The role of environmental factors in the spatial distribution of Japanese encephalitis in mainland China

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the most common cause of viral encephalitis and an important public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China where 50% of global cases are notified. To explore the association between environmental factors and human JE cases and identify the high risk areas for JE transmission in China, we used annual notified data on JE cases at the center of administrative township and environmental variables with a pixel resolution of 1 km×1 km from 2005 to 2011 to construct models using ecological niche modeling (ENM) approaches based on maximum entropy. These models were then validated by overlaying reported human JE case localities from 2006 to 2012 onto each prediction map. ENMs had good discriminatory ability with the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC) of 0.82-0.91, and low extrinsic omission rate of 5.44-7.42%. Resulting maps showed JE being presented extensively throughout southwestern and central China, with local spatial variations in probability influenced by minimum temperatures, human population density, mean temperatures, and elevation, with contribution of 17.94%-38.37%, 15.47%-21.82%, 3.86%-21.22%, and 12.05%-16.02%, respectively. Approximately 60% of JE cases occurred in predicted high risk areas, which covered less than 6% of areas in mainland China. Our findings will help inform optimal geographical allocation of the limited resources available for JE prevention and control in China, find hidden high-risk areas, and increase the effectiveness of public health interventions against JE transmission.

Mating compatibility between bactrocera invadens and bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White, is a highly polyphagous fruit pest that occurs predominantly in Africa yet has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. It is extremely morphologically and genetically similar to the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel); as such the specific relationship between these two species is unresolved. We assessed prezygotic compatibility between B. dorsalis and B. invadens using standardized field cage mating tests, which have proven effectiveness in tephritid cryptic species studies. These tests were followed by an assessment of postzygotic compatibility by examining egg viability, larval and pupal survival, and sex ratios of offspring produced from parental and subsequent F1 crosses to examine for hybrid breakdown as predicted under a two-species hypothesis. B. dorsalis was sourced from two countries (Pakistan and China), and each population was compared with B. invadens from its type locality of Kenya. B. invadens mated randomly with B. dorsalis from both localities, and there were generally high levels of hybrid viability and survival resulting from parental and F1 crosses. Furthermore, all but one hybrid cross resulted in equal sex ratios, with the single deviation in favor of males and contrary to expectations under Haldane's rule. These data support the hypothesis that B. dorsalis and B. invadens represent the same biological species, an outcome that poses significant implications for pest management and international trade for sub-Saharan Africa.

Palissya: A global review and reassessment of Eastern Gondwanan material

The conifer genus Palissya is reviewed giving special attention to assessing the reliability of Gondwanan material referred to this genus. The collection localities of Australasian specimens are mapped on palaeogeographic reconstructions of Eastern Gondwana at relevant times between 179 Ma and 119 Ma. Australasian and other Gondwanan material previously referred to Palissya is considered to differ substantially from the generic diagnosis. Specimens from the Toarcian of Australasia are shown to be allied to Knezourocarpon; this genus is only known from the Toarcian of eastern Australia. Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Australasian specimens previously referred to Palissya are likely allied to the Knezourocarponaceae fam. nov. The higher taxonomic affinity of this family is unknown but broadly, its structure is suggestive of ginkgoalean or pteridospermous affiliation. Southern hemisphere specimens were probably catkin-like and megascopically very different from the northern hemisphere Palissya and the two groups are unlikely to be closely related. Consequently, genuine Palissya cones and foliage appear to be restricted to the Rhaetian–Lower Jurassic of the northern hemisphere.

Egg parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), from south-east Queensland

Field surveys of egg parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were conducted at Redlands and Gatton, south-east Queensland. Eggs of P. xylostella were present all year round in both localities, and parasitized eggs were consistently found between late spring and early winter. Percent parasitism in the range 30–75% was recorded on many occasions, although rates less than 10% were more common. The major parasitoids included Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley. Laboratory evaluation showed that the T. pretiosum from Gatton has a high capacity to parasitize P. xylostella eggs under suitable conditions. This study represents the first record of egg parasitoids of P. xylostella from Australia.

Assessment of internal quality attributes of mandarin fruit. 2. NIR calibration model robustness

The robustness of multivariate calibration models, based on near infrared spectroscopy, for the assessment of total soluble solids (TSS) and dry matter (DM) of intact mandarin fruit (Citrus reticulata cv. Imperial) was assessed. TSS calibration model performance was validated in terms of prediction of populations of fruit not in the original population (different harvest days from a single tree, different harvest localities, different harvest seasons). Of these, calibration performance was most affected by validation across seasons (signal to noise statistic on root mean squared error of prediction of 3.8, compared with 20 and 13 for locality and harvest day, respectively). Procedures for sample selection from the validation population for addition to the calibration population (‘model updating’) were considered for both TSS and DM models. Random selection from the validation group worked as well as more sophisticated selection procedures, with approximately 20 samples required. Models that were developed using samples at a range of temperatures were robust in validation for TSS and DM.

