Mitogenomic phylogeny,biogeography,and cryptic divergence of the genus Silurus(Siluriformes:Siluridae)

The genus Silurus,an important group of catfish,exhibits heterogeneous distribution in Eurasian freshwater systems.This group includes economically important and endangered species,thereby attracting considerable scientific interest.Despite this interest,the lack of a comprehensive phylogenetic framework impedes our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the extensive diversity found within this genus.Herein,we analyzed 89 newly sequenced and 20 previously published mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes)from 13 morphological species to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships,biogeographic history,and species diversity of Silurus.Our phylogenetic reconstructions identified eight clades,supported by both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference.Sequence-based species delimitation analyses yielded multiple molecular operational taxonomic units(MOTUs)in several taxa,including the Silurus asotus complex(four MOTUs)and Silurus microdorsalis(two MOTUs),suggesting that species diversity is underestimated in the genus.A reconstructed time-calibrated tree of Silurus species provided an age estimate of the most recent common ancestor of approximately 37.61 million years ago(Ma),with divergences among clades within the genus occurring between 11.56 Ma and 29.44 Ma,and divergences among MOTUs within species occurring between 3.71 Ma and 11.56 Ma.Biogeographic reconstructions suggested that the ancestral area for the genus likely encompassed China and the Korean Peninsula,with multiple inferred dispersal events to Europe and Central and Western Asia between 21.78 Ma and 26.67 Ma and to Japan between 2.51 Ma and 18.42 Ma.Key factors such as the Eocene-Oligocene extinction event,onset and intensification of the monsoon system,and glacial cycles associated with sea-level fluctuations have likely played significant roles in shaping the evolutionary history of the genus Silurus.

RAD-seq data reveals robust phylogeny and morphological evolutionary history of Rhododendron

Rhododendron is famous for its high ornamental value.However,the genus is taxonomically difficult and the relationships within Rhododendron remain unresolved.In addition,the origin of key morphological characters with high horticulture value need to be explored.Both problems largely hinder utilization of germplasm resources.Most studies attempted to disentangle the phylogeny of Rhododendron,but only used a few genomic markers and lacked large-scale sampling,resulting in low clade support and contradictory phylogenetic signals.Here,we used restriction-site associated DNA sequencing(RAD-seq)data and morphological traits for 144 species of Rhododendron,representing all subgenera and most sections and subsections of this species-rich genus,to decipher its intricate evolutionary history and reconstruct ancestral state.Our results revealed high resolutions at subgenera and section levels of Rhododendron based on RAD-seq data.Both optimal phylogenetic tree and split tree recovered five lineages among Rhododendron.Subg.Therorhodion(cladeⅠ)formed the basal lineage.Subg.Tsutsusi and Azaleastrum formed cladeⅡand had sister relationships.CladeⅢincluded all scaly rhododendron species.Subg.Pentanthera(cladeⅣ)formed a sister group to Subg.Hymenanthes(cladeⅤ).The results of ancestral state reconstruction showed that Rhododendron ancestor was a deciduous woody plant with terminal inflorescence,ten stamens,leaf blade without scales and broadly funnelform corolla with pink or purple color.This study shows significant distinguishability to resolve the evolutionary history of Rhododendron based on high clade support of phylogenetic tree constructed by RAD-seq data.It also provides an example to resolve discordant signals in phylogenetic trees and demonstrates the application feasibility of RAD-seq with large amounts of missing data in deciphering intricate evolutionary relationships.Additionally,the reconstructed ancestral state of six important characters provides insights into the innovation of key characters in Rhododendron.

