bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical dysfunction in patients with Huntington's disease during working memory performance
Authors: Wolf Robert C. , Vasic Nenad , Schönfeldt‐Lecuona Carlos , Ecker Daniel , Landwehrmeyer Georg Bernhard
Published: January 2008

Previous functional neuroimaging studies on executive function suggested multiple functionally aberrant cortical regions in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). However, little is known about the neural mechanisms of working memory (WM) function in this patient population. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional neuroanatomy of WM in HD patients. We used event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging and a parametric verbal WM task to investigate cerebral function during WM performance in 16 healthy control subjects and 12 mild to moderate stage HD patients. We excluded incorrectly performed trials to control for potential accuracy‐related activation confounds. Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was used to control for confounding cortical and subcortical atrophy. We found that HD patients were slower and less accurate than healthy controls across all WM load levels. In addition, HD patients showed lower activation in the left dorso‐ and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the left inferior parietal cortex, the left putamen, and the right cerebellum at high WM load levels only. VBM revealed gray matter differences in the bilateral caudate nucleus and the thalamus, as well as in inferior parietal and right lateral prefrontal regions. However, volumetric abnormalities in the patient group did not affect the activation differences obtained during WM task performance. These findings demonstrate that WM‐related functional abnormalities in HD patients involve distinct WM network nodes associated with cognitive control and subvocal rehearsal. Moreover, aberrant cortical function in HD patients may occur in brain regions, which are relatively well preserved in terms of brain atrophy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 serum and tissue expression in breast cancer
Authors: Wu Zheng‐Sheng , Wu Qiang , Yang Jiu‐Hua , Wang Hong‐Qun , Ding Xiang‐Dong , Yang Feng , Xu Xiao‐Chun
Published: January 2008

Tumor progression and metastasis contribute to the great majority of breast cancer deaths. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are thought to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, we determined whether the expression of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 is associated with prognosis in breast cancer patients. We measured serum MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 60 breast cancer patients, 18 benign breast disease patients and 15 healthy controls. We also evaluated the expression of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 protein and mRNA in paraffin‐embedded tumor tissues from the 60 breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We then correlated serum and tissue levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 in breast cancer samples and their expression with patients' clinicopathologic characteristics. We found that serum levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in benign breast disease and in healthy controls. High serum levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were associated with lymph node metastasis, higher tumor stage and lower relapse‐free and overall survival (OS) rates. Compared to low expression, high tissue expression of MMP‐9 protein was associated with lymph node metastasis and higher tumor stage; and high tissue expression of TIMP‐1 was associated with a lower OS rate. Our findings suggest that MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 may further be evaluated as biomarkers for predicting progression and prognosis of breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atomic force microscopy imaging of Xenopus laevis oocyte plasma membrane purified by ultracentrifugation
Authors: Santacroce Massimo , Orsini Francesco , Mari Stefania Anna , Marinone Massimo , Lenardi Cristina , Bettè Sara , Sacchi Vellea Franca , Poletti Giulio
Published: January 2008

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the native plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis (X. laevis) oocyte purified by means of ultracentrifugation on sucrose gradient and subsequently adsorbed on mica leaves through a physisorption process. Reproducible AFM topography images were collected, analyzed, and compared. AFM images showed the presence of large single or double bilayer membrane sheets covered with protein complexes. The lateral dimension and height of protein complexes imaged in air showed a normal distribution centred on 15.4 ± 0.4 nm (mean ± SE; n = 59) and 3.9 ± 0.2 nm (mean ± SE; n = 57), respectively. A density of about 270 protein complexes per square micron was calculated. Less frequently, ordered nanometer domains with densely packed protein complexes arranged in hexagonal patterns were also visualized in AFM images, confirming previously published data. Their lateral dimension and height showed a normal distribution centred on 23.0 ± 0.4 nm (mean ± SE; n = 42) and 1.5 ± 0.6 nm (mean ± SE; n = 90), respectively. A density of about 870 protein complexes per square micrometer was calculated. Advantages and drawbacks of this new sample preparation for AFM imaging are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender, social capital and information exchange in rural Uganda
Authors: Katungi Enid , Edmeades Svetlana , Smale Melinda
Published: January 2008

