bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The larva of Sirrhas variegatus, sp.nov., with notes on the Perimylopidae, Ulodidae (stat. nov.), Zopheridae and Chalcodryidae (Coleoptera : Tenebrionoidea)
Authors: Lawrence JF
Published: April 2005

Sirrhas Champion and its type, S. limbatus Champion, are redescribed and S. variegatus, sp. nov., is described, along with its presumed larva. The two species are distinguished in a key and comments are made on their geographic distribution and habits. Sirrhas is compared with members of the Chalcodryidae, in which the genus is currently placed, and with the tenebrionoid taxa Melytra Pascoe, Parahelops Waterhouse, Perimylopidae and Zopheridae, each of which is discussed and delimited. A phylogenetic analysis is carried out on a matrix of 21 genera of Tenebrionoidea and 31 characters taken from both larvae and adults. As a result, the following taxonomic changes are proposed: (1) Sirrhas to be moved from Chalcodryidae to Perimylopidae, and the latter group expanded to include Melytra and Parahelops, and (2) the zopherid subfamily Ulodinae, including Pteroderes Germain and Trachyderastes Kaszab, but excluding Melytra and Parahelops, to be raised to family rank. The remaining Zopheridae form a monophyletic group with Colydiidae and Monommatidae, but relationships within that complex are not discussed further. A key to the genera of Ulodidae and Perimylopidae based on adults is given. The following new combinations are proposed in Ulodidae: Ganyme tuberculata (Carter) and G. demarzi (Kulzer).
The Australian Cheyletidae (Acari : Prostigmata)
Authors: Gerson U
Published: April 2005

All 21 hitherto known Australian species of Cheyletidae (Acari : Prostigmata) are listed. Two new species, Philippicheyla notelaeae and Cheletogenes waitei, are described, seven new records are added and a key to females of all 30 species is presented.
A new family of Muscoid Diptera from Australasia, with sixteen new species in four new genera (Diptera : Axiniidae)
Authors: Colless DH
Published: April 2005

The Axiniidae (axeflies) are a small family, apparently related most closely to the Tachinidae, comprising four new genera: Axinia, with 12 species in 2 subgenera distributed in Australia (11 species) and New Guinea (1 species); Barrinea, with 1 species in Australia; and Ismaya and Chirops, with 1 species each in New Guinea. For such a small group, they occupy a remarkable range of habitats, from arid semi-desert to subalpine sclerophyll forest to tropical rainforest, and from the south coast of Tasmania almost to the tip of Cape York Peninsula. Only adults are known, practically all taken at light or in Malaise traps, but female morphology suggests that larvae are parasitic, perhaps in arthropods or molluscs.
Nothotrichocera Alexander (Diptera : Thrichoceridae): Three new species from Australia
Authors: Krzeminska E
Published: April 2005

Nothotrichocera cingulata Alexander and N. terebrella Alexander are redescribed and three new, related species described: N. cranstoni, N. ruda and N. theischingeri. A key to these five species of the 'cingulata' group is provided. The occurrence of the adults is not confined to the cool season.
Taxonomy of the wax scales (Hemiptera : Coccidae: Ceroplastinae) in Australia
Authors: Qin TK , Gullan PJ
Published: April 2005

A comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the wax scales in Australia is presented. Seven species are included; of these, six [Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius), C. destructor Newstead, C. floridensis Comstock, C. insulanus De Lotto, C. rubens Maskell, C. sinensis Del Guercio] were known in Australia previously, and one [Vinsonia stellifera (Westwood)] is recorded from Australia for the first time. The adult females of C. destructor, C. insulanus and C. sinensis, and the immature stages of males and females of C. sinensis are described and illustrated. Keys to the adult females of the seven species known in Australia and to both sexes and different stages of C. sinensis are provided.
Sandy beach meiofauna of eastern Australia (southern Queensland and New South Wales). I. Introduction and macrostomida (Platyhelminthes)
Authors: Faubel A , Blome D , Cannon LRG
Published: April 2005

This is the first of a series describing new turbellarian and nematode species collected during March and April 1992, on eulittoral sandy shores of Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. The environment and all sampling sites are described. Four new species of Macrostomida (Dunwlchia arenosa, gen. et sp. nov., Bradburia australiensis, gen. et sp. nov., Macrostomum australiense, sp. nov., and Macrostomum sp. based only on female sexual maturity) were found in eulittoral habitats of sandy beaches, flats and brackish-water creeks.
Australian Ceratitinae (Diptera : Tephritidae)
Authors: Permkam S , Hancock DL
Published: April 2005

Eleven species of Ceratitinae are recorded from Australia. Acidoxantha quinaria, sp, nov., Ceratitella amyemae, sp. nov., and C. recondita, sp. nov., are described. Carpophthorella nigrifascia (Walker) (= C. setifrons Malloch, syn. nov.) and Paracerutitella compta Hardy are newly recorded, both from Queensland.
The bee family Megachilidae (Hymenoptera : Apoidea) in Australia. I. Morphology of the genus Chalicodoma Lepeletier, and a revision of the subgenus Hackeriapsis Cockerell
Authors: King J
Published: April 2005