Study on the Evolution of Plane Shape of Guangfu Ancestral Hall Buildings and the Construction of Type Genealogy in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

This paper studies the clan temples in four periods,namely,the development period(early Ming Dynasty and before),the shaping period(mid-Ming Dynasty to early Qing Dynasty),the maturity period(mid-Qing Dynasty),and the programmed period(late Qing Dynasty),analyzes and summarizes their prototypical planform features and attempts to summarize and construct a genealogy of the architectural characteristics of the plane shape of clan temples.During the Ming and Qing dynasties,Guangfu ancestral halls in general showed a journey of development from a centripetal-single-linear-multi-linear-grid pattern,forming the unique Guangsanlu classic pattern in the Guangfu area.

Study on the Influencing Factors and Mechanisms of the Evolution of the Architectural Characteristics of Guangfu Ancestral Halls in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

This paper discusses ancestral hall architecture within the context of the Cantonese folk lineage in the Pearl River Delta.Using a typological research approach and chronological analysis,various factors that have influenced the evolution of ancestral hall architecture are analyzed.The study specifically investigates the features of ancestral halls during the Ming and Qing dynasties.Three periods of ancient China are analyzed:The transition from Ming to Qing,the mid-Qing dynasty,and the late Qing dynasty.The variables of each period and how they influence the evolution of architectural typological features are identified.Based on our analysis,architectural features are related to economic and social factors,materials available,and craftsmanship of the construction workers.

Research on 3D Laser Scanning Reconstruction of Ancient Buildings Combined with BIM Technology

After more than 30 years of scientific and social development, surveying and mapping technology by leaps and bounds, engineering surveying technology has undergone tremendous changes. In the process of protecting ancient buildings, it is necessary to obtain the precise dimensions of architectural details. In this study, the path of 3D laser scanning combined with BIM technology is explored. Taking the observation and protection of the ancestral hall of the Liu family as an example, this study aims to draw drawings that reflect the relevant information about the ancient buildings, the accurate three-dimensional model of ancient buildings is established with BIM technology, which provides new methods and ideas for the research and protection of ancient buildings. .

Reconstructing ancestral ranges in historical biogeography:properties and prospects

Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of quantitative methods for biogeographic inference. In particular, novel parametric approaches represent exciting new opportunities for the study of range evolution. Here, we review a selection of current methods for biogeographic analysis and discuss their respective properties. These methods include generalized parsimony approaches, weighted ancestral area analysis, dispersal-vicariance analysis, the dispersal--extinction--cladogenesis model and other maximum likelihood approaches, and Bayesian stochastic mapping of ancestral ranges, including a novel approach to inferring range evolution in the context of island biogeography. Some of these methods were developed specifically for problems of ancestral range reconstruction, whereas others were designed for more general problems of character state reconstruction and subsequently applied to the study of ancestral ranges. Methods for reconstructing ancestral history on a phylogenetic tree differ not only in the types of ancestral range states that are allowed, but also in the various historical events that may change the ancestral ranges. We explore how the form of allowed ancestral ranges and allowed transitions can both affect the outcome of ancestral range estimation. Finally, we mention some promising avenues for future work in the development of model-based approaches to biogeographic analysis.

Use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy A Web of Science-based literature analysis

OBJECTIVE： To identify global research trends in the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy. DATA RETRIEVAL： We performed a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy during 2002–2011, retrieved from Web of Science, using the key words epilepsy or epileptic or epilepticus or seizure and ＂stem cell＂. SELECTION CRITERIA： Inclusion criteria： （a） peer-reviewed published articles on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy indexed in Web of Science; （b） original research articles, reviews, meeting abstracts, proceedings papers, book chapters, editorial material, and news items. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （a） Annual publication output; （b） type of publication; （c） publication by research field; （d） publication by journal; （e） publication by author; （f） publication by country and institution; （g） publications by institution in China; （h） most-cited papers; and （i） papers published by Chinese authors or institutions. RESULTS： A total of 460 publications on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy were retrieved from Web of Science, 2002–2011. The number of publications gradually increased over the 10-year study period. Articles and reviews constituted the major types of publications. More than half of the studies were in the field of neuroscience/neurology. The most prolific journals for this topic were Epilepsia, Bone Marrow Transplantation, and Journal of Neuroscience. Of the 460 publications, almost half came from American authors and institutions; relatively few papers were published by Chinese authors or institutions. CONCLUSION： Literature on stem cell transplantation for epilepsy includes many reports of basic research, but few of clinical trials or treatments. Exact effects are not yet evaluated. Epilepsy rehabilitation is a long-term, complex, and comprehensive system engineering. With advances in medical development, some effective medical, social and educational measures are needed to facilitate patient’s treatment and training and accelerate the recovery of life ability, learning ability and social adaptability to the largest extent to improve patient’s quality of life.

