bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of unilateral compared with bilateral lumbar pedicle screw fixation for stabilization of unilateral vertebral disease
Authors: Yücesoy Kemal , Yüksel K. Zafer , Baek Seungwon , Sonntag Volker K. H. , Crawford Neil R.
Published: January 2008

Object

An in vitro flexibility experiment was performed to compare the biomechanical stability of asymmetrical lumbar pedicle screw fixation (longer hardware attached ipsilaterally to a 1-sided lesion), short and long fixation, and fixation with and without interconnection to the involved vertebra.

Methods

Seven human cadaveric specimens (T12–S1) were studied intact; after simulated unilateral lesions were created at L2–3 and L3-4, the segments were stabilized by 1) L2–4 unilateral fixation (L-3 excluded), 2) L2–4 bilateral fixation (L-3 included contralaterally), 3) L2–5 unilateral fixation (L-3 excluded), 4) L2–5 fixation ipsilateral (L-3 excluded) and L2–4 fixation contralateral (L-3 included), 5) L2–5 bilateral fixation (L-3 included contralaterally), and 6) L2–5 bilateral fixation (L-3 excluded). The testing order varied among specimens. Angular range of motion (ROM) and lax zone were recorded optically while loading to 6.0 Nm was created with nonconstraining pure moments.

Results

Unilateral short fixation provided significantly worse stabilization than any other construct tested in all loading modes (p < 0.05, repeated-measures analysis of variance). There was a mean 56% reduction in ROM across the lesion after adding 1 additional level rostrally and caudally. Asymmetrical long/short stabilization provided similar stability to symmetrical long stabilization. Minimal additional stability was gained by including L-3 in the long bilateral fixation construct.

Conclusions

Unilateral fixation is inadequate for stabilizing a 2-level unilateral lesion. Bilateral fixation, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, provides good stabilization for this injury. It is not important for stability to include the level of the lesion within the long construct contralaterally.
Delayed accumulation of activated macrophages and inhibition of remyelination after spinal cord injury in an adult rodent model
Authors: Imai Masaaki , Watanabe Masahiko , Suyama Kaori , Osada Takahiro , Sakai Daisuke , Kawada Hiroshi , Matsumae Mitsunori , Mochida Joji
Published: January 2008

Object

Inhibition of remyelination is part of the complex problem of persistent dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI), and residual myelin debris may be a factor that inhibits remyelination. Phagocytosis by microglial cells and by macrophages that migrate from blood vessels plays a major role in the clearance of myelin debris. The object of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the failure of significant remyelination after SCI.

Methods

The authors investigated macrophage recruitment and related factors in rats by comparing a contusion model (representing contusive SCI with residual myelin debris and failure of remyelination) with a model consisting of chemical demyelination by lysophosphatidylcholine (representing multiple sclerosis with early clearance of myelin debris and remyelination).

The origin of infiltrating macrophages was investigated using mice transplanted with bone marrow cells from green fluorescent protein–transfected mice. The changes in levels of residual myelin debris and the infiltration of activated macrophages in demyelinated lesions were investigated by immunostaining at 2, 4, and 7 days postinjury. To investigate various factors that might be involved, the authors also investigated gene expression of macrophage chemotactic factors and adhesion factors.

Results

Activated macrophages coexpressing green fluorescent protein constituted the major cell population in the lesions, indicating that the macrophages in both models were mainly derived from the bone marrow, and that very few were derived from the intrinsic microglia. Immunostaining showed that in the contusion model, myelin debris persisted for a long period, and the infiltration of macrophages was significantly delayed. Among the chemotactic factors, the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor were lower in the contusion model at 2 and 4 days postinjury.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the delayed infiltration of activated macrophages is related to persistence of myelin debris after contusive SCI, resulting in the inhibition of remyelination.
Cervical intradural extramedullary cavernoma presenting with isolated intramedullary hemorrhage
Authors: Kivelev Juri , Ramsey Christian N. , Dashti Reza , Porras Matti , Tyyninen Olli , Hernesniemi Juha
Published: January 2008

✓Among cavernomas of the central nervous system, spinal ones are rare. The true incidence of spinal cavernomas is unclear, but with widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging the number of cases is increasing. Furthermore, cav-ernomas represent only 5–12% of all vascular anomalies of the spinal cord, with a mere 3% reported to be intradural and intramedullary in location. Cervical spine intradural extramedullary cavernomas are very seldom seen, and only 4 cases have been reported in world literature previously. In this report, a unique case of an intradural extramedullary spinal cavernoma was surgically treated in a patient who presented only with an intramedullary hemorrhage.
Synthesis of Peptide‐Oligonucleotide Conjugates by Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition in Water
Authors: Marchán Vicente , Grandas Anna
Published: January 2008

Peptide‐oligonucleotide conjugates incorporating all the nucleobases and trifunctional amino acids are obtained by Diels‐Alder reaction between diene‐modified oligonucleotides (2′‐deoxyribo‐ or ribo‐) and malemide‐derivatized peptides. Both reagents are easily synthesized by on‐column derivatization of the corresponding peptides and oligonucleotides. The cycloaddition reaction is carried out under mild conditions, in aqueous solution at 37°C, affording the desired peptide‐oligonucleotide conjugate with high purity and yield. The speed of the reaction depends on the size and composition of both reagents, but it is accelerated by the presence of positively charged amino acids in the peptide fragment. However, a small excess of maleimide‐derivatized peptide may be required in some cases to complete the reaction within 8 to 10 hr.Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 31:4.32.1‐4.32.31. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
FACS‐array gene expression analysis during early development of mouse telencephalic interneurons
Authors: Marsh Eric D. , Minarcik Jennifer , Campbell Kenneth , Brooks‐Kayal Amy R. , Golden Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2008

