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ABSTRACTIn this contribution, we offer the fifth installment of a series focusing on the phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildews. This paper is the second segment evaluating the genus Erysiphe. The first treatment of Erysiphefocused on phylogenetically basal species in the “Uncinulalineage.” This research presents a phylogenetic-taxonomic assessment of species that form the group previously referred to as the “Microsphaeralineage.” Given the size of the group, we split the treatment of this lineage of Erysiphespecies into two parts based on their phylogenetic placement. Phylogenetic trees based on ITS+28S data are supplemented by sequences of additional markers (CAM, GADPH, GS, RPB2, and TUB). Included in the analysis of the Microsphaeralineage is the “Erysiphe aquilegiaecomplex” (group, clade, cluster), which encompasses sequences obtained from an assemblage of Erysiphespecies with insufficient resolution in rDNA analyses. Attempts have been made to resolve this group at the species level by applying a multilocus approach. A detailed discussion of the “Erysiphe aquilegiaecomplex” is provided. Sequences are provided for the first time for several species, particularly North American species, such as Erysiphe aggregata, E. erineophila, E. parnassiae, and E. semitosta. Ex-type sequences for Microsphaera benzoinand M. magnusiihave been retrieved. Alphitomorpha penicillata, Microsphaera vanbruntiana, and M. symphoricarpiare epitypified with ex-epitype sequences. The new species Erysiphe alnicola, E. deutziana, E. cornigena, E. lentaginis, and E. sambucinaare described, the new combinations E. lauracearum, E. passiflorae, and E. sambucicolaare introduced, and the new name E. santaliis proposed.

ABSTRACTThis is the fourth contribution within an ongoing series dedicated to the phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildews. This particular installment undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of a group previously referred to as the “Uncinula lineage” within Erysiphe. The genus Erysipheis too large to be assessed in a single paper; thus, the treatment of Erysipheis split into three parts, according to phylogenetic lineages. The first paper, presented here, discusses the most basal lineage of Erysipheand its relationship to allied basal genera within tribe Erysipheae (i.e., Brasiliomycesand Salmonomyces). ITS+28S analyses are insufficient to resolve the basal assemblage of taxa within the Erysipheae. Therefore, phylogenetic multilocus examinations have been carried out to better understand the evolution of these taxa. The results of our analyses favor maintaining Brasiliomyces, Bulbomicroidium, and Salmonomycesas separate genera, at least for the interim, until further phylogenetic multilocus data are available for additional basal taxa within the Erysipheae. The current analyses also confirmed previous results that showed that the “Uncinula lineage” is not exclusively composed of Erysiphespecies of sect. Uncinulabut also includes some species that morphologically align with sect. Erysiphe, as well as species that had previously been assigned to Californiomycesand Typhulochaeta. Numerous sequences of Erysiphespecies from the “Uncinula lineage” have been included in the present phylogenetic analyses and were confirmed by their position in well-supported species clades. Several species have been sequenced for the first time, including Erysiphe clintonii, E. couchii, E. geniculata, E. macrospora, and E. parvula. Ex-type sequences are provided for 16 taxa including E. nothofagi, E. trinae, and E. variabilis. Epitypes are designated and ex-epitype sequences are added for 18 taxa including Erysiphe carpophila, E. densa, and U. geniculatavar. carpinicola. The new species Erysiphe canariensisis described, and the new names E. hosagoudariiand E. pseudoprunastriand the new combination E. ampelopsidisare introduced.

ABSTRACTThis contribution is part of a series devoted to the phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildews, with an emphasis on North American taxa. An overview of Cystothecaspecies is given, including references to ex-type sequences or, if unavailable, proposals for representative reference sequences for phylogenetic-taxonomic purposes. The new species C. mexicanais described, based on Mexican collections on Quercus glaucoides× Quercus microphyllaand Quercus liebmannii× Q. microphylla. Cystotheca lanestrisis reported for the first time worldwide on Quercus laceyi(Collected in Mexico) and on Q. toumeyi(collected in Arizona, USA). Cystotheca lanestrison Q. agrifoliaand on Q. cerrisis reported for the first time in Mexico. Epitypes with ex-epitype sequences are designated for Cystotheca wrightii, Lanomyces tjibodensis(= C. tjibodensis), Sphaerotheca kusanoi, and S. lanestris(C. lanestris).