Latent ancestral graph of structure vector autoregressive models

A class of latent ancestral graph for modelling the dependence structure of structural vector autoregressive （VAR） model affected by latent variables is proposed. The graphs are mixed graphs with possibly two kind of edges, namely directed and bidirected edges. The vertex set denotes random variables at dif- ferent times. In Gaussian case, the latent ancestral graph leads to a simple parameterization model. A modified iterative conditional fitting algorithm is presented to obtain maximum likelihood esti- mation of the parameters. Furthermore, a log-likelihood criterion is used to select the most appropriate models. Simulations are performed using illustrative examples and results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the methods.

Convergences in the diversification of bats

Twenty-five characters or suites of characters from bats are considered in light of changes in bat classification. Thecharacters include some associated with flower-visiting (two), echolocation (12), roosting (six), reproduction (two) and three areof unknown adaptive function. In both the 1998 and 2006 classifications of bats into suborders (Megachiroptera and Microchiropteraversus Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera, respectively), some convergences between suborders are the same (e.g.,foliage roosting, tent building), but others associated with echolocation differ substantially. In the 1998 phylogeny convergencesassociated with echolocation (high duty cycle echolocation, nasal emission of echolocation calls) occurred among the Microchiroptera.In the 2006 phylogeny, they occur between Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera. While some traits apparently aroseindependently in two suborders (e.g., foliage-roosting, tent building, low intensity echolocation calls, noseleafs, nasal emission ofecholocation calls, high duty cycle echolocation behaviour), others appear to have been ancestral (roosting in narrow spaces,laryngeal echolocation, stylohyal-tympanic contact, oral emission of echolocation calls, and small litter size). A narrow profilethrough the chest is typical of bats reflecting the thoracic skeleton. This feature suggests that the ancestors of bats spent the day insmall crevices. Features associated with laryngeal echolocation appear to be ancestral, suggesting that echolocation evolved earlyin bats but was subsequently lost in one yinpterochiropteran lineage .

Hidden in plain sight:Morphological and phylogenetic evidence for Bouteloua arizonica,a species distinct from Bouteloua aristidoides(Poaceae,Chloridoideae)

Two varieties of Bouteloua aristidoides have been recognized,the widespread var.aristidoides and the more narrowly distributed var.arizonica.The two varieties differ in inflorescence form even more than that seen between many other closely related species of Bouteloua.We therefore asked whether these taxa might be better regarded as distinct species.A total of 93 vouchers were studied by using morphometry(principal components analysis and statistical tests),leaf micromorphology,ancestral state reconstruction,and/or molecular(ITS,trnC-rpoB and trnT-L-F)phylogenetic analyses.Except from the ITS tree,all results supported elevation of B.aristidoides var.arizonica to the rank of species,thus the new combination Bouteloua arizonica(M.E.Jones)L.F.Cuellar&Columbus comb.nov.et stat.nov.,is proposed.Chloroplast and combined chloroplast-nuclear molecular trees depicted var.arizonica as monophyletic(even in sympatric populations with var.aristidoides)and reveals phylogenetic structure within var.aristidoides for which the presence of new undescribed varieties of B.aristidoides(different from B.arizonica)is addressed.B.arizonica differs from B.aristidoides in having fewer branches per inflorescence,a bigger branch with more spikelets,and a shorter branch extension.Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of papillae on leaves of B.arizonica as a clear synapomorphy.Growing mature plants of B.arizonica from seeds in a greenhouse revealed a strong cleistogamous nature for this species for which gene flow in sympatric populations with B.aristidoides seems unlikely.A taxonomic treatment and distribution map for identification of B.arizonica is provided.