The literature on Megachilidae in Australia is reviewed. The morphology of the Australian subgenera of the genus Chalicodoma Lepeletier is discussed and the subgenus Hackeriapis Cockerell is revised and redescribed. Chalicodoma (Hackeriapis) now includes 17 species, of which 8 are new: C. adusta, C. ebenea, C. emexae, C. kakadui, C. variabilis, C. bicornis, C. kununurrensis and C. patera. The following synonyms are recognised, under Chalicodoma canifrons (Smith): C. nasuta (Smith), C. nasuta argentifer (Cockerell), C. holura (Cockerell), C. trichomarginata (Rayment); under C. nigrovittata (Cockerell): C. relicta (Cockerell); under C. oblonga (Smith): C. tomentella (Cockerell), C. trichognatha (Cockerell), C. victoriae (Cockerell); under C. ramulipes (Cockerell): C. alani (Cockerell); under C. rhodura (Cockerell): C. rufapicata (Cockerell); under C. semicandens (Cockerell): C. stalkeri (Cockerell), C. subabdominalis (Rayment); under C. trichognatha tosticauda (Cockerell): C. wilsoni (Cockerell). A key to species of Hackeriapis is provided and their distribution is mapped. The relationship between Hackeriapis and the North American subgenus Chalicodoma (Chelostomoides) Robertson is discussed.
Four new species of Actaeciidae (Isopoda : Oniscidea) from Australia, with a review of the family
Authors: Lewis F , Green AJA
Published: April 2005

Four new species of Actaecia Dana are described from Australia; three of these (A. bipleura, A. cyphotelson and A. nasuta) are from beaches in south-eastem Australia and one (A. forrnida) is from the mid-eastern coast of Queensland. Specimens from Tasmania identified previously as Actaecia pallida Nicholls & Barnes belong to A. bipleura. The same probably applies to others from New South Wales and Lord Howe Island. The distributions of the six Australian species are noted. A review of the monogeneric family Actaeciidae includes a new diagnosis of Actaecia and a key to species. The distributions of the two New Zealand species are listed.
Sandy beach meiofauna of eastern Australia (Southern Queensland and New South Wales). III. Revision of the nematode genus Onyx Cobb, 1891, with a description of three new species (Nematoda : Desmodoridae)
Authors: Blome D , Riemann F
Published: April 2005

Three new species of the desmodoroid genus Onyx are described from ocean beaches of northern New South Wales, Australia: Onyx macramphis, sp, nov., Onyx adenophorus, sp. nov., and Onyx cannoni, sp. nov. The genus Onyx is revised, the status of the type species, O. perfectus Cobb, 1891, is discussed and an annotated list of the species of the genus is presented. The precaudal position of the caudal glands in O. adenophoius prompts a discussion of the significance of the precaudal position of caudal glands in free-living marine nematode taxonomy in general.
A synopsis of the genera of the Diphucephalini (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae : Melolonthinae) including Watkinsia, gen. nov. et. spp. nov.
Authors: Britton EB
Published: April 2005

Watkinsia, gen. nov. (Tribe Diphucephalini), is erected, with W. bella, sp. nov., as type species. W. bella, sp. nov., W. megalops, sp. nov., W. monteithi, sp. nov., W. sedlaceki, sp. nov., W. tenebrosa, sp. nov., W. vicina, sp. nov., and W. williamsi, sp. nov., are described. Diphucephala macrops Lea is transferred to Watkinsia. Cunderdinia orientalis, sp. nov., is described. Keys to the genera of Diphucephalini and to the species of Watkinsia and Cunderdinia are provided. Adults of Watkinsia fly in daylight in high-altitude rainforest in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Phylogeny and systematics of the Ectemnorhinus-group of genera (Insecta : Coleoptera)
Authors: Kuschel G , Chown SL
Published: April 2005

Adult and larval characters place the monophyletic Ectemnorhinus-group of genera firmly within the former Adelognatha and new concept of Brachycerinae. The group, previously with tribal or subfamily status, is most closely related to the genera Heterexis Broun and Oclandius Blanchard from the Auckland and Campbell Islands. A cladistic analysis of the genera based on 35 adult and 11 larval characters, resulted in the following six genera being recognised: Christensenia Brinck, Canonopsis C. O. Waterhouse, Disker Dreux & Voisin, Palirhoeus Kuschel, Bothrometopus Jeannel and Ectemnorhinus G. R. Waterhouse. Ectemnorhinus angusticollis (C. O. Waterhouse) is transferred to Bothrometopus, Mesembriorrhinus parvulus Jeannel, also transferred to Bothrometopus, is reinstated to species level. Ectemnorhinus curtus Jeannel is placed in synonymy with Ectemnorhinus fuscus Enderlein, which is removed from synonymy with Ectemnorhinus viridis G. R. Waterhouse and reinstated as valid. Ectemnorhinus hibernantium (Dreux & Voisin) is placed in synonymy with E. geniculatus Jeannel.
World revision of the genus Encyrtoscelio Dodd (Hymenoptera : Scelionidae)
Authors: Caleca V , Bin F
Published: April 2005

The genus Encyrtoscelio Dodd is revised. E. apterus (Szelényi), E. mirissimus Dodd, E. turneri Waterston are redescribed, and six new species are described: E. cydni Caleca, E. japonicus Caleca, E. mediterraneus Caleca, E. miroides Caleca, E. spuratus Caleca and E. undecim Caleca. A key to separate females is presented, and is based on the number of antennomeres and claval sensillar formula, mandibular spurs and teeth, palpal formula and clypeus, and some cephalic characters. Morphological adaptations of the head and mandibles are discussed in relation to host habitat and oviposition site. Information on host associations, habitat preference, seasonal and daily occurrence of some species are also presented.
Revision of the genus Ogygioses (Palaeosetidae)
Authors: Davis DR , Karsholt O , Kristensen NP , Nielsen ES
Published: April 2005