ABSTRACTPowdery mildews are a monophyletic group of obligate plant pathogenic fungi in the family Erysiphaceae. Powdery mildews are economically important in that they cause damage to many agriculturally significant crops and plants in ecologically important habitats. In this contribution, we introduce a new series of publications focusing on the phylogeny and taxonomy of this group, with an emphasis on specimens collected from North America. The first part of the series focuses on the genus Golovinomycesand includes a section detailing the powdery mildew species concept. We conducted analyses of Golovinomycesspp. with available rDNA sequence data from GenBank and supplemented the data set with rDNA (ITS, 28S, IGS) as well as protein-coding (GAPDH) data from 94 North American collections. Many of the species evaluated are included in phylogenetic and morphological analyses for the first time, including the American species G. americanus, G. brunneopunctatus, G. californicus, G. greeneanus, G. hydrophyllacearum, and G. sparsus. A special emphasis was placed on acquiring ex-type or ex-epitype sequences or presenting reference sequences for phylogenetic-taxonomic purposes. Three new species, G. eurybiarum, G. galiorum, and G. malvacearum, are described, and the new combinations G. fuegianus, G. mutisiae, and G. reginaeare introduced. Ex-holotype sequences of Erysiphe sparsa(≡ G. sparsus) reveal that it should be reduced to synonymy with G. ambrosiae, and ex-epitype sequences of G. valerianaereveal that it should be reduced to synonymy with G. orontii. Multiple epitypes are designated with ex-epitype sequences.

ABSTRACTThe second contribution to a new series devoted to the phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildews is presented. An overview of Neoerysiphespecies is given, including references to ex-type sequences or, if unavailable, representative reference sequences for phylogenetic-taxonomic purposes are provided. The new species N. stachydisis described, and Striatoidium jaborosaeis reduced to synonymy with Neoerysiphe macquii. Epitypes with ex-epitype sequences are designated for Alphitomorpha ballotae, A. labiatarum, Erysiphe galii, E. chelones, and E. galeopsidis. Based on phylogenetic analyses, it has been demonstrated that Neoerysiphe cumminsianais confined to its type host, Roldana hartwegii(= Senecio seemannii), and other North and South American parasites on Asteraceae hosts, previously assigned to this species, pertain to N. macquii. The first record of N. macquiifrom Europe (Germany) on cultivated Bidens aureawas confirmed by sequencing. Sequence analysis of type material of N. rubiaereveals that this species should be excluded from Neoerysiphe; however, the true affinity of this taxon is not yet clear.

ABSTRACTThe genus Rhododendroncomprises over 1000 evergreen and deciduous species. In the Pacific Northwest Coast region of North America (PNWC), powdery mildews infecting deciduous Rhododendronspp. are well documented but less so on evergreen Rhododendronspp. Infections of both groups of hosts historically have been attributed to Erysiphe azaleaeor E. vaccinii. No formal characterizations of powdery mildew fungi infecting either deciduous or evergreen Rhododendronspp. in the PNWC have been completed. The objectives of this study were to identify the powdery mildew pathogens infecting evergreen Rhododendronspp. in the PNWC and to assess the phylogenetic position of these fungi within the Erysiphaceae. To ascertain valid taxonomic conclusions, and to determine whether potential introductions of exotic Rhododendronpowdery mildews in North America have occurred, it was necessary to put the new North American phylogenetic data into a worldwide context. Therefore, available phylogenetic data from all Erysiphespp. on Rhododendronhave been included in our analyses.Based on analyses of numerous new internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S rDNA sequences and already available sequences deposited in GenBank retrieved from evergreen and deciduous Rhododendronspp., the following Erysiphespp. could be phylogenetically confirmed (all belonging to Erysiphesect. Microsphaera): Erysiphe azaleaenom. cons. (Oidium ericinumcould be verified as a synonym), E. digitata(holotype sequenced), E. izuensis, and E. vaccinii. Erysiphe azaleaeand E. vacciniiare epitypified with sequenced specimens, and an ex-neotype sequence has been obtained for Oidium ericinum. Erysiphe rhododendri(Erysiphesect. Erysiphe), only known from two collections in India (Himalayan region), was not available for phylogentic analyses.