Changing agricultural research and extension systems mean that informal mechanisms of information diffusion are often the primary source of information about improved seed and practices for farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. This paper investigates the interactions between gender, social capital and information exchange in rural Uganda. Within the framework of farmer‐to‐farmer models, we conceptualise the informal information diffusion process to comprise social capital accumulation and information exchange. We assume that each agent participates in information exchange with a fixed (predetermined) level of social capital and examine how endowments of social capital influence information exchange, paying close attention to gender differences. A multinomial logit model is used to analyse multiple participation choices of information exchange facing the farmer. Findings demonstrate that social capital is an important factor in information exchange, with men generally having better access to social capital than women. We also find strong evidence in support of group‐based technology dissemination systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local organisation and gender in water management: a case study from the Kenya Highlands
Authors: Were Elizabeth , Roy Jessica , Swallow Brent
Published: January 2008

Provision of safe water supplies is a priority for the global community and for villages in Kenya. An extended case study from the highlands of Western Kenya shows that local communities can be successful in self‐organisation for improved water supply, but only by mobilising considerable amounts of investment resources and local collective action. Gender relations are crucial to success, with women having primary responsibility for water management, but more or less hidden roles in community groups. There are legitimate concerns that Kenya's new water laws and institutions may make it more difficult for local community groups to self‐organise, with additional biases against women. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) for protein labeling
Authors: Tang G. , Zeng Wenbin , Yu Meixiang , Kabalka G.
Published: January 2008

An efficient preparation of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) based on a convenient three‐step, one‐pot procedure is described. [18F]Fluorination of the precursor ethyl 4‐(trimethylammonium triflate)benzoate gave ethyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate. Saponification of the ethyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate with aqueous tetrapropylammonium hydroxide yielded the corresponding 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate salt ([18F]FBA), which was then treated with N,N,N,N′‐tetramethyl‐O‐(N‐succinimidyl)uronium hexafluorophosphate. The purified [18F]SFB was used for the labeling of Avastin™ (Bevacizumab) through [18F]fluorobenzoylation of the Avastin's α‐amino groups. The decay‐corrected radiochemical yields of [18F]SFB were as high as 44% (based on [18F]fluoride (n=10) with a synthesis time of less than 60 min. [18F]Avastin was produced in decay‐corrected radiochemical yields of up to 42% (n=5) within 30 min (based on [18F]SFB). The radiochemical purities of [18F]SFB and [18F]Avastin were greater than 95%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Node density control for maximizing wireless sensor network lifetime
Authors: Esseghir Moez , Bouabdallah Nizar
Published: January 2008

One of the major concerns in wireless sensor networks is improving the network lifetime. In this paper, we investigate the node density impact on network lifetime. We show that the average amount of energy required to report an event to the sink decreases when wireless sensor node density increases. Moreover, we show that network lifetime increases faster than network density. Based on this result, we derive the minimal number of wireless sensor nodes required to supervise a given area during a given period. Finally, we show that these nodes must be deployed at the same time and not over different deployment phases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parametric models for spatially correlated survival data for individuals with multiple cancers
Authors: Diva Ulysses , Dey Dipak K. , Banerjee Sudipto
Published: January 2008

Incorporating spatial variation could potentially enhance information coming from survival data. In addition, simultaneous (joint) modeling of time‐to‐event data from different diseases, such as cancers, from the same patient could provide useful insights as to how these diseases behave together. This paper proposes Bayesian hierarchical survival models for capturing spatial correlations within the proportional hazards (PH) and proportional odds (PO) frameworks. Parametric (Weibull for the PH and log‐logistic for the PO) models were used for the baseline distribution while spatial correlation is introduced in the form of county–cancer‐level frailties. We illustrate with data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of the National Cancer Institute on patients in Iowa diagnosed with multiple gastrointestinal cancers. Model checking and comparison among competing models were performed and some implementation issues were presented. We recommend the use of the spatial PH model for this data set. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duration of Survival after Peptic Ulcer Perforation
Authors: Imhof Michael , Epstein Stefan , Ohmann Christian , Röher Hans‐Dietrich
Published: January 2008

Background

The long‐term course after peptic ulcer perforation is unclear, but because the ulcer population is generally older and has concomitant disease, the long‐term prognosis may be expected to be poor.