Cortical interneuron dysfunction has been implicated in multiple human disorders including forms of epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Although significant advances have been made, understanding the biologic basis of these disorders will require a level of anatomic, molecular, and genetic detail of interneuron development that currently does not exist. To further delineate the pathways modulating interneuron development we performed fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACs) on genetically engineered mouse embryos that selectively express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in developing interneurons followed by whole genome microarray expression profiling on the isolated cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed expression of both predicted and unexpected genes in developing cortical interneurons. Two unanticipated pathways discovered to be up regulated prior to interneurons differentiating in the cortex were ion channels/neurotransmitters and synaptic/vesicular related genes. A significant association of neurological disease related genes to the population of developing interneurons was found. These results have defined new and potentially important data on gene expression changes during the development of cortical interneurons. In addition, these data can be mined to uncover numerous novel genes involved in the generation of interneurons and may suggest genes/pathways potentially involved in a number of human neurological disorders. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.
Creating the UK emission trading scheme: motives and symbolic politics
Authors: Nye Michael , Owens Susan
Published: January 2008

This paper explores the business‐led advocacy of the UK emission trading scheme with special focus on the symbolic benefits of emission trading for the business community. It traces the development of the UK Emissions Trading Group and links the group's preferences for emission trading to socio‐economic, operational and legislative contexts. The analysis reveals that, although business originally supported emission trading as an alternative to taxation, more socio‐symbolic motives shaped business interest in emission trading after announcement of the Climate Change Levy. This suggests that ‘symbolic politics’ can drive industry support for economic instruments such as emission trading, even when the economic rationale for doing so is diminished or constrained by existing policy frameworks or wider socio‐economic contexts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Syntheses, Structures, and Electrochemical and Magnetic Properties of Rectangular Heterobimetallic Clusters Based on Tricyanometallic Building Blocks
Authors: Wang Cai‐Feng , Liu Wei , Song You , Zhou Xin‐Hui , Zuo Jing‐Lin , You Xiao‐Zeng
Published: January 2008

Three tricyanometalate precursors, (Bu4N)[(PhTp)Fe(CN)3]·H2O (1), (Bu4N)[(MeTp)Fe(CN)3] (2), and (Bu4N)[(iBuTp)Fe(CN)3] (3) [Bu4N+ = tetrabutylammonium cation; PhTp = tris(pyrazolyl)phenylborate; MeTp = methyltris(pyrazolyl)borate; iBuTp = 2‐methylpropyltris(pyrazolyl)borate], were successfully synthesized. By using 1–3 as building blocks, four rectangular clusters, [(PhTp)Fe(CN)3Cu(bpy)(H2O)(ClO4)]2·2H2O (4; bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), [(PhTp)Fe(CN)3Ni(tren)]2(ClO4)2 [5; tren = tris(2‐amino)ethylamine], [(MeTp)Fe(CN)3Ni(tren)]2(ClO4)2·2H2O (6), and [(iBuTp)Fe(CN)3Ni(tren)]2(ClO4)2·2H2O·2CH3OH (7), were prepared in parallel and structurally characterized. All clusters show similar square structures, where FeIII and MII (M = CuII or NiII) ions are alternatively located on the rectangle corners. The cyclic voltammograms of FeIII2NiII2 clusters 5–7 reveal two quasireversible iron‐centered reduction processes and two quasireversible nickel‐centered oxidation processes. Magnetic studies show intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling and appreciable magnetic anisotropy in clusters 4–7. Complexes 5–7 show obvious frequency dependence in the alternating current magnetic susceptibility data, which indicates single‐molecule magnet behavior with preexponential factors of τ0 = 4.5 × 10–8 s (5), 6.1 × 10–8 s (6), and 5.0 × 10–8 s (7) and the effective spin‐reversal barriers of Ueff = 17.5 K (5), 20.6 K (6), and 20.8 K (7).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of a Galactosylated 4‐Hydroxylysine Building Block and Its Incorporation into a Collagen Immunodominant Glycopeptide
Authors: Marin Julien , Briand Jean‐Paul , Guichard Gilles
Published: January 2008

An analogue of the immunodominant glycopeptide from type II collagen encompassing residues 256–270 has been prepared by substituting β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(2S,4R)‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐lysyl (Gal‐4‐Hyl) for β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(2S,5R)‐5‐hydroxy‐L‐lysyl (Gal‐5‐Hyl) at position 264. The synthesis of the 4‐hydroxylysine aglycon started from the known (2S,4S)‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐oxo‐1,2‐piperidinedicarboxylate (3) and involved selective ring‐opening of 3, lactone formation, and N‐acylation of the lactone with glycyl esters. The resulting N‐Fmoc‐protected 4‐hydroxylysyl‐glycine dipeptide derivative was galactosylated in high yield to give a building block suitable for solid‐phase peptide synthesis. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Regulatory T cells: What role do they play in antitumor immunity in patients with head and neck cancer?
Authors: Alhamarneh Osama , Amarnath Shoba M. P. , Stafford Nicholas D. , Greenman John
Published: January 2008

