2-(N-Benzyl-N-phenylsulfonamido)alkyl amide derivatives as γ-secretase inhibitors.

A series of (N-benzyl-N-phenylsulfonamido)alkyl amides were developed from classic and parallel synthesis strategies. Compounds with good in vitro and in vivo γ-secretase activity were identified and described.

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Ctenoptilum vasava (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) and Its Phylogenetic Implication.

We here report the first complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a skipper, Ctenoptilum vasava Moore, 1865 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae). The mt genome of the skipper is a circular molecule of 15,468 bp, containing 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 24 putative transfer RNA (tRNA), genes including an extra copy of trnS (AGN) and a tRNA-like insertion trnL (UUR), 13 protein-coding genes and an AT-rich region. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) are initiated by ATN codons and terminated by the typical stop codon TAA or TAG, except for COII which ends with a single T. The intergenic spacer sequence between trnS (AGN) and ND1 genes also contains the ATACTAA motif. The AT-rich region of 429 bp is comprised of nonrepetitive sequences, including the motif ATAGA followed by an 19 bp poly-T stretch, a microsatellite-like (AT)(3) (TA)(9) element next to the ATTTA motif, an 11 bp poly-A adjacent to tRNAs. Phylogenetic analyses (ML and BI methods) showed that Papilionoidea is not a natural group, and Hesperioidea is placed within the Papilionoidea as a sister to ((Pieridae + Lycaenidae) + Nymphalidae) while Papilionoidae is paraphyletic to Hesperioidea. This result is remarkably different from the traditional view where Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea are considered as two distinct superfamilies.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Parafronurus youi (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) and phylogenetic position of the Ephemeroptera.

The first complete mitochondrial genome of a mayfly, Parafronurus youi (Arthropoda: Insecta: Pterygota: Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae), was sequenced using a long PCR-based approach. The genome is a circular molecule of 15,481 bp in length, and encodes the set of 38 genes. Among them, 37 genes are found in other conservative insect mitochondrial genomes, and the 38(th) unique gene is trnM-like (trnM2). The duplication-random loss model can be used to explain one of the translocations at least. The A+T content of the control region is 57%, the lowest proportion detected so far in Hexapoda. Based on the nucleotide dataset and the corresponding amino acid dataset of 12 protein-coding genes, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses yielded stable support for the relationship of the three basal clades of winged insects as Ephemeroptera+(Odonata+Neoptera).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Symphylella sp. (Myriapoda: Symphyla): Extensive gene order rearrangement and evidence in favor of Progoneata.

We determined the complete 14,667bp mitochondrial DNA sequence of Symphylella sp., the first representative of the Scolopendrellidae (Arthropoda: Myriapoda: Symphyla). With respect to the ancestral arthropod mitochondrial gene order, two protein-coding genes, the rRNAs and 10 of the tRNAs appear to be rearranged. This rearrangement is novel in the arthropods and genes with identical transcriptional polarity are clustered except for trnE, trnN and putative control region (CR), resembling two previously reported diplopod genomes. A duplication/loss (random and non-random)-recombination model was proposed to account for the generation of the gene order in Symphylella sp. All phylogenetic analysis yielded strong support for a clade of Symphyla plus Diplopoda, i.e., Progoneata. However, the phylogenetic position of Myriapoda within Arthropoda remains unclear. The amino acid dataset gives strong support for an affinity to Pancrustacea, while the nucleotide dataset weakly supports Myriapoda grouped with Chelicerata.

Design, synthesis, and antibacterial activities of novel 3,6-bicyclolide oximes: length optimization and zero carbon linker oximes.

We designed and synthesized a series of novel 3,6-bicyclolide oximes, possessing linkers of varying lengths to the secondary binding site. The E isomers exhibited excellent antibacterial profiles against a broad spectrum of resistant pathogens.

Synthesis of 3,6-bicyclolides: a novel class of macrolide antibiotics.

The synthesis of 3,6-bicyclolides from erythromycin A oxime is described. This novel class of bridged bicyclic macrolides demonstrates potent in vitro and in vivo activities against a broad spectrum of bacteria including resistant respiratory tract pathogens.

Myriapod monophyly and relationships among myriapod classes based on nearly complete 28S and 18S rDNA sequences.