The systematics and external morphology of the oriental genus Ogygioses are reviewed. Monophyly of the genus is demonstrated by the two segmented labial palpi, loss of the jugal lobe in the forewing, stalking of the forewing R4 with the base of R2 + 3 and a specialised scale arrangement on the forewing base. Sculpturing of the egg chorion differs from that of other Exoporia in exhibiting elongate tubercles regularly dispersed over the surface. The genus is retained tentatively in the Paleosetidae on the basis of the loss of all tibia1 spurs, including the epiphysis, and the extreme reduction of the maxillae. Four species are recognised: O. caliginosa Issiki & Stringer, O. eurata Issiki & Stringer, O. issikii Davis, sp. nov., from Taiwan, and O luangensis Kristensen, sp. nov., from Thailand. Adults are diurnal with the males forming hovering groups, or leks, similar to some species of Hepialidae.
Lasionectes exleyi, sp, nov., the first remipede crustacean recorded from Australia and the Indian Ocean, with a key to the world species
Authors: Yager J , Humphreys WF
Published: April 2005

The first remipede crustacean from the Southern Hemisphere and the Indian Ocean is reported. Lasionectes exleyi, sp. nov., is described from an anchialine cave on the Cape Range peninsula of Western Australia. This is the eleventh species of modern remipede to be described and the second species to be described in the genus Lasionectes. A key to all known species is presented. The discovery of remipedes in Australia represents the first occurrence of a genus other than Speleonectes off the Bahamas Banks and only the second continental occurrence of extant remipedes. The species is known from below a density interface in a single nutrient-enriched cave.
Revision of the genus Docidomyia White (Diptera : Bombyliidae)
Authors: Yeates D
Published: April 2005

The endemic Australian bee fly genus Docidomyia White (Bombyliidae :Tomomyzinae) is revised. The relationships of the genus to others in the Tomomyzinae is discussed. A total of 15 species are treated: the five described species (D. puellaris White, D. norrisi Paramonov, D. froggatti Paramonov, D. victoriana Paramonov and D. swani Paramonov) are diagnosed and ten new species (D. nicholsoni, sp. nov., D. genualia, sp. nov., D. parva, sp. nov., D. albifrons, sp. nov., D. nigra, sp. nov., D. danielsi, sp. nov., D. brevipilata, sp. nov., D. hespera, sp. nov., D. angusta, sp. nov., and D. isla, sp. nov.) are described. The distributions of all species are mapped, and the male and female genitalia of selected species are illustrated.
The Tasmanian geometrid moths associated with the genus Amelora auctorum (Lepidoptera : Geometridae : Ennomina)
Authors: Mcquillan PB
Published: April 2005

The Tasmanian species associated by previous authors with the geometrid moth genus Amelora Guest are reviewed. Nine, including two new species, are assigned to Amelora sensu stricto on the basis of new morphological evidence: A. sparsularia (Guenee) with synonyms A. cyclocentra Turner, syn. nov., and A. oxytona Turner, syn. nov., A. arotraea Meyrick, A. adusta Turner, A. zophopasta Turner, A. nebulosa, sp. nov., A. oritropha Turner, A. leucaniata (Guenée), A. acontistica (Turner), comb. nov., and A. acromegala, sp. nov. Xantholepidote Gumppenberg, syn. nov., and Stinoptila Turner, syn. nov., are considered new generic synonyms of Amelora. All other Tasmanian species associated with Amelora in original combination are reassigned to new genera: Dolabrossa, gen. nov., includes the type species D. suffusa (Turner), comb. nov., and D. amblopa (Guest), comb. nov.; Furcatrox, gen, nov., is erected for a complex of superficially similar species including F. australis (Rosenstock), comb. nov., as type species, F. serrula, sp. nov., F. pervaga, sp. nov., F. furneauxi, sp. nov., F. paracus, sp. nov., F. procera, sp. nov., and F. crenulata (Turner), comb. nov.; Lackrana, gen. nov., includes the type species L. carbo, sp. nov., and L. durafrons, sp. nov.; Cassythaphaga, gen. nov., is a Cassytha (Lauraceae)-feeding genus with C. macarta (Turner), comb. nov., as type species and Androchela, gen. nov., includes A. newmannaria (Guenée), comb. nov., newly confirmed from Australia after 130 years, the polyphagous genotype A. milvaria (Guenée), comb. nov., and a new species, A. smithi, sp. nov., from the Tasmanian highlands. Biological and ecological notes are given where known.
The nasute termites (Isoptera : Nasutitermitinae) of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Roisin Y , Pasteels JM
Published: April 2005