Phylogeography of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Southwest Indian Ocean

Patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation were used to analyse the population genetic structure of southwestern Indian Ocean green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations. Analysis of sequence variation over 396 bp of the mtDNA control region revealed seven haplotypes among 288 individuals from 10 nesting sites in the Southwest Indian Ocean. This is the first time that Atlantic Ocean haplotypes have been recorded among any Indo-Pacific nesting populations. Previous studies indicated that the Cape of Good Hope was a major biogeographical barrier between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans because evidence for gene flow in the last 1.5 million years has yet to emerge. This study, by sampling localities adjacent to this barrier, demonstrates that recent gene flow has occurred from the Atlantic Ocean into the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope. We also found compelling genetic evidence that green turtles nesting at the rookeries of the South Mozambique Channel (SMC) and those nesting in the North Mozambique Channel (NMC) belong to separate genetic stocks. Furthermore, the SMC could be subdivided in two different genetic stocks, one in Europa and the other one in Juan de Nova. We suggest that this particular genetic pattern along the Mozambique Channel is attributable to a recent colonization from the Atlantic Ocean and is maintained by oceanic conditions in the northern and southern Mozambique Channel that influence early stages in the green turtle life cycle.

Developments in controlled green-water larval culture technologies for estuarine fishes in Queensland, Australia and elsewhere

Since 1989, researchers with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) in Queensland, Australia, have successfully used controlled low-water exchange green-water cultures to rear the larvae of estuarine fishes and crustaceans through to metamorphosis. High survivals and excellent fry condition have been achieved for several commercially important endemic species produced for various projects. They include barramundi or sea bass, Lates calcarifer, Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata, dusky flathead, Platycephalus fuscus, sand whiting, Sillago ciliata, red sea bream or snapper, Pagrus auratus, banana prawn, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, and others. The consistent success of our standardised and relatively simple approach at different localities has led to it being incorporated into general fingerling production practices at several establishments in Australia. Although post-metamorphosis rearing methods have differed for each species investigated, due to various biological and behavioural traits and project requirements, these larval rearing methods have been successful with few species-specific modifications. Initially modelled on the Taiwanese approach to rearing Penaeids in aerated low-water exchange cultures, the approach similarly appears to rely on a beneficial assemblage of micro-organisms. Conceptually, these micro-organisms may include a mixture of the air-borne primary invaders of pure phytoplankton cultures when exposed to outdoor conditions. Whilst this would vary with different sites, our experiences with these methods have consistently been favourable. Mass microalgal cultures with eco-physiological youth are used to regularly augment larval fish cultures so that rearing conditions simulate an exponential growth-phase microalgal bloom. Moderate to heavy aeration prevents settlement of particulate matter and encourages aerobic bacterial decomposition of wastes. The green-water larval rearing approach described herein has demonstrated high practical utility in research and commercial applications, and has greatly simplified marine finfish hatchery operations whilst generally lifting production capacities for metamorphosed fry in Australia. Its potential uses in areas of aquaculture other than larviculture are also discussed.

Naiset rajalla : Kyöpeli, Nainen, Naara(s), Neitsyt, Morsian, Akka ja Ämmä Suomen paikannimissä

Women at the boundary. Kyöpeli ( ghost, devil, elf, fairy, enchantress, witch ), Nainen ( woman ), Naara(s) ( female animal, derogatory term for a woman ), Neitsyt ( young, [virgin] woman ), Morsian ( bride ), Akka ( old woman, wife, grandmother ) and Ämmä ( [old] woman, wife, grandmother ) in Finnish place names This study examines a total of about 4,000 Finnish place names which include a specific that refers to a woman: Kyöpeli, Nainen, Naara(s), Neitsyt, Morsian, Akka or Ämmä. The study has two main objectives. First, to interpret the place names in the data, that is, to examine the words included in the data and establish their background and to differentiate names of different ages. In establishing the background of a name, the type of place (e.g. lake, hill or marsh) and its location, as well as the semantics of the feminine specific, are taken into account. The connotations of words referring to a woman are also studied. Words that refer to a woman are often affective and susceptible to changes in meaning, which is reflected in the history of place names. The second main objective is to recognise and highlight mythological place names. Mythology is pivotal for the interpretation of many place names with a feminine specific. The criteria for mythological names have not been explicitly discussed in Finnish onomastics until now, and I seek to determine such criteria in this study with the help of the data. Mythological place names often refer to large and significant natural localities, which are in many cases important boundaries for the community. Names for smaller localities may also be mythological if they refer to a place with a key location or a special topography (e.g. steep or rocky places). I also discuss the stories involved with specific places in the data, such as stories about supernatural beings. Each of the name groups discussed in the study has its own profile. For example, Naara(s) names are so old that naara is no longer understood to refer to a woman. These names have thus often been misinterpreted in onomastics. Names beginning with Morsian, on the other hand, appear to be of fairly recent origin and may be attributed to an international cautionary tale. Names beginning with Nais, Neitsyt, Akka and Ämmä highlight the duality of the data. They include both old names for important natural localities or boundaries and more recent names for modest dwellings, small cultivated areas and useless marshy ponds. This distribution of place names may reflect a cultural shift that changed the status of women in the community.