Myriapods play a pivotal position in the arthropod phylogenetic tree. The monophyly of Myriapoda and its internal relationships have been difficult to resolve. This study combined nearly complete 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences (3,826 nt in total) to estimate the phylogenetic position of Myriapoda and phylogenetic relationships among four myriapod classes. Our data set consists of six new myriapod sequences and homologous sequences for 18 additional species available in GenBank. Among the six new myriapod sequences, those of the one pauropod and two symphylans are very important additions because they were such difficult taxa to classify in past molecular-phylogenetic studies. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses. All methods yielded moderate to strong support for the monophyly of Myriapoda. Symphyla grouped strongly with Pauropoda under all analytical conditions. The KH test rejected the traditional view of Dignatha and Progoneata, and the topology obtained here, though not significantly supported, was Diplopoda versus ((Symphyla + Pauropoda) + Chilopoda).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epacanthaclisis banksi (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae).

The mitochondrial genome of Epacanthaclisis banksi (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) is a circular molecule of 15,870 bp in length, containing 37 typical mitochondrial genes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its gene order and arrangement are identical to the common type found in most insect mitogenomes. All PCGs start with a typical ATN codon except for the COI which uses TTA as its start codon; all PCGs terminate in the common stop codon TAA or TAG, except for the COI, COII, ND3 and ND5 which use single T as their stop codons. The non-coding AT-rich region is 1065 bp long, located between rrnS and tRNAlle genes. It contains some structures of repeated motifs and microsatellite-like elements characteristic of the neuropterids.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Ircinia sp. (Dictyoceratida: Irciniidae).

The mitochondrial genome of Ircinia sp. (Dictyoceratida: Irciniidae) is a circular molecule of 16,037 bp in length, containing 14 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 2 transfer RNA genes (trnW and trnM) and 13 non-coding segments. All genes are distributed in the same strand (H-strand). The overall base composition of the H-strand is as follows: T (37.84%), C (11.22%), A (24.81%), G (26.13%), with GC- and AT-skew of 0.399 and -0.208, respectively, reflecting unbalanced base composition between the two strands. The non-coding regions are 1190 bp in total length, with high AT content (76.31%). The current mitochondrial genome is identical to that of sibling species I. strobilina in gene order and contents, but differs from the latter in the presence of two kinds of repetitive sequences in the non-coding regions, of which one could form repetitive hairpin-forming elements.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Danaus chrysippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Danaus chrysippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) was determined. The 15,236 bp long genome encodes 13 putative proteins, two ribosomal RNAs, 22 tRNAs and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its gene arrangement pattern is identical to most of other lepidopteran species. All protein-coding genes start with a typical ATN codon with the exception of COI gene which uses CGA as its initial codon; all PCGs terminate in the common stop TAA or TAG, except COI, COII, ND5 and ND4 which use single T as their stop codons. A total of 102 bp intergenic spacers and a total of 33 bp overlapping sequences are interspersed throughout the whole genome. The mitogenome harbors 22 txRNAs as those of most insect species and all tRNA genes evidence the typical clover leaf secondary structures with the exception of tRNAser (AGN) who loses its dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. The lrRNA and srRNA genes are 1339 and 783 bp, with the AT contents of 84.1 and 84.8%, respectively. The non-coding AT-rich region is 418 bp long, and contains the motif ATAGA followed by a 21-bp poly-T stretch and a microsatellite-like (AT)9 element preceded by the ATTTA motif.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Hyattella sinuosa (Dictyoceratida: Spongiidae).

The mitochondrial genome of Hyattella sinuosa (Dictyoceratida: Spongiidae) is a circular molecule of 16,422 bp in length, containing 14 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 2 transfer RNA genes(trnW and trnM) and 13 non-coding segments. All genes are distributed in the same strand (H-strand). The overall base composition of the H-strand is as follows: T (37.72%), C (11.27%), A (25.14%), G (25.86%), with GC- and AT-skew of 0.393 and -0.2, respectively, reflecting unbalanced base composition between the two strands. The non-coding regions are 1240 bp in total length, with high-AT content (73.72%). The current mitochondrial genome is identical to that of Hippospongia Lachne (Family Spongiidae) in gene order and contents, except for the absence of the repeat hairpin-forming element (RHE) in the non-coding regions.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Scolopocryptops sp. (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopocryptopidae).