The Nasutitermitinae fauna of Papua New Guinea is revised, based on collections from most regions of the country. A total of 22 species is reported, 12 of which are new. The genus Nasutitermes Dudley is represented by the following species: N. triodiae (Froggatt), N. torresi (Hill), N. motu, sp. nov., N. princeps (Desneux), N. koiari, sp. nov., N. pinocchio, sp. nov., N. novarumhebridarum (N. & K. Holmgren), N. nomadensis, sp. nov., N. polygynus Roisin & Pasteels, N. bikpelanus, sp. nov., N. gracilirostris (Desneux), N. leponcei, sp, nov., N. muli, sp. nov., N. seghersi, sp. nov., and N. seghersi malangganus, subsp. nov. Niuginitermes, gen. nov., is created for two species: N. variratae, sp. nov., and N. liklik, sp. nov. Diwaitermes, gen. nov., includes D. kanehirae (Oshima), comb. nov., D. foi, sp. nov., and D. castanopsis, sp. nov. A single species of Tumulitermes Holmgren, T. marcidus (Hill), is newly reported from mainland New Guinea. Grallatotermes Holmgren and Hospitalirermes Holmgren are each represented by one species, G. grallator (Desneux) and H. papuanus Ahmad. All known imagos (18 species) as well as soldiers and workers of all species are described and illustrated. For each species, the known geographic distribution within Papua New Guinea is reported. An identification key, based on soldiers and workers, is also provided.
Review of the Peripatopsidae (Onychophora) in Australia, with comments on peripatopsid relationships
Authors: Reid AL
Published: April 2005

The Peripatopsidae (Onychophora) are analysed by cladistic techniques. In all, 64 taxa, including 41 new Australian species, are included, and 369 character states are studied for these taxa; 36 genera are recognised, 22 of which are new from Australia. New species are described and redescriptions provided for the 13 Australian taxa recognised prior to the present study. A neotype is designated for Euperipatoides leuckartii (Saenger, 1869) and a lectotype is designated for Ooperipatus oviparus (Dendy, 1895). The phylogenetic relationships of the genera and a selection of characters used in the phylogenetic analyses are discussed. The results indicate that the Australian Peripatopsidae may not be monophyletic. The historical biogeography of the Peripatopsidae appears consistent with current geological theories of continental breakup and climate change, with the oldest elements of the fauna confined to Tasmania and south-eastern mainland Australia, regions that retain affinity with taxa from South America, South Africa and New Zealand. The evolution of some important characters is discussed in relation to these events. Ovoviviparity appears to be the ancestral state in the Onychophora, with oviparity arising in at least two Australian lineages. In eastern Australia there has been a dramatic radiation of species, many exhibiting unusual modifications of the head and its papillae.
Evolutionary emergence of size-structured food webs
Authors: Loeuille Nicolas , Loreau Michel
Published: April 2005

Explaining the structure of terrestrial and aquatic food webs remains one of the most important challenges of ecological theory. Most existing models use emergent properties of food webs, such as diversity and connectance as parameters, to determine other food-web descriptors. Lower-level processes, in particular adaptation (whether by behavioral, developmental, or evolutionary mechanisms), are usually not considered. Here, we show that complex, realistic food webs may emerge by evolution from a single ancestor based on very simple ecological and evolutionary rules. In our model, adaptation acts on body size, whose impact on the metabolism and interactions of organisms is well established. Based on parameters defined at the organism scale, the model predicts emergent properties at the food-web scale. Variations of two key parameters (width of consumption niche and competition intensity) allow very different food-web structures and functionings to emerge, which are similar to those observed in some of the best-documented food webs.
Herpes simplex virus 1 infected cell protein 0 forms a complex with CIN85 and Cbl and mediates the degradation of EGF receptor from cell surfaces
Authors: Liang Yu , Kurakin Alexei , Roizman Bernard
Published: April 2005

Infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) is a 775-residue multifunctional herpes simplex virus protein associated with numerous functions related to transactivation of gene expression and repression of host defenses to infection. We report that an uncharted domain of ICP0 located between residues 245 and 510 contains multiple SH3 domain binding motifs similar to those required for binding to CIN85, the
M
r
85,000 protein that interacts with Cbl. CIN85 and Cbl are involved in endocytosis and negative regulation of numerous receptor tyrosine kinases. We report that ICP0 binds CIN85 in a reciprocal manner and that the complexes pulled down by ICP0 also contain Cbl. We tested the role of ICP0 in the down-regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases by using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a prototypic receptor. In transfection assays, ICP0, in the absence of other viral genes, down-regulated EGF-dependent expression of a reporter gene (luciferase). ICP0 also down-regulated both total and cell surface levels of EGFR in EGF-independent manner. In wild-type virus-infected cells, the surface levels of EGFR were also decreased in the absence of EGF stimulation. Stimulation by EGF enhanced the decrease in surface EGFR. We conclude that ICP0 encodes SH3 domain binding sites that function to down-regulate signaling pathways associated with receptor tyrosine kinases. The results suggest that ICP0 precludes signaling to the infected cells through the receptor tyrosine kinases.
Nonmammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone molecules in the brain of promoter transgenic rats
Authors: Parhar Ishwar S. , Soga Tomoko , Ogawa Satoshi , Ogawa Sonoko , Pfaff Donald W. , Sakuma Yasuo
Published: April 2005

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1) and nonmammalian immunoreactive GnRH subtypes were examined in transgenic rats carrying an enhanced GFP (EGFP) reporter gene driven by a rat GnRH1 promoter. Double-label immunocytochemistry was performed on EGFP
+
/GnRH1 brain sections by using antisera against GnRH1, GnRH2 (chicken II), GnRH3 (salmon), or seabream GnRH. EGFP
+
/GnRH1 neurons were in the septal–preoptic hypothalamus but not in the midbrain, consistent with GnRH1-immunopositive neurons in WT rats. Apparent coexpression of EGFP
+
/GnRH1 with other GnRH subtypes was observed. All EGFP
+
neurons in the septal–preoptic hypothalamus were GnRH1-immunopositive. However, only ≈80% of GnRH1-immunopositive neurons were EGFP
+
, which awaits further elucidation. GnRH subtypes-immunopositive fibers and EGFP
+
/GnRH1 fibers were conspicuous in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, median eminence, and surrounding the ependymal walls of the third ventricle and the aqueduct in the midbrain. These results demonstrate that the expression of the EGFP–GnRH1 transgene is restricted to the bona fide GnRH1 population and provide clear morphological evidence supporting the existence of GnRH1 neuronal subpopulations in the septal–preoptic hypothalamus, which might be driven by different segments of the GnRH promoter. This genetic construct permits analyses of promoter usage in GnRH neurons, and our histochemical approaches open questions about functional relations among isoforms of this peptide, which regulates reproductive physiology in its behavioral and endocrine aspects.
Heterotopic expression of
MPF2
is the key to the evolution of the Chinese lantern of
Physalis
, a morphological novelty in Solanaceae
Authors: He Chaoying , Saedler Heinz
Published: April 2005