Advances in the treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) over the last 20 years involving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are not fully reflected in increases in the 5‐year survival rates, mainly due to locoregional recurrences and to a lesser extent, distant metastasis. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that HNSCC induces severe depression of a patient's immune system. Recent advances in understanding the complex host–tumor interactions have led to the identification of a distinct suppressor cell population known as regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in maintaining T‐cell tolerance to self‐antigens. Here, we present a critical review of our understanding of the involvement of regulatory T cells in controlling the T‐cell immune response in tumor occurrence and progression in HNSCC with an emphasis on current and future immunotherapeutic approaches involving regulatory T cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Navigational skills correlate with hippocampal fractional anisotropy in humans
Authors: Iaria Giuseppe , Lanyon Linda J. , Fox Christopher J. , Giaschi Deborah , Barton Jason J.S.
Published: January 2008

Individuals vary widely in their ability to orient within the environment. We used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate whether this ability, as measured by navigational performance in a virtual environment, correlates with the anatomic structural properties of the hippocampus, i.e., fractional anisotropy. We found that individuals with high fractional anisotropy in the right hippocampus are (a) faster in forming a cognitive map of the environment, and (b) more efficient in using this map for the purpose of orientation, than individuals with low fractional anisotropy. These results are consistent with the role of the hippocampus in navigation, and suggest that its microstructural properties may contribute to the intersubject variability observed in spatial orientation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A double‐nonparametric procedure for estimating the number of delay‐reported cases
Authors: Lin Huazhen , Yip Paul S. F. , Huggins Richard M.
Published: January 2008

This paper proposes a double‐nonparametric procedure to estimate the population size for reporting delay data without the specification of the incidence function and the delay distribution function. Asymptotic results of the proposed estimator are given. Simulation studies show that the proposed procedure works better than the existing estimating procedures. The method has been applied to a suicide reporting system in Hong Kong for improving monitoring and surveillance purposes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunological and metabolic effects of cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid in subjects with birch pollen allergy
Authors: Turpeinen Anu M. , Ylönen Niina , von Willebrand Eva , Basu Samar , Aro Antti
Published: January 2008

Animal studies suggest that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may modulate the immune response, while studies in healthy human subjects have shown little effect and results are controversial. However, the effects of CLA may be more prominent in situations of immune imbalance, such as allergy. We studied the effects of the natural CLA isomer, cis-9, trans-11-CLA, on allergy symptoms and immunological parameters in subjects with birch pollen allergy. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, forty subjects (20–46 years) with diagnosed birch pollen allergy received 2 g CLA/d in capsules, which contained 65·3 % cis-9, trans-11-CLA and 8·5 % trans-10, cis-12-CLA (n 20), or placebo (high-oleic acid sunflower-seed oil) (n 20) for 12 weeks. The supplementation began 8 weeks before the birch pollen season and continued throughout the season. Allergy symptoms and use of medication were recorded daily. Lymphocyte subsets, cytokine production, immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, lipid and glucose metabolism and lipid peroxidation were assessed before and after supplementation. The CLA group reported a better overall feeling of wellbeing (P < 0·05) and less sneezing (P < 0·05) during the pollen season. CLA supplementation decreased the in vitro production of TNF-α (P < 0·01), interferon-γ (P < 0·05) and IL-5 (P < 0·05). Total plasma IgE and birch-specific IgE concentrations did not differ between groups, whereas plasma IgA (P < 0·05), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0·05) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (P < 0·05) concentrations were lower after CLA supplementation. Urinary excretion of 8-iso-PGF2α, a major F2-isoprostane (P < 0·01), and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, a primary PGF2α metabolite (P < 0·05), increased in the CLA group. The results suggest that cis-9, trans-11-CLA has modest anti-inflammatory effects in allergic subjects.
Differential response of protein metabolism in splanchnic organs and muscle to pectin feeding
Authors: Pirman Tatjana , Mosoni Laurent , Rémond Didier , Ribeyre Marie Claude , Buffière Caroline , Salobir Janez , Mirand Philippe Patureau
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the addition of soluble fibre in the diet affected protein metabolism in the intestinal tissues, some visceral organs and in skeletal muscle. A diet supplemented with pectin (80 g/kg) was fed to young growing rats and the effect on organ mass and protein metabolism in liver, spleen, small and large intestines and gastrocnemius muscle was monitored and compared with the control group. Protein synthesis rates were determined by measuring [13C]valine incorporation in tissue protein. In the pectin-fed rats compared with the controls, DM intake and body weight gain were reduced (9 and 20 %, respectively) as well as gastrocnemius muscle, liver and spleen weights (6, 14 and 11 %, respectively), but the intestinal tissues were increased (64 %). In the intestinal tissues all protein metabolism parameters (protein and RNA content, protein synthesis rate and translational efficiency) were increased in the pectin group. In liver the translational efficiency was also increased, whereas its protein and RNA contents were reduced in the pectin group. In gastrocnemius muscle, protein content, fractional and absolute protein synthesis rates and translational efficiency were lower in the pectin group. The stimulation of protein turnover in intestines and liver by soluble fibre such as pectins could be one of the factors that explain the decrease in muscle turnover and whole-body growth rate.
Coaxial cavity vircator with enhanced efficiency
Authors: LIU G.Z. , SHAO H. , YANG Z.F. , SONG Z.M. , CHEN C.H. , SUN J. , ZHANG Y.P.
Published: January 2008