Concordant molecular and phenotypic data delineate new taxonomy and conservation priorities for the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog

The mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa sensu lato, once abundant in the Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada, and the disjunct Transverse Ranges of southern California, has declined precipitously throughout its range, even though most of its habitat is protected. The species is now extinct in Nevada and reduced to tiny remnants in southern California, where as a distinct population segment, it is classified as Endangered. Introduced predators (trout), air pollution and an infectious disease (chytridiomycosis) threaten remaining populations. A Bayesian analysis of 1901 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA confirms the presence of two deeply divergent clades that come into near contact in the Sierra Nevada. Morphological studies of museum specimens and analysis of acoustic data show that the two major mtDNA clades are readily differentiated phenotypically. Accordingly, we recognize two species, Rana sierrae, in the northern and central Sierra Nevada, and R. muscosa, in the southern Sierra Nevada and southern California. Existing data indicate no range overlap. These results have important implications for the conservation of these two species as they illuminate a profound mismatch between the current delineation of the distinct population segments (southern California vs. Sierra Nevada) and actual species boundaries. For example, our study finds that remnant populations of R. muscosa exist in both the southern Sierra Nevada and the mountains of southern California, which may broaden options for management. In addition, despite the fact that only the southern California populations are listed as Endangered, surveys conducted since 1995 at 225 historic (1899-1994) localities from museum collections show that 93.3% (n=146) of R. sierrae populations and 95.2% (n=79) of R. muscosa populations are extinct. Evidence presented here underscores the need for revision of protected population status to include both species throughout their ranges.

New species of Acraspisoides Hill & Winterton and Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg (Diptera: Therevidae: Agapophytinae), with the description of a new genus

The stiletto fly subfamily Agapophytinae is diverse and species rich in Australasia, with numerous undescribed species. A new species of Acraspisoides Hill & Winterton, A. monticola sp. nov., is described from females collected in montane localities in eastern Australia. Eight new species of Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg are also described, raising the total number of known species to 18. Five new species, B. affinis sp. nov., B. apluda sp. nov., B. bapsis sp. nov., B. webbi sp. nov. and B. zwicki sp. nov., all have a distinctive, forward-protruding head with antennae on a raised tubercle. Two other new species, B. argentea sp. nov. and B. jefferiesi sp. nov., are closely related to B. segnis (White), with very similar shaped male genitalia and body shape. An eighth species, B. lambkinae sp. nov., is closely related to B. clamosis Winterton & Skevington. Bonjeania and Acraspisoides are diagnosed and revised keys to species presented. An unusual new therevid, Vomerina humbug gen. et sp. nov., is also described and figured based on a series of males from New South Wales. This new genus likely represents the sister taxon to Bonjeania.

Managing mycotoxins in maize: Case studies

Mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize is neither common nor extensive, but has the capacity to seriously disrupt marketing. Low to moderate levels of aflatoxins and fumonisins can be widespread in some seasons, but zearalenone, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol are usually confined to small growing localities. Possible approaches to such situations were tested by an analysis of several case studies. It is concluded that communication and coordination across the industry, prediction and prevention of contamination, rapid detection and assessment of contamination, effective use of contaminated maize and breeding for resistance comprise a useful set of strategies for managing mycotoxins in maize.

Bibulocystis gloriosa sp nov (Pucciniales) on Caesalpinia scortechinii in Queensland, with comments on Spumula caesalpiniae

A rust causing leaf spotting and distortion of twigs and branches of Caesalpinia scortechinii in Queensland is described as the new species Bibulocystis gloriosa. Uredinia and telia occur on spotted pinnules, and pycnia, aecial uredinia and telia on galled and twisted leaf rachides, twigs and branches. B. gloriosa is similar to Bibulocystis viennotii on Albizia granulosa in New Caledonia in having a macrocyclic life cycle with all spore states, and teliospores with two fertile cells and two cysts. It differs in having aecial urediniospores and urediniospores with uniformly thickened walls and several scattered germ pores, rather than the apically thickened walls and equatorial germ pores of B. viennotii. Teliospores in the two species are similar in size, but those of B. gloriosa have proportionally larger fertile cells and smaller cysts than in B. viennotii. To date, B. gloriosa is known from only two localities in south-eastern Queensland. Comparison with the type specimen of Spumula caesalpiniae on Caesalpinia nuga from Indonesia has shown that the two rusts are generically distinct.