The evolution of courtship displays in Galliformes

Species in Galliformes have elaborate ritual courtship displays,often including strutting,fluffing of tail or head feathers,and vocal sounds that serve as excellent examples of sexual selection.According to the male orientation to the female while either posturing or moving,these courtship displays of gallinaceous species can be classified into three categories:1)‘frontal displays’,2)‘lateral displays’,and 3)‘both frontal and lateral displays’.Questions regarding which category of displays is the ancestral state and the evolutionary history of courtship displays in Galliformes remain unanswered.We collected and classified 131 species in terms of their courtship displays into the three categories listed above and carried out a large-scale comparative analysis to reveal the evolutionary trajectory of this trait.We found that the ancestral state of courtship displays of Galliformes involves both relatively short and straightforward frontal and lateral elements(i.e.,the category of‘both frontal and lateral displays’).Furthermore,ancestral trait reconstructions suggest that transitions from‘lateral displays’to‘frontal displays’occurred more frequently than the other way around(i.e.,from‘frontal displays’to‘lateral displays’).In addition,some transitions occurred from‘both frontal and lateral displays’to‘lateral displays’but not from‘both frontal and lateral displays’to‘frontal displays’.Ancestral state reconstruction of courtship displays at the root of the Galliformes phylogeny supports the‘both frontal and lateral displays’first scenario.This original state then evolved towards two extremes,either‘frontal displays’or‘lateral displays’,with more complicated and elaborate display components.Moreover,subsequent transitions occurred from‘lateral displays’to‘frontal displays’much more frequently than the other way around during the evolutionary history,indicating positive selection of‘frontal displays’.

Layout Modes and Characteristics of Site Selection of Traditional Ancestral Halls in Jiangxi: A Case Study of Yu Ancestral Hall in Wangkou Village, Wuyuan County

Traditional ancestral halls play an important role in the inheritance of the clan system.They carry strong clan ritual culture and are the hall of the clan spirit.In China’s traditional society,the clan concept was very deep,and a village was often formed by a single clan.An ancestral hall is a place where people sacrifice their ancestors and thus is given the most important significance,which is related to the rise and fall of the clan.Based on the instinct of biological benefit and avoidance,the site selection of ancestral halls must be the most favorable.In this paper,the site selection of Yu Ancestral Hall in Wangkou Village,Wuyuan County,Jiangxi Province was surveyed and analyzed,and the layout modes and artistic characteristics of site selection of traditional ancestral halls in Jiangxi were studied to provide reference for the protection and sustainable development of traditional ancestral halls.

The phylogeny of francolins(Francolinus, Dendroperdix, Peliperdix and Scleroptila) and spurfowls(Pternistis) based on chick plumage(Galliformes: Phasianidae)