A vircator with a coaxial cavity has the potential to increase the beam–microwave conversion efficiency. According to the E-field distribution pattern of the modes in the anode cavity of a coaxial vircator, the resonant frequency band of the injected electron beam and the lowest two operating modes are derived. The main frequency of the virtual cathode is also deduced. The optimal operating frequency and high-efficiency designing method of a coaxial cavity vircator is discussed. An experimental setup is designed and built to test the high-power microwave (HPM) generation mechanism described by theoretical analysis as well as increase the power efficiency. HPM frequency obtained in the experiment is in good agreement with the analysis. The power and energy efficiencies obtained in the experiment are, respectively, 8.7% and 6.8% with 50 ns pulse width. Frequency and phase stable HPM radiation is observed as well as pulse shortening is evidently depressed.
Optimising manure management for GHG outcomes
Authors: van der Meer H. G.
Published: January 2008

This paper focuses on improvements to livestock manure management to reduce environmental pollution and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Livestock manures contain large amounts of plant nutrients and organic matter (OM). Structural changes to livestock production and ample supply of cheap chemical fertilisers have decreased the interest and possibilities of farmers in using manure for the fertilisation of crops and grasslands and maintenance of soil fertility. As a result, many livestock producers dispose of manure as cheaply as possible causing serious pollution of soil, water and atmosphere. In addition, livestock production systems contribute to climate change by emission of the GHG carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Careful recycling of livestock manures to fertilise crops and grasslands and improve soil fertility is considered the most suitable and cost-effective option for environmentally friendly disposal. Manure management legislation in The Netherlands is described to explain the principles. These include complete collection of faeces and urine of confined livestock, adaptation of the period and rate of manure application to the N and P requirements of crops, and use of manure collection, storage and application techniques aiming at low ammonia (NH3) losses. Effects of sustainable manure management on GHG emissions are described. Optimising the period, rate and technique of manure application to crops and grassland causes effective utilisation of manure N and reduces direct and indirect losses of N2O. In addition, effective recycling of manure nutrients and OM allows a reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers and fossil energy and contributes to the maintenance or improvement of the carbon content of agricultural ecosystems. The relatively high costs of sustainable manure management stimulate farmers to optimise feed conversion and minimise manure production per unit of product by good livestock feeding and management practices. High feed conversion efficiency reduces CH4 emission by enteric fermentation and may reduce feed imports and related GHG emissions. In addition, it is shown that livestock categories differ widely in feed conversion efficiency and N and P excretion per unit of product. Finally, anaerobic digestion of livestock slurries provides a valuable energy source and reduces CH4 emission of stored slurry and, possibly, N2O emission after field application of the slurry.
Gypsum reduces methane emission during the storage of pig slurry
Authors: Berg W. , Model A.
Published: January 2008

Methane is the most prevalent greenhouse gas from animal agriculture. The main source of methane emission is ruminant metabolism; however, animal manure also makes a significant contribution. Manure management can offer possibilities for emission reduction. The influence of sulfur, in the form of gypsum (CaSO4), on methane emission from liquid pig manure during storage was determined at the laboratory scale. Manure was stored in open vessels (75 kg/vessel) over a period of 14 weeks. Three different dosages of gypsum, 1, 2 and 3 kg per vessel, were added at the beginning of the experimental period. There was a linear correlation between methane concentration and amount of added gypsum. Adding 4% gypsum to pig slurry by mass (3 kg) almost halved methane emission. Nearly all nitrous oxide emissions were eliminated by the gypsum treatments.
Isolation of sulfide oxidisers for desulfurising biogas produced from anaerobic piggery wastewater treatment in Taiwan
Authors: Su Jung-Jeng , Chen Yen-Jung , Chang Yuan-Chih , Tang Szu-Ching
Published: January 2008

This study aimed to improve the utilisation of biogas in pig farms, the promotion of biogas use and the reduction of greenhouse gas (i.e. methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide) emissions to the atmosphere. Sulfur oxidisers can convert sulfide (S2–) to sulfur (S0) and even sulfate (SO42–). Strains of CYAS-1, CYAS-2, SW-1, SW-2, and SW-3 were isolated from environmental samples and proven to have capabilities of sulfide oxidation by growing them in 150 mL liquid media with 1.5 g sulfur powder. An increase in sulfate concentration was used to select sulfide oxidisers. Strains CYAS-1 and CYAS-2, which both had significant sulfide oxidation capability, were isolated from the sludge of piggery wastewater treatment facilities. Moreover, strains SW-1, SW-2, and SW-3 were isolated from a pilot-scale biogas bio-filter (BBF) reactor. The experimental results showed that strain CYAS-1 (identified as Acinetobacter spp.), grown in diluted trypticase soy broth (TSB) with sulfur powder, increased the concentrations of SO42– from 17.2 ± 0.5 to 23.8 ± 1.0 mg/L (38.4% increase). Strain CYAS-2 (identified as Corynebacterium spp.), grown in diluted TSB with sulfur powder, increased concentrations of SO42– from 17.7 ± 0.1 to 25.9 ± 0.9 mg/L (47.0% increase). Concentrations of SO42– were increased 40.5, 33.6, and 29.7% in the presence of strains SW-1 (Candida kruse/inconspicua; 96.2% identity), SW-2 (Candida parapsilosis; 93.2% identity), and SW-3 (Trichosporon mucoides; 95.7% identity), respectively.
Nitrogen and energy balances of a combined anaerobic digestion and electrochemical oxidation process for dairy manure management
Authors: Ihara Ikko , Toyoda Kiyohiko , Watanabe Tsuneo , Umetsu Kazutaka
Published: January 2008