Morphological novelties arise through changes in development, but the underlying causes of such changes are largely unknown. In the genus
Physalis
, sepals resume growth after pollination to encapsulate the mature fruit, forming the “Chinese lantern,” a trait also termed inflated-calyx syndrome (ICS).
STMADS16
, which encodes a MADS-box transcription factor, is expressed only in vegetative tissues in
Solanum tuberosum
. Its ortholog in
Physalis pubescens
,
MPF2
, is expressed in floral tissues. Knockdown of MPF2 function in
Physalis
by RNA interference (RNAi) reveals that MPF2 function is essential for the development of the ICS. The phenotypes of transgenic
S. tuberosum
plants that overexpress
MPF2
or
STMADS16
corroborate these findings: these plants display enlarged sepals. Although heterotopic expression of
MPF2
is crucial for ICS, remarkably, fertilization is also required. Although the ICS is less prominent or absent in the knockdown transgenic plants, epidermal cells are larger, suggesting that MPF2 exerts its function by inhibiting cell elongation and promoting cell division. In addition, severely affected
Physalis
knockdown lines are male sterile. Thus, heterotopic expression of
MPF2
in floral tissues is involved in two novel traits: expression of the ICS and control of male fertility. Sequence differences between the promoter regions of the
MPF2
and
STMADS16
genes perhaps reflect exposure to different selection pressures during evolution, and correlate with the observed differences in their expression patterns. In any case, the effects of heterotopic expression of
MPF2
underline the importance of recruitment of preexisting transcription factors in the evolution of novel floral traits.
Efficient cross-priming of tumor antigen-specific T cells by dendritic cells sensitized with diverse anti-MICA opsonized tumor cells
Authors: Groh Veronika , Li Yongqing Q. , Cioca Daniel , Hunder Naomi N. , Wang Wei , Riddell Stanley R. , Yee Cassian , Spies Thomas
Published: April 2005

Dendritic cells (DCs) have the capacity to prime tumor-specific T cell responses and are considered as potentially effective vaccines for immunotherapy of cancer. Critical parameters in the development of DC vaccines are the source of tumor antigen (TA) and the mode of DC-loading. Whole tumor cells contain complex assortments of TA, which has been exploited to enhance cross-presentation to CD8 T cells by DCs loaded with anti-syndecan mAb-opsonized myeloma cells. This approach may be broadly improved by targeting the MHC class I chain-related protein A (MICA), which is frequently and abundantly expressed on most if not all types of epithelial cancers but not in normal tissues except intestinal mucosa. Loading of DC with anti-MICA mAb-coated breast, melanoma, or ovarian tumor lines or uncultured ovarian cancer cells efficiently promoted TA cross-presentation and priming of multivalent anti-tumor CD8 and CD4 T cell responses. These were of substantially greater breadth and magnitude than those of T cells primed by peptide-pulsed or apoptotic tumor cell-loaded DCs. These results may advance DC vaccine development and provide a platform for adoptive T cell therapy and TA discovery. These results further suggest that antibody targeting of MICA might be applicable to elicit T cell immunity against tumors of diverse tissue origins in cancer patients.
Full deacylation of polyethylenimine dramatically boosts its gene delivery efficiency and specificity to mouse lung
Authors: Thomas Mini , Lu James J. , Ge Qing , Zhang Chengcheng , Chen Jianzhu , Klibanov Alexander M.
Published: April 2005

High-molecular-mass polyethylenimines (PEIs) are widely used vectors for nucleic acid delivery. We found that removal of the residual
N
-acyl moieties from commercial linear 25-kDa PEI enhanced its plasmid DNA delivery efficiency 21 times
in vitro
, as well as 10,000 times in mice with a concomitant 1,500-fold enhancement in lung specificity. Several additional linear PEIs were synthesized by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), yielding the pure polycations. PEI87 and PEI217 exhibited the highest efficiency
in vitro
: 115-fold and 6-fold above those of the commercial and deacylated PEI25s, respectively; moreover, PEI87 delivered DNA to mouse lung as efficiently as the pure PEI25 but at a lower concentration and with a 200-fold lung specificity. These improvements stem from an increase in the number of protonatable nitrogens, which presumably results in a tighter condensation of plasmid DNA and a better endosomal escape of the PEI/DNA complexes. As a validation of the potential of such linear, fully deacylated PEIs in gene therapy for lung diseases, systemic delivery in mice of the complexes of a short interfering RNA (siRNA) against a model gene, firefly luciferase, and PEI25 or PEI87 afforded a 77% and 93% suppression of the gene expression in the lungs, respectively. Furthermore, a polyplex of a siRNA against the influenza viral nucleocapsid protein gene and PEI87 resulted in a 94% drop of virus titers in the lungs of influenza-infected animals.
Intestinal antiinflammatory effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid is dependent on peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ
Authors: Rousseaux Christel , Lefebvre Bruno , Dubuquoy Laurent , Lefebvre Philippe , Romano Olivier , Auwerx Johan , Metzger Daniel , Wahli Walter , Desvergne Béatrice , Naccari Gian Carlo , Chavatte Philippe , Farce Amaury , Bulois Philippe , Cortot Antoine , Colombel Jean Frédéric , Desreumaux Pierre
Published: April 2005