The first complete mitogenome sequence of Scolopendromorpha is reported herein. The mitochondrial genome of Scolopocryptops sp. (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopocryptopidae) is a circular molecule of 15,119 bp in length. The orientation and gene order of the Scolopocryptops mitogenome are identical to that of Limulus polyphemus, except that the position of trnL1 and trnL2 is interchanged. TrnS1 (AGN) lacks the dihydrouridine arm.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Hybris subjacens (Neuroptera:Ascalaphidae).

The mitochondrial genome of Hybris subjacens (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae) is a circular molecule of 15,873 bp in length, containing 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its gene order and arrangement are identical to the common type found in most insect mitogenomes. All PCGs start with a typical ATN codon except for COI and ND1 which use CTT and TTG as their start codon, respectively; all PCGs terminate in the common stop codon TAA or TAG, except for the COI and ND5 which use single T as their stop codons. The non-coding AT-rich region is 1051 bp long, located between rrnS and tRNA(lle) genes. It contains some structures of repeated motifs and microsatellite-like elements characteristic of the neuropterids.

An annotated checklist of Lithobiomorpha of China.

The lithobiomorph centipede fauna of China is listed here based on literature data. A total of 68 species in 15 genera/subgenera in 2 families, Henicopidae and Lithobiidae, has been recorded from China. Three genera and forty-four species are known only from China, including the monotypic genera Pterygotergum and Hedinobius. The original descriptions of 16 nominal species were based on specimens of single sex only and 13 nominal species of Lithobius have never been allocated to a subgenus. Lithobius (Lithobius) zhui Pei, Ma, Shi, Wu & Gai, 2011 is moved to subgenus Lithobius (Ezembius). Distribution data for each species is provided here to promote further studies on the Lithobiomorpha fauna of China. 

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cermatobius longicornis (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha: Henicopidae).

The first complete mitogenome sequence of Henicopidae is reported herein. The mitochondrial genome of Cermatobius longicornis (Lithobiomorpha: Henicopidae) is a circular molecule of 16,833 bp in length. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, a control region and a pseudo control region. The comparability of the last 396 bp between the control region and the pseudo control region is 70.3%. The alpha strand has the following nucleotide composition: A = 4858 (28.86%), T = 5813 (34.53%), C = 3184 (18.92%) and G = 2978 (17.69%). GC- and AT-skews for the alpha strand, which can reflect the base compositional differences between the two strands, are--0.03 and 0.09, respectively. The gene order of C. longicornis is identical to that of Limulus polyphemus, except for the extra pseudo control region.

Lithobius (Monotarsobius) monoforaminis sp. n., a new species of lithobiid centipede from central China (Chilopoda, Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae).

The present paper describes a new species Lithobius (Monotarsobius) monoforaminissp. n. (Lithobiomorpha: Lithobiidae) recently discovered from Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, Central China. Morphologically it resembles Lithobius (Monotarsobius) minimus Farzalieva, 2006 from Eastern Kazakhstan, but could be well distinguished from the latter having only one pore on the coxae of legs 12-15 and different plectrotaxy, and by lacking a wart on the male tibia 15. A key to the Chinese Lithobius (Monotarsobius) species is presented.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the five-dot sergeant Parathyma sulpitia (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae) and its phylogenetic implications.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Parathyma sulpitia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Limenitidinae) was determined. The entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule was 15 268 bp in size. Its gene content and organization were the same as those of other lepidopteran species, except for the presence of the 121 bp long intergenic spacer between trnS1(AGN) and trnE. The 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) started with the typical ATN codon, with the exception of the cox1 gene that used CGA as its initial codon. In addition, all protein-coding genes terminated at the common stop codon TAA, except the nad4 gene which used a single T as its terminating codon. All 22 tRNA genes possessed the typical clover leaf secondary structure except for trnS1(AGN), which had a simple loop with the absence of the DHU stem. Excluding the A+T-rich region, the mtDNA genome of P. sulpitia harbored 11 intergenic spacers, the longest of which was 121 bp long with the highest A+T content (100%), located between trnS1(AGN) and trnE. As in other lepidopteran species, there was an 18-bp poly-T stretch at the 3'-end of the A+T-rich region, and there were a few short microsatellite-like repeat regions without conspicuous macro-repeats in the A+T-rich region. The phylogenetic analyses of the published complete mt genomes from nine Nymphalidae species were conducted using the concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results indicated that Limenitidinae was a sister to the Heliconiinae among the main Nymphalidae lineages in this study, strongly supporting the results of previous molecular data, while contradicting speculations based on morphological characters.