Anaerobic digestion and electrochemical oxidation were investigated for their potential to recycle carbon and degrade nitrogen from dairy manure; the energy balance of this combination of treatments was also evaluated. Anaerobic digestion is a sustainable technology that allows recovery of biomass energy and treatment of animal wastes for carbon recycling. Since the anaerobic digestion process performs denitrification poorly, almost all nitrogenous substances are discharged in digested effluent as ammonia. The ammonium nitrogen in anaerobically digested effluent is degraded by electrochemical oxidation with an unsacrificial anode. The electrochemical oxidation requires inputs of electricity. We evaluated the feasibility of using electricity generated by a full-scale biogas plant, producing biogas from dairy manure, for the electrochemical oxidation of ammonium nitrogen in anaerobically digested effluent. Data on the amount of electricity generated by such a plant were compared with data on the electricity requirements of the electrochemical oxidation process to determine the energy balance of the two processes. The results indicated that electricity generated from a biogas plant was able to supply 24 to 33% of the electricity required for the electrochemical oxidation.
Heavy chain–only antibodies are spontaneously produced in light chain–deficient mice
Authors: Zou Xiangang , Osborn Michael J. , Bolland Daniel J. , Smith Jennifer A. , Corcos Daniel , Hamon Maureen , Oxley David , Hutchings Amanda , Morgan Geoff , Santos Fatima , Kilshaw Peter J. , Taussig Michael J. , Corcoran Anne E. , Brüggemann Marianne
Published: January 2008

In healthy mammals, maturation of B cells expressing heavy (H) chain immunoglobulin (Ig) without light (L) chain is prevented by chaperone association of the H chain in the endoplasmic reticulum. Camelids are an exception, expressing homodimeric IgGs, an antibody type that to date has not been found in mice or humans. In camelids, immunization with viral epitopes generates high affinity H chain–only antibodies, which, because of their smaller size, recognize clefts and protrusions not readily distinguished by typical antibodies. Developmental processes leading to H chain antibody expression are unknown. We show that L−/− (κ−/−λ−/−-deficient) mice, in which conventional B cell development is blocked at the immature B cell stage, produce diverse H chain–only antibodies in serum. The generation of H chain–only IgG is caused by the loss of constant (C) γ exon 1, which is accomplished by genomic alterations in CH1-circumventing chaperone association. These mutations can be attributed to errors in class switch recombination, which facilitate the generation of H chain–only Ig-secreting plasma cells. Surprisingly, transcripts with a similar deletion can be found in normal mice. Thus, naturally occurring H chain transcripts without CH1 (VHDJH-hinge-CH2-CH3) are selected for and lead to the formation of fully functional and diverse H chain–only antibodies in L−/− animals.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed PCR (DOP-PCR)
Authors: Arneson Nona , Hughes Simon , Houlston Richard , Done Susan
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

PCR-based whole-genome amplification (WGA) has the goal of generating microgram quantities of genome-representative DNA from picogram or nanogram amounts of starting material. This amplification should introduce little, or ideally no, representational bias. Unlike other techniques for WGA, PCR-based methods are generally less affected by DNA quality and are more applicable to DNA extracted from various sources (fixed and fresh tissues). The degenerate-oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR) method described here allows complete genome coverage in a single reaction. In contrast to the pairs of target-specific primer sequences used in traditional PCR, only a single primer, which has defined sequences at its 5′-end (containing an XhoI restriction site) and 3′-end and a random hexamer sequence between them, is used here. DOP-PCR comprises two different cycling stages. In stage 1 (low stringency), low-temperature annealing and extension in the first five to eight cycles occurs at many binding sites in the genome. The 3′-end of the primer binds at sites in the genome complementary to the 6-bp well-defined sequence at the 3′-end of the primer (~106 sites in the human genome). The adjacent random hexamer sequence (displaying all possible combinations of the nucleotides A, G, C, and T) can then anneal and tags these sequences with the DOP primer. In stage 2 (high stringency; >25 cycles), the PCR annealing temperature is raised, which increases priming specificity during amplification of the tagged sequence. DOP-PCR generates a smear of DNA fragments (200-1000 bp) that are visible on an agarose gel.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Single-Cell Comparative Genomic Hybridization PCR (SCOMP)
Authors: Arneson Nona , Hughes Simon , Houlston Richard , Done Susan
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