ABSTRACTThe genus Lupinus(Fabaceae) consists of over 250 plant species located throughout the world. Powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphespecies, is a common disease infecting these ecologically, ornamentally, and agriculturally important plants. In the present work, we conducted phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses on Erysiphespecies colonizing hosts of the leguminous genus Lupinus, using sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genomic regions. Powdery mildews of the genus Erysipheon Fabaceae are taxonomically intricate and challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to phylogenetically analyze the DNA retrieved from powdery mildew on lupines in a broad context that includes common and allied powdery mildew species that occur on a range of leguminous plants such as Erysiphe astragali, E. baeumleri, E. pisi, and E. trifoliorum. A new species Erysiphe lupini, found in the USA on Lupinus lepidus, L. polyphyllus, and Lupinussp., is described. Additionally, Erysiphe intermedia(≡ Microsphaera trifoliivar. intermedia) has been confirmed as a North American lupine powdery mildew that is a sister species to E. astragalion Astragalusspp. European Erysiphecollections on lupines were often referred to as E. intermedia, but our analyses have shown that they pertain to E. trifoliorum. The E. trifoliorumclade is composed of several species (i.e. E. baeumleri, E. euonymi, E. hyperici,and E. trifoliorum), that cannot be sufficiently resolved based solely on ITS+28S sequences. Morphological and biological differences between the species are discussed and provide evidence that the species concerned should be maintained. Finally, a sequence obtained from a powdery mildew collected in Portugal on the native Lupinus micranthuspertained to the Erysiphe guarinoniiclade. This collection is tentatively treated as Erysiphesp. To fix the application of the species names E. astragali, E. baeumleri(including its synonym E. marchica), and E. intermedia, epitypes have been designated with ex-epitype sequences.

Russia's Siberian regions have increased their demands for political and economic autonomy. Political leaders in Siberia and the Russian Far East, however, realize that economic development for their regions is more important than political independence. The economic policy imposed on Siberia by the previous communist regime relegated to the region the status of a 'resource frontier region.' The Russian government has realized the importance of a regional economic policy for Siberia, a policy that will promote economic effectiveness, social justice and Siberian regional interests.

ABSTRACTErysiphespecies (powdery mildews) on Corylusand Ostryahosts (Betulaceae subfam. Coryloideae) in Asia and North America are widespread pathogens on these economically and ecologically valuable nut crops. An improved understanding of their phylogeny and taxonomy is of ecological and applied importance. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological reexaminations conducted in this study revealed a higher degree of diversity and cryptic speciation than reflected in earlier species concepts. North American collections on C. cornuta, which were previously assigned to E. corylacearum, proved to constitute a species of its own and are herein introduced as E. cornutae, sp. nov. Two additional North American species, E. coryli-americanae, sp. nov. and E. ostryae, sp. nov., have been detected on C. americanaand O. virginianaand are described. They are morphologically similar to E. cornutae, but genetically distinct. Based on phylogenetic analyses, E. corylacearumis an Asian species confined to various Asian Corylusspecies. Sequence data retrieved from Japanese type material of E. corylicolarevealed that this species clusters with sequences from E. elevataon Catalpaspecies, distant from all other Erysiphespecies on Corylus. Morphologically similar, yet distinct, specimens on C. sieboldiana, which were previously assigned to E. corylicola, form a distinct, distant clade. The species involved is described herein as E. pseudocorylacearum, sp. nov. Additionally, an unusual infection of C. sieboldianain Japan by E. syringaehas been shown by means of sequence data. The phylogeny and taxonomy of Erysiphespecies belonging to the Corylioideae are discussed in detail, and a key to the species concerned is provided.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate available evidence for each step in autoimmune encephalitis management and provide expert opinion when evidence is lacking. The paper approaches autoimmune encephalitis as a broad category rather than focusing on individual antibody syndromes. Core authors from the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance Clinicians Network reviewed literature and developed the first draft. Where evidence was lacking or controversial, an electronic survey was distributed to all members to solicit individual responses. Sixty-eight members from 17 countries answered the survey. The most popular bridging therapy was oral prednisone taper chosen by 38% of responders while rituximab was the most popular maintenance therapy chosen by 46%. Most responders considered maintenance immunosuppression after a second relapse in patients with neuronal surface antibodies (70%) or seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (61%) as opposed to those with onconeuronal antibodies (29%). Most responders opted to cancer screening for 4 years in patients with neuronal surface antibodies (49%) or limbic encephalitis (46%) as opposed to non-limbic seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (36%). Detailed survey results are presented in the manuscript and a summary of the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations is presented at the conclusion.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate available evidence for each step in autoimmune encephalitis management and provide expert opinion when evidence is lacking. The paper approaches autoimmune encephalitis as a broad category rather than focusing on individual antibody syndromes. Core authors from the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance Clinicians Network reviewed literature and developed the first draft. Where evidence was lacking or controversial, an electronic survey was distributed to all members to solicit individual responses. Sixty-eight members from 17 countries answered the survey. Corticosteroids alone or combined with other agents (intravenous IG or plasmapheresis) were selected as a first-line therapy by 84% of responders for patients with a general presentation, 74% for patients presenting with faciobrachial dystonic seizures, 63% for NMDAR-IgG encephalitis and 48.5% for classical paraneoplastic encephalitis. Half the responders indicated they would add a second-line agent only if there was no response to more than one first-line agent, 32% indicated adding a second-line agent if there was no response to one first-line agent, while only 15% indicated using a second-line agent in all patients. As for the preferred second-line agent, 80% of responders chose rituximab while only 10% chose cyclophosphamide in a clinical scenario with unknown antibodies. Detailed survey results are presented in the manuscript and a summary of the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations is presented at the conclusion.

ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic has already disrupted large swathes of the global economy, threatening the growth models of major oil and gas producer countries like Russia. A collapse in oil prices, triggered by the pandemic, once again exposed Russia’s enduring susceptibility to sharp falls in oil and gas prices. We argue that this decline in oil prices came at a time when tectonic shifts in global energy markets had already threatened to reduce the value of future oil and gas revenues. These structural changes were accelerated by the collapse in demand caused by the pandemic. Because the Russian leadership had done little to address the threat posed by the emergence of a new energy order, the economy remained highly dependent on oil and gas sales as the primary source of growth. While measures undertaken since 2014 to reduce the government’s fiscal dependence on high oil prices will help Russia avoid a worst-case outcome of a fiscal or financial crisis, the dependence of other branches of the economy on the energy sector remains high. This has left Russia set once again to experience a deeper recession than that forecast for other energy exporting economies.

ABSTRACTThe phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildew on Viburnumspecies is evaluated and discussed. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed two new species and demonstrated that Erysiphe hedwigiiand E. viburnishould be reduced to synonymy and are referred to herein as E. viburni. The two new species, E. viburniphilaand E. pseudoviburni, previously hidden under E. viburni(including E. hedwigii), is described on the basis of European, North American, and East Asian powdery mildew collections on Viburnum edule, V. tinus, V. odoratissimumvar. awabuki, and V. sieboldii. The sexual morph of E. viburniphilais similar to that of E. viburni; however, morphological differences exist in their asexual morphs. Analyses of sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genomic regions of Erysiphespecies obtained on Viburnumspecies (and other closely allied Eryisphespecies) throughout the world reveled that E. viburniphilaand E. pseudoviburniare in two different monophyletic groups that are separate from all other Erysiphespecies. Erysiphe hedwigiiand E. viburnion Viburnumspecies have often been recognized as separate species based on morphological differences in the size of their chasmothecia and the number of chasmothecial appendages. Taxonomic conclusions based on these morphological distinctions within these species are unreliable (these characters are rather variable and often have overlapping ranges). The present phylogenetic analyses suggest that E. hedwigiihas to be reduced to synonymy with E. viburni. To fix the application of the species names E. hedwigiiand E. viburni, epitypes have been designated for these taxa with ex-epitype sequences. Additionally, the Asian species E. mirandais phylogenetically confirmed as a species of its own, described in detail and discussed.

ABSTRACTThe recent 2017–18 “dash for gas” captured global attention, but also exposed critical failings in China’s gas market. The 2019 lull imposed by the Government reflects the need to address local challenges. This paper analyzes the prospects for demand growth and assesses the various ways in which that demand can be met. There is considerable uncertainty surrounding demand growth, with cost competitiveness being the determining factor. Equally, although China has significant natural gas reserves, they are largely unconventional and present significant geological and technical challenges; with domestic production growth failing to keep pace as demand import dependence increases. China’s gas imports are met by pipeline gas from Central Asia and Myanmar and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from avariety of countries. The Power of Siberia pipeline started deliveries of Russian in late 2019. However, plans to expand Central Asian imports have disappointed and China may agree to asecond pipeline from Russia or increase its LNG imports. Asimple “gas balance model” is used in the final discussion and conclusions to explore future developments and their consequences for global gas security.