Background: This paper describes the chick plumage of spurfowl(Pternistis) and francolin(Francolinus, Dendroperdix Peliperdix and Scleroptila) chicks, tests its significance for phylogenetic relationships and also explores the patterns of character evolution in the francolin and spurfowl lineages.Previously regarded as monophyletic, the two evolutionar?ily distant clades are now divided into five genera.Questions considered were whether chick plumage supports the dichotomy between spurfowls and francolins and what role habitat matching plays.Methods: The study was based mainly on photographs of chick skins from the American Museum of Natural History and the Natural History Museum at Tring.Eight plumage characters were selected for comparative scoring, summa?rised in a matrix.These characters were subsequently analysed phylogenetically and their evolution was traced on the existing molecular phylogeny using a parsimony approach.Results: Based on chick plumage the phylogeny of species groups among francolins and spurfowls, was largely unresolved possibly ascribed to a high degree of symplesiomorphy inherent among the Phasianids.This possibly could have resulted in a high degree of polytomy particularly among the spurfowls and francolins.Furthermore, the ancestral state reconstructions revealed high prevalence of symplesiomorphic states and reversals which do not help in the classification of groups.Although the differences are described that separate some African francolins from spurfowls, other francolins(in Asia and Africa) share remarkably similar characteristics with spurfowls.Plain dark dorsal plumage is probably advantageous for avoiding detection by predators in forests, while facial stripes optimise the breaking of body shapes in dense grass cover(as in Scleroptila spp.) and semi?striped faces are advantageous for stationary camouflage under tree and bush cover(as in Pternistis spp.).Conclusions: Although symplesiomorphy is a hereditary explanation for downy colours and patterns, the traits rel?evant for habitat matching are combined in a manner which is determined(adaptation) by natural selection.

Architectural Space and Decorative Art of Ancestral Halls in Jiangxi Province: A Case Study of the Hall of Respecting Morality

As the most important sacrificial architecture in rural China, ancestral halls are material expressions of the traditional social, cultural and artistic spirit, which contain rich historical and cultural value. Taking the Wan Clan Ancestral Hall of Sanjiang Town, Nanchang County, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province for example, this study analyzed its spatial sequence, the planar shape and the facade form, and explained the connotation of "respecting law and discipline rites and advocating moral integrity" contained in the spirit of ancestral halls.

Behaviour of cranes(family Gruidae)mirrors their phylogenetic relationships

Background:The behavioural repertoire of every species evolved over time and its evolution can be traced through the phylogenetic relationships in distinct groups.Cranes(family Gruidae)represent a small,old,monophyletic group with well-corroborated phylogenetic relationships on the species level,and at the same time they exhibit a complex and well-described behavioural repertoire.Methods:We therefore investigated the evolution of behavioural traits of cranes in a phylogenetic context using several phylogenetic approaches and two types of trait scoring.The cranes exhibit more than a hundred behavioural displays,almost one third of which may be phylogenetically informative.Results:More than half of the analysed traits carry a significant phylogenetic signal.The ancestor of cranes already exhibited a quite complex behavioural repertoire,which remained unchanged in Balearicinae but altered greatly in Gruinae,specifically by the shedding of traits rather than their creation.Trait scoring has an influence on results within the Gruinae,primarily in genera Bugeranus and Anthropoides.Conclusions:Albeit the behavioural traits alone cannot be used for resolving species-level relationships within the Gruidae,when optimized on molecular tree,they can help us to detect interesting evolutionary transformations of behaviour repertoire within Gruiformes.The Limpkin(Aramus guarauna)seems to be the most enigmatic species and should be studied in detail for its behavioural repertoire,which may include some precursors of crane behavioural traits.

Correlation between Ancestral Temple Worship Sacrifice Culture and Clan Etiquettes in Traditional Settlements of Jiangxi Province

To explore the correlation between ancestor temple sacrifice culture and clan etiquettes in traditional settlements of Jiangxi Province, this paper analyzed origination and development of ancestor temple, focused on the patriarchal thought that respects ancestors and unifies the clan, the relationship between clan power and political power, sacrifice and patriarchy. The research found that the plain clan etiquettes were significant for unifying the clansmen, inheriting historical context, and stabilizing primarylevel organizations in rural areas.