PCR-based whole-genome amplification (WGA) has the goal of generating microgram quantities of genome-representative DNA from picogram or nanogram amounts of starting material. This amplification should introduce little, or ideally no, representational bias. In contrast to other techniques for WGA, PCR-based methods are generally less affected by DNA quality and are more applicable to DNA extracted from various sources (fixed and fresh tissues). Ligation-mediated PCR techniques involve ligating an adaptor sequence onto a “representation” of DNA molecules, generated following enzymatic digestion, random shearing, or chemical cleavage. Single-cell comparative genomic hybridization (SCOMP), described in this protocol, is a form of ligation-mediated PCR that was specifically designed for WGA of extremely limited sources of genomic DNA. The reaction volume is purposely kept to a minimum, and all buffers are optimized to eliminate the need to purify the reaction between steps. In addition, the entire reaction is performed in a single tube. This avoids initial template loss and reduces the risk of PCR contamination. SCOMP begins by converting the genome to a high-complexity representation with a fragment size of <2 kb by digesting with the restriction enzyme MseI. This results in a smear in the range of 100-1500 bp. Following enzyme digestion, adaptors containing specific primer sequences (specific to the restriction enzyme used) are ligated onto the ends of the genomic DNA and amplified in a high-stringency PCR. This results in a smear of PCR products in the range of 100-1500 bp, which can be visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis.
A new key for the identification of the British species ofAphelopus(Hym; Dryinidae)
Authors: JERVIS MARK A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.Heads of the five British species ofAphelopushave been examined. New characters of the clypeus, and structures associated with it, have been found which enable the construction of a key incorporating both sexes.
Wing morphometric analysis of Australian Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: BROWN K. R. , SHIPP E.
Published: January 2008

Phenetic affinities of thirty‐two species of Australian Sarcophaginae are described. A set of wing morphometric characters was analysed using canonical variate analysis and clustering of generalized distances. The results were compared to classifications of Roback (1954) and to that of Souza Lopes (1954, 1958a, b, 1959). There was substantially more agreement with the classification of Roback than with that of Souza Lopes. Thus the subfamily appears to consist of a reduced number of minor genera (Heteronychia, Blaesoxipha, Tricharaea and possibly Sarcosolomonia/Fergusonimyia) and a large complex consisting of species of Sarcophaga sensu lato.
Taxonomy and ecology of Ceratinini of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: DALY HOWELL V.
Published: January 2008

Abstract A key, synonymy, descriptions and distributions are given for twelve species of Ceratina (Euceratina), including three new species, C.maghrebensis, C.neocallosa, C.saundersi; two species of Ceratina (Ceratina, s.s.); and two species of Pithitis. A neotype is designated for C.callosa and lectotypes for C.callosa algeriensis, C.chalybea, C.cyanea imitatrix, C.decolorans, C.laevifrons moricei, C.mocsaryi and C.nigrolabiata. Ecology of bees in overwintering nests in Tunisia is discussed. Evidence is given for congeneric interference competition for nesting substrates and resource partitioning. C.dallatorreana is shown to reproduces probably entirely by thelytoky and thus is unique among Apoidea.
The genera of Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera) of The world
Authors: HAYAT MOHAMMAD
Published: January 2008

Abstract A key is given to the world genera of the chalcidoid family Aphelinidae. Forty‐four genera are accepted as valid, including three described as new, Encarsiella (type‐species E.noyesi sp.n.), Hirtaphelinus (type‐species H.smetanai sp.n.) and Samariola (type‐species S.camerounensis sp.n.). The key is followed by a synopsis of the world genera, which includes: (1) citations of valid genera and their synonyms in chronological order; (2) total or approximate number of described species; (3) distribution in the six zoogeographical regions; (4) references mainly to major works and revisions; and (5) comments, especially on the new synonymies introduced in the present paper. The following new synonymies are proposed (the senior synonyms (valid names) are noted in parentheses): Aleurodiphilus DeBach & Rose (Encarsia Foerster); Aneristus Howard, Ataneostigma Girault, Heptacritus De Santis (Coccophagus Westwood); Artas Howard (Pteroptrix Westwood); Plastocharella Girault, Turmidiscapus Girault (Centrodora Foerster); Encyrtophyscus Blanchard, Physculus Jasnosh, Physcus Howard (Coccobius Ratzeburg); Mesidia Foerster (Aphelinus Dalman); Paranthemus Girault (Cales Howard); Primaprospaltella DeBach & LaSalle (Coccophagoides Girault). The following genera are regarded as of doubtful position: Mesopirene Girault, Neocales Risbec, Paulianaphelinus Risbec and Verekia Risbec.
The taxonomy and biology ofDiadegma chrysostictos(Gmelin) andDiadegma fabricianaesp.n. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: HORSTMANN K. , SHAW M. R.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.A combination of morphological and biological evidence is used to separate two species of Ichneumonidae parasitizing Lepidoptera:Diadegma chrysostictos(Gmelin), a parasitoid of phycitine and galleriine Pyralidae, andDiadegma fabricianaesp.n. which parasitizes the choreutidAnthophila fabriciana(Linnaeus). An inbred laboratory culture ofD.chrysostictoswas found to be atypical with respect to some character states, illustrating the unsuitability of artificially maintained populations for morpho‐taxonomic study. A neotype is designated forIchneumon chrysostictosGmelin, 1790.
Web‐spinning sawflies of thesylvaticus‐group ofPamphilius(Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae)
Authors: SHINOHARA AKIHIKO
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Pamphilius sylvaticus group is redefined to include seventeen species in the Holarctic: sylvaticus (Linnaeus), fumipennis (Curtis) and nemorum (Gmelin) from Europe; alnicola Ermolenko, daisenus Takeuchi, volatilis (Smith), benesi sp.n., gracilis sp.n., japoni‐cus sp.n. and montanus sp.n. from northeastern Asia (mainly Japan); burquei (Provancher), cinctus Harrington, middlekauffi Shinohara & Smith, ocreatus (Say), rileyi (Cresson) and semicinctus (Norton) from eastern N. America; and persicum MacGillivray from eastern N. America and the Caucasus. Each species is described and figured and a key for identification is given.
A new species of Acraea Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Acraeinae) from Ghana, West Africa
Authors: USHER M. B.
Published: January 2008