Oil and gas (O&G) companies, as key players in the contemporary global energy landscape, have evolved within the context of a dynamic interaction between states and markets. However, their role is being transformed radically by two successive “global shifts”: economic globalization—driving energy demand growth patterns—and climate change—driving energy system transformation and decarbonization, both of which require them to reconsider their business strategies. Using an interdisciplinary lens that draws on human geography, strategy and international business, and international political economy, we propose an integrated conceptual framework for two periods—the 1990s–early 2010s and the post‐Paris Agreement era—to explore the nature of strategic responses by O&G companies to these global economic and environmental shifts. We illustrate the linkage of O&G companies' two strategies of (re‐)globalization and decarbonization by the aspects of production, finance, and knowledge as internal structures. Energy security is one of the priorities in the macro external environment. It is becoming increasingly difficult for O&G companies to deal with current dilemmas: climate goals require a significant reduction in fossil fuel production and consumption, and pressures from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and investors threaten the long‐term survival of O&G companies, while fossil fuel demand will remain high in the short to medium term. At the same time, the post‐pandemic recovery and Russia's war in Ukraine are resulting in a re‐assessment of the benefits of unfettered globalization. Therefore, global O&G companies face dual challenges in the new era of (re‐)globalization and decarbonization and need to make changes to ensure their future viability. This article is categorized under:The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand With the increasing challenges of climate change and the restructuring of the global energy landscape, the strategies of global oil and gas companies have undergone changes.

By Michael Bradshaw, associate, employment and pensions unit, Charles Russell Q An employee has complained that he is being verbally abused by other staff on the basis that his son [...]

Thomas Beddoes’s heroic poem Alexander’s Expedition down the Hydaspes and the Indus to the Indian Ocean(1792) is an intervention in the cultural politics of its time, and a key statement on the relationship of poetry to the sublime historical moment of the Revolution. Beddoes produced his Alexanderas a quick response to political events, attempting a self-reflexive and critical performance of heroic style rather than a fully fledged epic poem; the central theme of imperial conquest is explored through the loose control of a fluid heroic couplet. Through a dialogue between the declamatory verse narrative and the discursive historical and political footnotes which mediate it, Beddoes presents to his reader a heroic poem which indicts the epic genre, a masquerade of exotic violence which delivers a republican message. The article makes a claim for Alexander’s Expeditionas a worthy inclusion among the heroic poetry of first-generation Romantic writers.

ABSTRACTPowdery mildew of Prunusspp. is a significant disease in most cherry growing regions of Washington, USA. Powdery mildews on Prunus virginianaand Pr. aviumwere previously assigned to Podosphaera clandestinas. lat. (= Po. oxyacanthae) or Po. prunicola. In this report, we confirm the presence of two distinct Podosphaeraspecies on these hosts. Phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA sequences from the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and 28S subunit confirmed the presence of two distinct species. A morphological comparison with type material of Po. prunicolaand additional collections demonstrated that the powdery mildew on Pr. virginiana(including var. demissaand var. melanocarpa) is in fact Po. prunicola. The powdery mildew on Pr. aviumis genetically, morphologically, and biologically distinct from Po. prunicolaand is described here as the new species Po. cerasi. Cross-inoculation experiments confirmed that these two species are host specific. Podosphaera prunicolawas unable to colonize Pr. avium, whereas Po. cerasiwas unable to colonize Pr. virginiana. Morphological reexamination of numerous specimens identified as Po. prunicolaon a broad range of Prunusspecies suggests that Po. prunicolais probably confined to species in Prunussubgen.Padus(= Prunussubgen. Cerasussect. Laurocerasus, including sect. Padus), with Pr. virginianaas the principal host. Podosphaera cerasioccurs on hosts in Prunussubgen. Cerasus, and our work confirms a newly described species of powdery mildew on Pr. avium. This work also includes the first documented and genetically proven European record of Po. prunicolaon Pr. serotinaand its widespread occurrence in the United States.

•Review of 26 shale engagement efforts carried out by US and Canadian stakeholders.•We discuss strengths and weaknesses based on a ‘best practice framework’.•Much engagement is late in development and focuses on interested / affected parties.•We discuss what may limit engagement practice and how it might be improved.