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is an antiinflammatory drug widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. It is known to inhibit the production of cytokines and inflammatory mediators, but the mechanism underlying the intestinal effects of 5-ASA remains unknown. Based on the common activities of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) ligands and 5-ASA, we hypothesized that this nuclear receptor mediates 5-ASA therapeutic action. To test this possibility, colitis was induced in heterozygous PPAR-γ+/− mice and their wild-type littermates, which were then treated with 5-ASA. 5-ASA treatment had a beneficial effect on colitis only in wild-type and not in heterozygous mice. In epithelial cells, 5-ASA increased PPAR-γ expression, promoted its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and induced a modification of its conformation permitting the recruitment of coactivators and the activation of a peroxisome-proliferator response element–driven gene. Validation of these results was obtained with organ cultures of human colonic biopsies. These data identify PPAR-γ as a target of 5-ASA underlying antiinflammatory effects in the colon.
An Inactivation Stabilizer of the Na+ Channel Acts as an Opportunistic Pore Blocker Modulated by External Na+
Authors: Yang Ya-Chin , Kuo Chung-Chin
Published: April 2005

The Na+ channel is the primary target of anticonvulsants carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine. These drugs modify Na+ channel gating as they have much higher binding affinity to the inactivated state than to the resting state of the channel. It has been proposed that these drugs bind to the Na+ channel pore with a common diphenyl structural motif. Diclofenac is a widely prescribed anti-inflammatory agent that has a similar diphenyl motif in its structure. In this study, we found that diclofenac modifies Na+ channel gating in a way similar to the foregoing anticonvulsants. The dissociation constants of diclofenac binding to the resting, activated, and inactivated Na+ channels are ∼880 μM, ∼88 μM, and ∼7 μM, respectively. The changing affinity well depicts the gradual shaping of a use-dependent receptor along the gating process. Most interestingly, diclofenac does not show the pore-blocking effect of carbamazepine on the Na+ channel when the external solution contains 150 mM Na+, but is turned into an effective Na+ channel pore blocker if the extracellular solution contains no Na+. In contrast, internal Na+ has only negligible effect on the functional consequences of diclofenac binding. Diclofenac thus acts as an “opportunistic” pore blocker modulated by external but not internal Na+, indicating that the diclofenac binding site is located at the junction of a widened part and an acutely narrowed part of the ion conduction pathway, and faces the extracellular rather than the intracellular solution. The diclofenac binding site thus is most likely located at the external pore mouth, and undergoes delicate conformational changes modulated by external Na+ along the gating process of the Na+ channel.
On the Gating Mechanisms of the Light-dependent Conductance in Pecten Hyperpolarizing Photoreceptors
Authors: del Pilar Gomez Maria , Nasi Enrico
Published: April 2005

The hyperpolarizing receptor potential of ciliary photoreceptors of scallop and other mollusks is mediated by a cGMP-activated K conductance; these cells also express a transient potassium current triggered by depolarization. During steady illumination, the outward currents elicited by voltage steps lose their decay kinetics. One interesting conjecture that has been proposed is that the currents triggered by light and by depolarization are mediated by the same population of channels, and that illumination evokes the receptor potential by removing their steady-state inactivation. Exploiting the information that has become available on the phototransduction cascade of ciliary photoreceptors, we demonstrated that the same downstream signaling elements are implicated in the modulation of voltage-elicited currents: direct chemical stimulation both at the level of the G protein and of the final messenger that controls the light-dependent channels (cGMP) also attenuate the falling phase of the voltage-activated current. Application of a protein kinase G antagonist was ineffective, suggesting that a cGMP-initiated phosphorylation step is not implicated. To ascertain the commonality of ionic pathways we used pharmacological blockers. Although millimolar 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) suppressed both currents, at micromolar concentrations only the photocurrent was blocked. Conversely, barium completely and reversibly antagonized the transient voltage-activated current with no detectable effect on the light-evoked current. These results rule out that the same ionic pores mediate both currents; the mechanism of light modulation of the depolarization-evoked K current was elucidated as a time-dependent increase in the light-sensitive conductance that is superimposed on the inactivating K current.
Transient growth in developing plane and Hagen Poiseuille flow
Authors: Duck Peter W
Published: April 2005

The stability of developing entry flow in both two-dimensional channels and circular pipes is investigated for large Reynolds numbers. The basic flow is generated by uniform flow entering a channel/pipe, which then provokes the growth of boundary layers on the walls, until (far downstream) fully developed flow is attained; the length for this development is well known to be

(Reynolds number)×the channel/pipe width/diameter. This enables the use of high-Reynolds-number theory, leading to boundary-layer-type equations which govern the flow; as such, there is no need to impose heuristic parallel-flow approximations. The resulting base flow is shown to be susceptible to significant, three-dimensional, transient (initially algebraic) growth in the streamwise direction, and, consequently, large amplifications to flow disturbances are possible (followed by ultimate decay far downstream). It is suggested that this initial amplification of disturbances is a possible and alternative mechanism for flow transition.
Metal–ligand bifunctional catalysis for asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: Noyori Ryoji , Sandoval Christian A , Muñiz Kilian , Ohkuma Takeshi
Published: April 2005