Acraea krakais a distinctive species, with reduced scales on both forewings and hindwings, from the equatorial forest east of the Dahomey Gap. A similar, allopatric species,A.kibisp.n., is described from an isolated upland forest within the equatorial forest west of the Dahomey Gap.
Pseudochakura (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae), a New World genus of chalcidoids parasitic on ants
Authors: HERATY J. M.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The genus Pseudochakura Ashmead (Eucharitidae: Eucharitinae) is revised to include thirteen species which all share the complete fusion of the genae behind the mandibles and a loss of functional mouthparts. Eight Neotropical and one Nearctic species of Pseudochakura are described as new: atra (Mexico), condylus (lesser Antilles), excruciata (Brazil), frustrata (Argentina), liburna (Florida, U.S.A.), pauca (Argentina), prolata (Argentina), sculpturata (Brazil; Florida, U.S.A.), septuosa (Mexico). P. chilensis Kieffer is redescribed. The known distribution of P.nigrocyanea Ashmead is extended to Uruguay and Venezuela. The known distribution of P. americana (Howard) [comb.n.] is extended to Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Argentina and northward into the southern tip of Florida. All three previously described Nearctic species are synonomized under the name P.gibbosa (Provancher) with P.arizonensis (Crawford) and P.californica (Ashmead) as junior synonyms. Biological information is summarized providing new information on both plant and ant hosts. A phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus is nresenteri.
Two remarkable new species of scuttle‐fly (Diptera: Phoridae) that parasitize termites (Isoptera) in Sulawesi
Authors: DISNEY R. H. L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Diplonevra mortimeri sp.nov. and D.watsoni. sp.nov. are described from specimens caught at Nasutitermitinae termite colonies in Sulawesi. The female of both species has a remarkable pre‐oviposition behaviour in which she lures a worker termite into following her away from the colony. She then oviposits in the termite's abdomen. Pupation takes place within the remains of the host's abdomen. Both species only mature a single egg at a time. The female probably guards the comatose host termite during the period of larval development. The morphology of the male hypopygia of the new species allows reinterpretation of the peculiar anal tube in typical male Diplonevra. Furthermore the suggested homologies reinforce the view that the epandrium (tergite 9) has not been replaced by a periandrium (fused gonocoxites) in the Cyclorrhapha and consequently the latter cannot be derived from the Empidoidea.
Revision of the Gymnophora (Diptera: Phoridae) of the Holarctic Region: classification, reconstructed phylogeny and geographic history
Authors: BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The species of Gymnophora Macquart of the Holarctic Region are revised and twelve species, including four new to science, are recognized. A phylogenetic hypothesis is presented and some speculations are made on the geographic history of the genus. The Gymnophora carina‐group containing G. carina new species and G.mul‐tipinnacula new species, is considered to be the sister group to the Gymnophora quartomollis‐group of species. The G.quartomollis‐gionp consists of the G.nigripennis‐subgroup, containing G.fastigiorum Schmitz, G.nigripennis Schmitz and G.quartomollis Schmitz, and the G.arcwata‐subgroup of species, containing G.arcuata (Meigen), G.integrate Schmitz, G.luteiventris Schmitz, G.subarcuata Schmitz, G.healeyae Disney, G.marshalli new species and G.talea new species. No male specimens of G.lapidicola or verrucata were located, hence the phylogenetic relationships of these species are not hypothesized. Male and female terminalia and other taxonomically useful characters are illustrated, and the larva of G.luteiventris is described, the first published description of the larva of this genus.
Clarification of the taxonomic status of the genera Cantharoctonus Viereck, Noserus Foerster and Pseudavga Tobias (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: WHITFIELD JAMES B. , VAN ACHTERBERG C.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The biological and taxonomic relationships of the braconid genera Cantharoctonus Viereck, Noserus Foerster, Pseudavga Tobias and Rhysipolis Foerster are briefly discussed and short diagnoses are given for each genus. Figures are provided of the type‐species of each of the genera. Pachystigmus Hellén 1927 is a new synonym of Noserus Foerster, 1862.
Six new cavernicolous cixiid planthoppers in the genus Solonaima from Australia (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea)
Authors: HOCH H. , HOWARTH F. G.
Published: January 2008