The article discusses decline in oil demand along with prospect of economic recovery of Russia in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Topics discussed include Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to oil price, annexation of Crimea and involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine resulted in the imposition of sanctions by the West; and decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

AbstractThe name Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. lat.is traditionally applied to a complex of morphologically similar powdery mildews on hosts of the plant family Boraginaceae. The current species-level taxonomy within this complex is ambiguous due to the lack of phylogenetic examinations. The present study applied phylogenetic methods to clarify the taxonomy of G. cynoglossi s. lat.Phylogenetic analysis of rDNA ITS sequences retrieved from Asian, European and North American specimens revealed that G. cynoglossi s. lat.collections from different hosts involved several species in five clearly separated lineages. Clade I consists primarily of Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. str.on Cynoglossum. Clade III consists of Golovinomycessequences retrieved from the host genera Symphytumand Pulmonaria. The taxa within clade III are now assigned to G. asperifoliorumcomb. nov. Clade V encompasses G. cynoglossi s. lat.on the host genera Bothriospermum, Buglossoides, Echium, Myosotis, and Trigonotis. The taxa within clade V are now assigned to G. asperifoliicomb. nov. The species concerned in this study were lecto- and epitypified to stabilize their nomenclature.

Patients on immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatic diseases are at increased risk of infection. Although infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are less common compared with other sites, patients on broadly immunosuppressive and biologic immunomodulatory agents may be susceptible to more severe, disseminated forms of infection, including of the CNS. Certain key principles regarding infection risk apply across immunosuppressive therapies, including increased risk with higher doses and longer duration of therapy and with combination therapy. Providers should be aware of the CNS infection risk related to immunosuppressant use to help guide best practices for screening and prophylaxis.

When dealing with complex problems, it is best to take a step-by-step approach. This methodology can aid the investigation of quality issues commonly encountered with pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) products. In the [...]

A 57-year-old previously healthy man was referred to our clinic for bilateral vision loss.

ABSTRACTThe taxonomic history of the common powdery mildew of Chrysanthemum× morifolium(chrysanthemum, florist’s daisy), originally described in Germany as Oidium chrysanthemi, is discussed. The position of O. chrysanthemiwas investigated on the basis of morphological traits and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Based on the results of this study, this species, which is closely related to Golovinomyces artemisae, was reassessed and reallocated to Golovinomyces. The phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic reassessment of the chrysanthemum powdery mildew is supplemented by a morphological description, a summary of its worldwide distribution data, and a brief discussion of the introduction of this fungus to North America. G. chrysanthemidiffers from true G. artemisiaein that it has much longer conidiophores, is not constricted at the base, and has much larger and most importantly longer conidia. The close affinity of Golovinomycesto Artemisiaand Chrysanthemumspecies signifies a coevolutionary event between the powdery mildews concerned and their host species in the subtribe Artemisiinae(Asteraceaetribe Anthemideae). This conclusion is fully supported by the current phylogeny and taxonomy of the host plant genera and the coevolution that occurred with the host and pathogen. The following powdery mildew species, which are associated with hosts belonging to the tribe Anthemideaeof the Asteraceae, are epitypified: Alphitomorpha depressaβ artemisiae(≡ Alphitomorpha artemisiae), Erysiphe artemisiae, and Oidium chrysanthemi. Erysiphe macrocarpais neotypified. Their sequences were retrieved from the epitype collections and have been added to the phylogenetic tree. Golovinomyces orontii, an additional powdery mildew species on Chrysanthemum×morifolium, is reported. This species is rarely found as a spontaneous infection and was obtained from inoculation experiments.

A 27-month-old previously healthy boy developed irritability and a fever the day after getting his 2-year vaccinations. Three days later, he developed a centripetally spreading petechial rash. A tick was removed from his neck. He was taken to an outside hospital several times over the course of 3–4 days and was discharged with amoxicillin the first time and ceftriaxone on a subsequent visit. Eight days into his illness, he developed depressed level of consciousness and had what was described as a generalized clonic seizure. He was intubated with paralytics and fentanyl and transferred to our hospital for evaluation and management. The remaining history was unremarkable.

A 3-year-old girl presented with 4 days of progressive bilateral vision loss. Medical history included presumed autoimmune hepatitis at 6 months of age, when she had an extensive evaluation including hepatitis A immunoglobulin G (IgG) detected in her serum, thought to represent maternal antibodies. Liver biopsy suggested autoimmune hepatitis and she was treated with oral prednisolone 2 mg daily for 2 weeks and remained on maintenance 1 mg daily. Family and social histories were unremarkable.

