae) from the Vespa bicolor Fabricius (GenBank accession No. KJ735511). Nearly complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced with a length of 16,937 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA and 20 tRNA genes, as well as a portion of A+T-rich region. Two tRNA genes, i.e. trnI and trnY, were failed to sequence, which were presumed to be located within a region between A+T-rich region and trnM-trnQ-nad2. In the V. bicolor mitochondrial genome, at least three tRNA genes were rearranged. trnY was rearranged to the unsequenced region between A+T-rich region and trnM-trnQ-nad2. trnL1 was rearranged from a location between nad1 and rrnL to the upstream of nad1 gene. trnS1 and trnE were shuffled in the tRNA cluster of trnA-trnR-trnN-trnS1-trnE-trnF. Our study showed that the mitochondrial genomes between Vespinae and Polistinae shared more arrangement pattern than that between Vespinae and Eumeninae.

Four new species of Gasteruption Latreille from NW China, with an illustrated key to the species from Palaearctic China (Hymenoptera, Gasteruptiidae).

Four new species of the genus Gasteruption Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea: Gasteruptiidae: Gasteruptiinae) are reported from NW China: three from Shaanxi province and one from Ningxia province. The new species (Gasteruption bicoloratum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Gasteruption huangshii Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Gasteruption pannuceum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., and Gasteruption shengi Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n.) and three newly recorded species (Gasteruption sinepunctatum Zhao, van Achterberg & Xu, 2012, Gasteruption boreale (Thomson, 1883) and Gasteruption oshimense Watanabe, 1924) are keyed and fully illustrated. In total, seven species are known from Shaanxi province, which is approximately half of the expected number. The East Palaearctic specimens provisionally identified as Gasteruption tournieri Schletterer, 1885, by Zhao et al. (2012) are included under Gasteruption oshimense Watanabe, 1924.

A new genus Carinopius gen. n. of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) from China and Vietnam, with description of a new species.

Carinopius gen. n. (type species: Carinopius albocoxalis Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n.) from China (Yunnan) and Vietnam is described and illustrated (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae).

Review of the East Palaearctic and North Oriental Psyttalia Walker, with the description of three new species (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Opiinae).

The East Palaearctic and North Oriental species of the genus Psyttalia Walker (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Opiinae) are reviewed. Three new species are described and illustrated: Psyttalia latinervis Wu & van Achterberg, sp. n. and Psyttalia majocellata Wu & van Achterberg, sp. n. from China, and Psyttalia spectabilis van Achterberg, sp. n. from Japan. Coeloreuteus formosanus Watanabe, 1934, Opius (Lissosema) proclivis Papp, 1981, Opius (Psyttalia) subcyclogaster Tobias, 1998, Opius (Psyttalia) darasunicus Tobias, 1998, Opius (Psyttalia) cyclogastroides Tobias, 1998, Psyttalia extensa Weng & Chen, 2001, and Rhogadopsis longicaudifera Li & van Achterberg, 2013, are new synonyms of Psyttalia cyclogaster (Thomson, 1895); Opius (Psyttalia) ophthalmicus Tobias, 1977, and Opius (Psyttalia) brevitemporalis Tobias, 1998, of Psyttalia carinata (Thomson, 1895) and both Opius (Psyttalia) vacuus Tobias, 1998, and Opius (Lissosema) longurius Chen & Weng, 1995, of Rhogadopsis mediocarinata (Fischer, 1963). Phaedrotoma daghestanicum (Telenga, 1950), Rhogadopsis mediocarinata (Fischer, 1963) and Rhogadopsis mystica (Fischer, 1963) are new combinations. New records are Psyttalia carinata (Thomson, 1895) from The Netherlands and Norway, and Psyttalia cyclogaster (Thomson, 1895) from Japan. A lectotype is designated for Psyttalia carinata (Thomson, 1895) and Psyttalia cyclogaster (Thomson, 1895). A key to the East Palaearctic and North Oriental species of the genus Psyttalia Walker is included.

In vitro gamma-secretase cleavage of the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein correlates to a subset of presenilin complexes and is inhibited by zinc.

The gamma-secretase complex mediates the final proteolytic event in Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta biogenesis. This membrane complex of presenilin, anterior pharynx defective, nicastrin, and presenilin enhancer-2 cleaves the C-terminal 99-amino acid fragment of the amyloid precursor protein intramembranously at gamma-sites to form C-terminally heterogeneous amyloid-beta and cleaves at an epsilon-site to release the intracellular domain or epsilon-C-terminal fragment. In this work, two novel in vitro gamma-secretase assays are developed to further explore the biochemical characteristics of gamma-secretase activity. During development of a bacterial expression system for a substrate based on the amyloid precursor protein C-terminal 99-amino acid sequence, fragments similar to amyloid-beta and an epsilon-C-terminal fragment were observed. Upon purification this substrate was used in parallel with a transfected source of substrate to measure gamma-secretase activity from detergent extracted membranes. With these systems, it was determined that recovery of size-fractionated cellular and tissue-derived gamma-secretase activity is dependent upon detergent concentration and that activity correlates to a subset of high molecular mass presenilin complexes. We also show that by changing the solvent environment with dimethyl sulfoxide, detection of epsilon-C-terminal fragments can be elevated. Lastly, we show that zinc causes an increase in the apparent molecular mass of an amyloid precursor protein gamma-secretase substrate and inhibits its cleavage. These studies further refine our knowledge of the complexes and biochemical factors needed for gamma-secretase activity and suggest a mechanism by which zinc dysregulation may contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

A new species of Pseudomegischus van Achterberg from China, with a key to the species (Hymenoptera, Stephanidae).

The genus Pseudomegischus van Achterberg, 2002, is newly reported from China. A new species, Pseudomegischus notiochinensis sp. n., is described and illustrated from southern China. A key to the species of Pseudomegischus is included.