Wastewater remediation options for prawn farms - Aquaculture Industry Development Initiative 2002-04.

There are many potential bioremediation approaches that may be suitable for prawn farms in Queensland. Although most share generally accepted bioremediation principles, advocacy for different methods tends to vary widely. This diversity of approach is particularly driven by the availability and knowledge of functional species at different localities around the world. In Australia, little is known about the abilities of many native species in this regard, and translocation and biosecurity issues prevent the use of exotic species that have shown potential in other countries. Species selected must be tolerant of eutrophic conditions and ecological shifts, because prawn pond nutrient levels and pathways can vary with different assemblages of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Generally, they would be included in a constructed ecosystem because of their functional contributions to nutrient cycling and uptake, and to create nutrient sinks in forms of harvestable biomass. Wide salinity, temperature and water quality tolerances are also valuable attributes for selected species due to the sometimes-pronounced effects of environmental extremes, and to provide over-wintering options and adequate safety margins in avoiding mass mortalities. To practically achieve these bioremediation polycultures on a large scale, and in concert with the operations of a prawn farm, methods involving seed production, stock management, and a range of other farm engineering and product handling systems need to be reliably achievable and economically viable. Research funding provided by the Queensland Government through the Aquaculture Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) 2002-04 has enabled a number of technical studies into biological systems to treat prawn farm effluent for recirculation and improved environmental sustainability. AIDI bioremediation research in southern Queensland was based at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre (BIARC), and was conducted in conjunction with AIDI genetics and selection research, and a Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) funded program (Coast and Clean Seas Project No.717757). This report compilation provides a summary of some of the work conducted within these programs.

Influence of cyclonic winds on the performance of hardwood plantations in tropical north Queensland.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossed the far north Queensland coast at Mission Beach on February 3rd, 2011, shattering the regions developing hardwood plantation industry. The cyclone’s path covered the primary areas of hardwood and softwood plantations in this region, causing widespread destruction. The extent of cyclone damage, coupled with the weak international economy has resulted in a severe decline in industry confidence for the future of timber plantations in this region. This report reviews the impacts of Severe TC Yasi on the performance of key hardwood plantation species in north Queensland. It summarises the influence of species, genetics, plantation design, management and age on plantation resilience. The information will contribute to a “Best Practice Guide for Timber Plantations in Cyclonic Areas” to be produced by Timber Queensland. This will assist companies with future plantation investment decisions in the tropical cyclone zone. 2 200 trees were assessed, including 44 species at 32 localities located from Daintree to Townsville. Data are also presented for a post-cyclone assessment of 5 900 African mahogany trees on four sites in the Ingham region. A report prepared for the Timber Queensland project: Best Practice Guide for Timber Plantations in Cyclonic Areas.

Impact of a biological control agent, Chiasmia assimilis, on prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica ssp. indica) seedlings

A leaf-feeding geometrid, Chiasmia assimilis (Warren), was introduced into northern Queensland from South Africa in 2002 as a biological control agent for the invasive woody weed, prickly acacia, Acacia nilotica subsp. indica (Bentham) Brenan. The insect established in infestations in coastal areas between the townships of Ayr and Bowen where the larvae periodically cause extensive defoliation at some localities during summer and autumn. The impact of this herbivory on a number of plant parameters, including shoot length, basal stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, number of branches, and above and below ground biomass was investigated at one coastal site through an insect exclusion trial using potted seedlings and regular spray applications of a systemic insecticide to exclude the biological control agent. Half the seedlings, both sprayed and unsprayed, were placed beneath the prickly acacia canopy, the other half were placed in full sunlight. Larvae of C. assimilis were found on unsprayed seedlings in both situations. The effects of herbivory, however, were significant only for seedlings grown beneath the canopy. At the end of the five-month trial period, shoot length of these seedlings was reduced by 30%, basal stem diameter by 44%, root length by 15%, number of leaves by 97%, above ground biomass by 87%, and below ground biomass by 77% when compared to sprayed seedlings. Implications are that the insect, where established, may reduce seedling growth beneath existing canopies and in turn may help limit the formation of dense infestations. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.