AbstractRussia’s role in the global economic system today, and the Soviet Union’s in the past, is dominated by the export of natural resources, particularly oil and gas. The rents earned from these exports are both a source of strength and weakness, as they link the fortunes of Russia’s domestic economy to the volatility of global resource markets. This paper returns to a major research project conducted through the offices of the Association of American Geographers that resulted in Soviet Natural Resources in the World Economy,published in 1983. The project was first conceived in the aftermath of the resource crisis in the 1970s and concluded in the early 1980s as the Soviet Union sought to increase resource exports to support a failing domestic economy. This paper examines the origins, evolution, and management of this seminal work and presents a re-reading of the book in a contemporary context. We develop some of the key themes of the original project and conclude that it has contemporary relevance, as a reliance upon the resource sector remains a defining characteristic of Russia’s political economy and continues to shape Russia’s role in the global economy. We find that the regional dimension that was so important in the original project remains critical as Russia seeks to extend the resource frontier into new regions in the Arctic and the East and, at the same time, reduce its reliance on European markets – that are both stagnant and hostile – by developing new markets in Asia.

Transitioning to a low-carbon world will create new rivalries, winners and losers, argue Andreas Goldthau, Kirsten Westphal and colleagues. Transitioning to a low-carbon world will create new rivalries, winners and losers, argue Andreas Goldthau, Kirsten Westphal and colleagues.

A 52-year-old man presented with a month of progressive, painful, right-sided spasms, dysarthria, horizontal diplopia, left facial droop, and headaches. Over the last year, he had developed progressive gait ataxia that required use of a walker.

A 57-year-old immunosuppressed renal transplant recipient experienced 2 months of oscillopsia, vertigo, ataxia, and headaches. The headaches were described as constant, bifrontal, dull, and associated with photophobia and nausea but no aura or positional component. She described rotational vertigo, both at rest and provoked by leftward head turn and gait instability that developed gradually over the last 4 weeks. Six months prior to presentation, she had a similar episode of headaches, dizziness, and ataxia that resolved spontaneously over 3 months. This was preceded by a dermatomal vesicular rash on the arm. She had undergone renal transplantation 12 years earlier. Three years ago, she had left C2-3 distribution zoster. She denied infectious or rheumatologic symptoms. Her only current medication was mycophenolate mofetil 360 mg PO BID.

ABSTRACTIn 1953, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about the hidden costs of what he was to later describe as the “military-industrial complex.” Ike said: “We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people.” The leaders of today’s Russia face a twenty-first-century version of this dilemma, weighing the trade-off between spending on guns or butter. Russia’s own defense-industrial complex (known as the oboronnyi-promyshlennyi kompleks, or OPK) has been the recipient of billions of dollars in the past few years, as the state ordered new weapons such as the T-50 PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Armata main battle tank, new nuclear-powered submarines, and strategic missiles. Should they continue the costly effort to remake their military into one of the most numerous and sophisticated forces in the world? Or should Russia’s leaders instead focus their efforts on investing in health, education, infrastructure, and other areas to help build a more dynamic and competitive economy? The answer to this question will be partially shaped by how much money Russia’s leaders will have to spend; with the crash in the value of oil exports – the unstable pillar of this Eurasian petro-state – what funds can they expect to draw upon? Decision-makers in the Kremlin will also be influenced by their perception of whether Russia faces a hostile geopolitical environment. If the current view prevails, it is possible that Russia’s leaders may choose to maintain military spending even as the economy sinks into stagnation.

How actors react to change is a crucial question for social scientists interested in global energy system transformation (EST). The global oil industry's response to the challenges associated with climate change and EST is a particular topic of discussion. Here, we argue for an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together insights from multiple disciplines within the social sciences that study oil companies, to further our understanding of what they are doing and why they are doing it. Although research on the political economy and socio-technical nature of EST has led to important insights, it tends to treat the global oil industry as a monolith with common interests and strategic objectives. We argue that the analytical and conceptual tools provided by the management and business literature can help unpack this ‘black box’. We explain how this is the case by exploring some of these tools and applying them to a novel heuristic, the ‘Transition Strategy Continuum’ that helps categorise and analyse the emerging strategies of the publicly-traded ‘International Oil Companies’ (IOCs). As such, we respond to the call for interdisciplinarity raised in the inaugural issue of this Journal. Ultimately, we want social scientists working on energy to take serious insights from other fields of inquiry that help illuminate the complexities of the task of transformation ahead for the IOCs and other related stakeholders.