Abstract The monophyletic genus Solonaima, endemic to northern Queensland, is reviewed and six new species are described: S.sullivani sp.n., S.pholetor sp.n., S.stonei sp.n., S.halos sp.n., S.irvini sp.n. and S. baylissa sp.n. The previously known epigean species, S.solonaima Kirkaldy and S.pallesens (Distant) are illustrated and redescribed. The six new species represent four separate independent cave invasions and nearly double the number of known cavernicolous cixiids in the world. This is the first report of a closely related group of cave‐dwelling Homoptera showing varying degrees of cave adaptation. One facultative cave species, S.sullivani, shows virtually no modification from surface relatives. Two species, S.pholetor and S.stonei, show some eye, colour, and wing‐reduction, but they are still flighted and are considered facultative cave species. S.halos and S. irvini are nearly blind and have reduced, non‐functional wings and are considered obligate cave species. S. baylissa, the most remarkable obligate cave species, is highly modified: eyeless, nearly wingless and colourless. The evolutionary trends displayed in cave adaptation are illustrated and discussed. These include reduction in body colour, eyes and wings, alteration of head and thorax shape, and possibly simplification of the male genitalia. The geology of the caves is complex and ranges from greater than 5‐million‐year‐old caves in Silurian‐aged metamorphosed limestone to 190,000‐year‐old lava tubes. The facultative species are generally found in the most open caves, the two intermediate obligate species are found in deeper caves, and the most highly modified species is restricted to damp cave passages with high CO2 levels. There is no correlation between the ages of the caves and the degree of cave adaptation.
Revision of the enigmatic Australasian genus Miropotes Nixon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with comments on the phylogenetic importance of the female ovipositor system
Authors: AUSTIN A. D.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.The endemic Australasian microgastrine genusMiropotesNixon, previously known from two species,M. creonNixon from Tasmania andM. petiolaris(Szépligeti) from N.S.W., is revised. A further eight species are described as new(M. burringbaris, M. boothis, M. chookolis, M. goobitis, M. kilkulunis, M. cadgeis, M. katoisandM. thuraris), two of which represent the first record of the genus outside continental Australia (viz New Guinea, New Hebrides and New Caledonia). A key to species is presented along with information on the first host record for the genus. Relationships betweenMiropotesand other microgastrine genera are discussed, particularly in reference to the structure of the ovipositor and hypopygium, which have bearing on the current tribal classification of the subfamily.
A phylogenetic interpretation of the Brachycera (Diptera) based on the larval mandible and associated mouthpart structures
Authors: SINCLAIR B. J.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Based on outgroup comparison, the various components of the larval mandible of the Brachycera and their homologies are described. The final instar larval mandible of the Brachycera ground plan is comprised of a distal pointed hook and an inverted ‘U’‐shaped basal sclerite. The phylogenetic implications of the larval mandibular homologies and associated mouthpart structures for the current cladistic hypotheses of the Nematocera (Wood & Borkent, 1989) and orthorrhaphous Brachycera (Woodley, 1989) are evaluated.

A cladistic analysis of larval mouthpart characters largely supports the hypotheses of Wood & Borkent and Woodley. The presence of a pharyngeal filter is tentatively proposed as a synapomorphy of the Diptera exclusive of the Tipulomorpha and Bibionomorpha. Evidence is presented supporting a sister‐group relationship between the Psychodomorpha (sensu Wood & Borkent, 1989) and the Brachycera. The placement of the Pantophthalmidae in the Stratiomyomorpha is supported by the apomorphic development of the mandibular‐maxillary complex and pharyngeal filter with posterior grinding mill. Additional larval mouthpart characters are proposed supporting the concept of the Eremoneura (Empidoidea + Cyclorrhapha). The ground plan of the Empidoidea appears to be characterized by the apomorphic development of a four‐component mandible, in which the basal sclerite is subdivided into two connecting sclerites and a ventral sclerite. Morphological evidence is presented supporting the mandibular origin of the mouthhooks of the Cyclorrhapha.
Taxonomy and biology of the supposedly lestobiotic ant genus Paedalgus (Hym.: Formicidae)
Authors: BOLTON BARRY , BELSHAW ROBERT
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The taxonomy and biology of the supposedly lestobiotic ant genus Paedalgus is reviewed. Ten species are recognized, from Sri Lanka and the Afro tropical region, of which six are described here as new: distinctus, octatus, pisinnus, rarus, robertsoni and saritus. The genus is defined and an identification key to species is provided. Evidence for and against a lestobiotic lifeway is discussed and what is known of the biology of the species is reviewed.
Evolving under myrmecophily: a cladistic revision of the symphilic beetle tribe Sceptobiini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: DANOFF‐BURG JAMES A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. A phylogenetic analysis is carried out using Falagriini as the sister taxon of the tribe Sceptobiini. The trees resulting from a series of matrix manipulations and analyses are highly congruent. Two clades are produced: Dinardilla includes two species, and Sceptobius includes three species. Symbiochara Fenyes and Apteronina Wasmann are synonymized with Sceptobius Sharp, and Apteronina wasmanni Mann is synonymized with Sceptobius dispar Sharp.

All sceptobiine species are obligate inquilines of either Liometopum apiculatum Mayr or L.occidentale Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). Preliminary behavioural observations indicate that the subdivision into two clades is reflected in the types of interactions with host ants. Dinardilla beetles actively interact with the host, while Sceptobius beetles are more peripheral within the nest. These ecological and behavioural differences are believed to be produced by an interaction between ecological specialization, chance historical events, and geographic isolation during the speciation of the host ants.