Demographic Expansion and Contraction in a Neotropical Fish during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene

Demographic changes during the late Pleistocene-Holocene left signatures in the DNA of contemporary populations. These signatures reveal demographic phenomena like the increase or decrease in effective population size. In this paper we searched for signatures of demographic change in the DNA of the Neotropical freshwater fish Poecilia vivipara. Also, we investigated whether demographic changes are correlated with palaeoclimatic events of the late Pleistocene-Holocene, in particular, if changes in effective population size are correlated with expansion and contraction of available habitats, induced by global ice-volume changes and sea-level fluctuations. We used Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) analysis with sequences from the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b to estimate the ancestral demography of the Neotropical freshwater fish P. vivipara. To test the assumptions of neutrality and absence of population structure we used Tajima’s D and Spatial Analysis of Molecular Variance (SAMOVA), respectively. Effective population size of P. vivipara remained stable until 75,000 years ago, increased by 10-fold reaching a maximum at approximately 25,000 years ago, then suddenly declined at the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary. Variation in effective population size in P. vivipara correlates with expansion and contraction of habitats induced by sea-level fluctuations, caused by the advance and retreat of ice sheets during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Compared Study of Authentic Culture on Three Guangdong Ancestral Temples

In this article, three Guangdong’s ancestral temples are taken as case studies to explore strategies for cultural heritage conservation. Heritage conservation is very important not only for our missing of past, but in order that our own cultural identity can be formed today. In China, different stakeholders hold various views on heritage protection and conflicts often take place. Particularly, many folk religion’s cultural heritages face a dangerous scenario and could even be damaged or destroyed for a variety of “reason”. This article tries to re-examine fundamental values and assessment criteria for cultural heritage conservation. The authenticity is a core concept involved with those of issues. Based on the views of culture place, the author puts forward the concept of “emic culture authenticity” as a hinge to explore authentic culture ecology of heritage and its model, to facilitate the cultural heritage conservation and reuse by the strategies of classification and adaptation.

Returned Diasporas and Homeland： Identity Differences Between Kazakhstani Kazakhs and Oralmans

Ancestral return-return by the descendants of migrants to their ancestors＇ origin has been one of the most significant forms of population mobility since 1991 in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The state policy determines the scales of ethnic migration to and within the country. The government adopted a complex program on Kazakh Diaspora repatriation. Under the program, oralmans （ethnic repatriates to the country） are provided with considerable aid program for adaptation to the recipient society. Although the returnees may initially be welcomed back, their homecomings often prove to be ambivalent or negative experiences. Despite their ethnic affinity to the host populace, they are frequently excluded as cultural foreigners and relegated to low-status jobs shunned by the host society＇s populace. Ethnic return migrants and their hosts become frustrated with each other. They find jobs but not expected social welcome. Ethnic return migrant＇s orientations usually are shaped by the terms of the policies that give them the access to the destination country＇s labor markets and citizenship. The report studies the problem of similarity and differences among Ethnic Return Migrants and mother ethnic group. What underlies the misunderstanding between them？ Whether it is a competition for the working places, access to the social benefits or deep cultural differences？ To examine on-the-ground dynamics between natives and ethnic migrants, and in particular their mutual acceptance in a range of contexts, we turn to a qualitative account that draws on observations and interviews, less formal interviews carried out among Mongolian-Kazakh, Chinese-Kazakh and Karakalpak- Kazakh return Migrants in Almaty city and its suburbs during the fieldwork. Characteristics that differentiate returned Diaspora individuals from Kazakhstani Kazakhs are rooted not in ethnic sphere, but in the cultural context of the country they come from. This paper reveals how the socio-cultural characteristics and national origins of the migrants influence their levels of marginalization in their ethnic homelands, forcing many of them to redefine the meanings of home and homeland.

Research on Spatial Structure and Ancestral Temple Culture of Ancient Villages:A Case Study of Ji’an Area,Jiangxi Province

Ancestral temple culture is the core part of village culture,which infl uences the spatial pattern of villages from various aspects,occupying an important position in traditional villages.Facing the loss of village culture and the dissipation of cohesion,it is particularly important to study village culture.The impacts of ancestral temple on village layout,building orientation and street pattern are analyzed,which will guide the construction of modern beautiful countryside by using rational planning methods.