A Tokyo-based economist and a noted western economic geographer, both specializing in the hydrocarbon resources of Russia, apply the framework of governance studies in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of the recent changes in the country's energy policy-making. The authors argue that, unlike the international relations paradigm prevailing in studies of Russia's energy policy, the country's multiple roles in the international energy arena (as producer, consumer, exporter, importer, and transit state) warrant a more nuanced approach, reflecting Russian energy policy's flexibility over time and diversity across space. This paper endeavors, therefore, to apply a political economy and governance perspective to an understanding of the significant changes in Russia's energy policy-making regarding its dynamic energy relations with the Northeast Asia (NEA; China, Japan, and South Korea). In exploring the complex interactions between Russia's internal energy policy-making and its emerging energy relations in NEA, the authors addresses three key questions, namely: (1) how Russia's Asian energy policy corresponds to its domestic needs, (2) how much coherence in energy governance and cooperation exists between Russia and the Northeast Asian states at the institutional and organizational levels, and (3) the extent to which Russia's expectations for increased energy cooperation with the Northeast Asian states are likely to materialize.

The Russian population has fallen to 147.5 million in 1997 and may fall to 138.7 million by 2005, and 43% of the population is either too young or too old to work. Western firms should consider the population figures as trends suggest that labor shortages are likely. Many of the population are moving to the southern regions of the country, with the emptying of the North a consequence of the closure of many businesses that had been subsidized in the Soviet period.

Foreign investment in Russia is not what it first appears to be. Official statistics show new foreign investment as $6.5 billion, more than double the figure for 1995. However, speculative purchases of government debt account for most of the increase, whilst new foreign direct investment (FDI) actually decreased in 1996 to around $2 billion. Investment in Russian regions may also be much weaker than often suggested, although the location of many overseas head offices in Moscow may distort the figures. Moscow increased its share of FDI to 86.5% in the first quarter of 1997.

Purpose. Determine if recruitment methods are differentially related to the reach of a physical activity program in metro/urban vs. rural settings.Design. Cross-sectional survey.Setting. Kansas counties.Subjects. Ninety-four Cooperative Extension agents responsible for 102 counties.Measures. Promotional score, task force activity, and years of program delivery were assessed using a self-report survey. Reach was assessed for each county by dividing the number of participants by intended population using census data.Analysis. Rural/urban comparisons on reach were completed using a Mann-Whitney test. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and participation rate by setting type.Results. Metro/urban counties had lower mean participation rates than rural counties (z = −4.5; p < .001). In metro/urban counties, the regression on participation rate was significant (R2= .19; F = 4.09; p = .011), but only promotional score significantly contributed to the model (p = .003). In rural counties, the regression was also significant (R2= .34; F = 6.64; p = .001), with task force activity and years of delivery making significant contributions (p = .001 and p = .017, respectively).Conclusion. Interpersonal methods may be more effective in recruiting physical activity program participants in rural settings, whereas using a greater variety of promotional methods may be more effective in metro/urban settings.

A noted British specialist in Russia's economic geography and the Far East region presents a comprehensive account of the development of the onshore and offshore oil and gas deposits of Sakhalin. Following a review of early multinational activity in geological surveying and exploration during the 1970s, he charts subsequent changes in the entities formed to develop and exploit the deposits (Sakhalin-I and -II) later in the Soviet period and during the first two decades of Russian independence. These changes have responded to improved knowledge of the geology of the deposits and changing relations between the Russian central government and Sakhalin regional authorities. Also analyzed are efforts by the Russian side to overturn or otherwise modify terms of previous agreements deemed unfavorable, and maneuvering by China and Japan to secure increasing sources of supply for their markets. With Sakhalin's two core projects now entering the active production phase, the author distills a number of key issues that have shaped the development of the island's offshore hydrocarbon resources and will have a bearing on prospects for a future generation of less spectacular new projects (incremental development); he also outlines wider lessons that have been learned over the life of Sakhalin's projects. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F210, L710, L950, P330, Q400. 4 figures, 2 tables, 45 references.