Chiral diphosphine/1,2-diamine–Ru(II) complexes catalyse the rapid, productive and enantioselective hydrogenation of simple ketones. The carbonyl-selective hydrogenation takes place via a non-classical metal–ligand bifunctional mechanism. The reduction of the C=O function occurs in the outer coordination sphere of an 18etrans-RuH2(diphosphine)(diamine) complex without interaction between the unsaturated moiety and the metallic centre. The Ru atom donates a hydride and the NH2ligand delivers a proton through a pericyclic six-membered transition state, directly giving an alcoholic product without metal alkoxide formation. The enantiofaces of prochiral ketones are differentiated on the chiral molecular surface of the saturated RuH2species. This asymmetric catalysis manifests the significance of ‘kinetic’ supramolecular chemistry.
The effect of the phytoestrogen genistein and hormone replacement therapy on homocysteine and C‐reactive protein level in postmenopausal women
Authors: D'Anna Rosario , Baviera Giovanni , Corrado Francesco , Cancellieri Francesco , Crisafulli Alessandra , Squadrito Francesco
Published: April 2005

Background.  The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect, in postmenopausal women, of the phytoestrogen genistein and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on circulating two independent factors of cardiovascular risk: homocysteine and C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Methods.  Ninety healthy postmenopausal women, from 50 to 60 years of age, were randomly assigned to receive genistein (n = 30; 54 mg/die) or continuous combined estrogen/progestin therapy (17‐β‐estradiol 1 mg plus norethisterone acetate 0·5 mg) or placebo. Plasma homocysteine and serum CRP were measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.

Results.  In the genistein group, plasma homocysteine and serum CRP showed no statistically significant difference from baseline (homocysteine: 11·36 ± 0·39 µmol/l; CRP: 1·73 ± 0·31 mg/l) to 6 months treatment (homocysteine: 10·72 ± 0·46 µmol/l; CRP: 2·13 ± 0·45 mg/l), without any significant difference versus the placebo group (homocysteine: 11·25 ± 0·43 µmol/l; CRP: 1·74 ± 0·22 mg/l). In the HRT group there was a slight, but not significant reduction, of plasma homocysteine mean value from baseline (11·21 ± 0·44 µmol/l) to 6 months treatment (10·45 ± 0·38 µmol/l); whereas CRP mean value at the end of treatment (3·30 ± 0·55 mg/l) was significantly higher from baseline (1·61 ± 0·25 mg/l) (P < 0·01). However, after 6 months, no significant difference existed with the other two groups.

Conclusions.  The phytoestrogen genistein, after 6 months treatment, does not modify the independent cardiovascular risk linked to circulating homocysteine or CRP level. Our experience confirms critical increase of CRP serum level after HRT treatment, but not plasma homocysteine significant variation.
Intensive management and early delivery reduce antenatal mortality in monoamniotic twin pregnancies
Authors: Ezra Yossef , Shveiky David , Ophir Ella , Nadjari Michael , Eisenberg Vered H. , Samueloff Arnon , Rojansky Nathan
Published: April 2005

Background.  Intensive management and elective delivery between 32 and 35 weeks of monoamniotic twin pregnancies were suggested as improving perinatal outcome. We sought to evaluate this management as viewed by the outcome of monoamniotic twin pregnancies in our population.

Methods.  A retrospective systematic chart review of all monoamniotic twin pregnancies, diagnosed from January 1986 to June 2002, was performed in three medical centers. Demographics, pregnancy course, and perinatal outcome were evaluated. The management and outcome were compared between the group of survivors and the groups of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and miscarriage.

Results.  Thirty‐three pairs of monoamniotic twins were identified. Excluded were three women, who chose to terminate the pregnancy. Total survival rate was 60% (of 60 fetuses, 36 were born alive, but one neonate died due to sepsis). None of the IUFD occurred in hospitalized patients, and two pairs of twins died after 32 weeks. In the 10 twin pairs who died in utero, cord entanglement was documented in eight (80%). There were two cases of twin discordance and two cases of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome. One twin of the live‐born group had congenital transposition of the great arteries. Furthermore, one of the hospitalized patients was delivered by means of an emergency cesarean section because of a non‐reassuring non‐stress test at 30 weeks.

Conclusions.  Women with monoamniotic twin pregnancies should be advised about the very high mortality and morbidity rate. Early diagnosis, close in‐hospital antenatal surveillance starting at fetal viability, and elective delivery at 32 weeks would reduce the antenatal mortality.
Sex steroids, growth and condition of Arctic charr broodstock during an annual cycle
Authors: Tveiten H. , Mayer I. , Johnsen H. K. , Jobling M.
Published: April 2005

Changes in plasma concentrations of sex steroids, growth rate and condition of repeat spawning (3+) male and female Arctic charr were studied throughout an annual reproductive cycle. Individually marked fish (mean weight approx. 500 g) were held under conditions of liberal food supply, constant temperature (4° C) and simulated natural photoperiod (Tromsø, 70° N). Once each month fish were weighed, measured and blood samples taken for steroid analysis. Plasma concentrations of testosterone (T), 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) and oestradiol‐17β (E2) were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Both male and female fish displayed distinct seasonal changes in plasma concentrations of sex steroids, growth rate and condition. From February (minimal concentrations) to March all sex steroids increased slightly and these elevated concentrations were maintained until May. Thereafter, there was a second, and far more pronounced, increase in plasma steroid concentrations which culminated in peak steroid concentrations in September–October. There was then a rapid decline during the spawning period. In winter, growth rate and condition were generally low, then increased during the spring, reached a peak during the summer, and then declined with the onset of autumn. During spring (March–May), the frequency distributions of plasma testosterone concentrations in both male and female fish were bimodal. The fish of the upper modal group of the distribution had significantly higher growth rates and condition than those in the lower modal group. In summer and early autumn (June–September) the association between T and growth rate changed. Significant negative correlations between T and growth rates were observed in females. There was an increase in endocrine activity, indicated by elevated plasma sex steroid concentrations in March, 7–8 months prior to maturation. It is suggested that this may be one factor influencing the onset of spring growth and energy deposition among maturing charr.
Phylogenetic study of cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika: a lepidological approach
Authors: Lippitsch E.
Published: April 2005

The phylogeny of the various cichlid lineages in Lake Tanganyika has been investigated applying scale morphology and squamation characters. The monophyly of the established tribes is assessed and evidence is given for their interrelationships as well as their phyletic position within the family Cichlidae.
Individual variation in distribution, activity and growth rate of Arctic charr kept in a three‐tank system
Authors: Brännäs E.
Published: April 2005

The movements and distribution of groups of Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinuswere examined in a rearing system that offered a choice between two different feeding tanks separated by a larger non‐feeding tank. The passages of individual fish were monitored continuously during a period of 3 weeks using the PIT (passive integrated transponder)‐tag technique. The primary aim was to examine if only some charr were occupying the feeding tanks, thereby excluding other individuals, and whether differences in visit activity explained within‐group variation in individual growth. On average, about 35 of the 40 charr in each group shoaled in the large non‐feeding tank leaving only five individuals in the feeding tanks. Charr that spent a long total time in one of the feeding tanks made frequent excursions to the other tanks resulting in a continuous exchange of individuals. Individual growth rates were correlated positively with visit activity rather than with the total time spent in the feeding tanks. Thus, individuals with low growth rate spent as much time in feeding tanks as charr with high growth rate. However, less successful fish tended to visit the feeding tanks at night when the feeders were switched off. Based on behavioural and growth results obtained in this experiment, the use of multitank systems in the cultivation of Arctic charr is discussed.
Tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Indian major carp
Authors: Naish K.‐A. , Skibinski D. O. F.
Published: April 2005

The characterization of five tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in a commercially important Asian cyprinid, Catla catla, is described. The alleles are not prone to stutter artefacts, usually associated with dinucleotide loci, and are readily visualized with a fast silver‐staining protocol after electrophoresis in non‐denaturing polyacrylamide.
Assessment of dendritic cell number and radiosensitivity in laryngeal tumours
Authors: Nix P. , Stafford N. , Cawkwell L. , Greenman J.
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  Radiotherapy is one of the principal treatment modalities for many types of head and neck tumour; what effects the dendritic cell (DC) population may have on treatment outcome have not been critically evaluated in laryngeal cancer.

Design:  Retrospective, case‐controlled study using immunohistochemistry to investigate the presence of S‐100 positive DC in pre‐treatment, archival biopsy tissue of early stage laryngeal cancers.

Setting:  Patients with laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy in Head and Neck Departments in England.

Participants:  Patients diagnosed with early stage laryngeal cancer, treated with single modality radiotherapy with curative intent. Radioresistant tumours (n = 22), defined as recurrent tumours within 12 months of therapy. Radiosensitive tumours (n = 22), defined as no recurrence with a minimum follow‐up of 36 months.

Main outcome measures:  Density of S‐100 staining DC on three ×200 magnified microscopic fields.

Results:  DC were present in approximately equal numbers in both radioresistant and radiosensitive laryngeal tumour pre‐treatment biopsies and therefore density did not correlate with radiotherapy treatment outcome (P = 0.420).

Conclusion:  There is no intrinsic deficiency in DC number in radioresistant laryngeal tumours meaning that such tumours could potentially benefit from vaccination strategies that enhance the specific anti‐tumour immune response.
A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial of coblation versus conventional dissection tonsillectomy on post‐ operative symptoms
Authors: Philpott C.M. , Wild D.C. , Mehta D. , Daniel M. , Banerjee A.R.
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to compare postoperative symptoms following coblation tonsillectomy with those experienced following a traditional cold dissection.

Design:  A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting:  Secondary otorhinolaryngology care.

Participants:  Ninety‐two adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis meriting tonsillectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into either coblation or cold dissection tonsillectomy groups.

Main outcome measures:  Primary outcomes were post‐operative pain, otalgia, swallowing and analgesia use at 6–8 hours, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days post‐operative. Secondary outcomes were post‐operative day returned to eating and returned to normal activities/work.

Results:  No significant differences between the two groups (P ≥ 0.1) were found in any of the above primary outcomes, apart from swallowing at 6–8 hrs post‐operatively where the cold dissection group had less pain. This group also returned earlier to normal eating (P = 0.03). The power of the study was sufficient to show a difference in the visual analogue scores of 2 between groups.

Conclusions:  The use of coblation to perform tonsillectomy does not confer any symptomatic benefits to the patient over conventional cold dissection tonsillectomy.