Methods

In a study based on prospective data collection, all patients with peptic ulcer perforation treated at the Department of Surgery at the Heinrich‐Heine‐University in Dusseldorf, Germany, were documented between 1986 and 1995. In a follow‐up study, the following parameters were investigated and survival rates were estimated: hospital mortality, 1‐month mortality, 1‐year mortality, and 5‐year mortality. Significant prognostic parameters for death were worked out in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Ninety‐nine out of 108 patients with peptic ulcer perforation could be followed‐up. One‐month mortality was similar to hospital mortality, at 9.1%; 1‐year mortality was about 20.2%; and 5‐year mortality was 32.3%. Statistically significant prognostic factors for death in univariate analysis were age beyond 70 years, concomitant diseases, risk‐related drugs, postinterventional complications and admission status. In multivariate analysis concomitant diseases, postoperative complications, and advanced age were significant parameters for death.

Conclusions

Long‐term prognosis of peptic ulcer perforation is poor. Risk factors for late mortality after peptic ulcer perforation are age, severe concomitant diseases, and postinterventional complications.
Perceptions of New Zealand nutrition labels by Māori, Pacific and low-income shoppers
Authors: Signal Louise , Lanumata Tolotea , Robinson Jo-Ani , Tavila Aliitasi , Wilton Jenny , Mhurchu Cliona Ni
Published: January 2008

Background

In New Zealand the burden of nutrition-related disease is greatest among Māori, Pacific and low-income peoples. Nutrition labels have the potential to promote healthy food choices and eating behaviours. To date, there has been a noticeable lack of research among indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities and low-income populations regarding their perceptions, use and understanding of nutrition labels. Our aim was to evaluate perceptions of New Zealand nutrition labels by Māori, Pacific and low-income peoples and to explore improvements or alternatives to current labelling systems.

Methods

Māori, Samoan and Tongan researchers recruited participants who were regular food shoppers. Six focus groups were conducted which involved 158 people in total: one Māori group, one Samoan, one Tongan, and three low-income groups.

Results

Māori, Pacific and low-income New Zealanders rarely use nutrition labels to assist them with their food purchases for a number of reasons, including lack of time to read labels, lack of understanding, shopping habits and relative absence of simple nutrition labels on the low-cost foods they purchase.

Conclusions

Current New Zealand nutrition labels are not meeting the needs of those who need them most. Possible improvements include targeted social marketing and education campaigns, increasing the number of low-cost foods with voluntary nutrition labels, a reduction in the price of ‘healthy’ food, and consideration of an alternative mandatory nutrition labelling system that uses simple imagery like traffic lights.
Opportunities and challenges of converting biogas from pig farms into renewable energy in developing countries in Asia - a Malaysian experience
Authors: Liang J. B , Suzuki S. , Kawamura A. , Habasaki A. , Kato T.
Published: January 2008

To meet the rapid and increased demand for animal protein, intensive poultry and livestock farming units are growing quickly in many developing countries in Asia. To access the markets, such production units are primarily located in peri-urban areas where available land for manure treatment and/or recycling back to the soil is limited, thus leading to serious environmental pollution. Although poultry manure from these farms is readily used as organic fertiliser for the production of cash crops, pig manure is usually washed and discharged, with or without treatment, into nearby streams and rivers. Efficient treatment of wastewater from pig farms with limited land is very expensive as it normally requires some degree of artificial aeration. Although it has long been proven that the biogas produced from the anaerobic lagoons can be converted to reusable fuel for heating and/or the generation of electricity for the farm, the technology has not been well received by farmers because they have easy access to other cheap energy sources. However, due to the opportunity of gaining extra monetary return from carbon credit trading under the initiative of the Kyoto Protocol, many pig farmers are beginning to show interest in this technology. From a recent feasibility study conducted in Malaysia to assess the technical and economic viabilities of converting biogas from pig farms into electricity, the following challenges were identified: (i) the organic content of the wastewater generated from the pig farm was far below that required for the efficient production of biogas; (ii) the high costs required for the modification of the existing farm infrastructures and additional equipment made the project economically unattractive; (iii) the potential amount of electricity generated from such a project does not match the daily fluctuating electricity demand on-farm; (iv) current governmental policies and infrastructural supports to buy back the extra electricity generated from such a project are inadequate; (v) the misconception by farmers that recovery of biogas from an anaerobic lagoon will enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment and thus improve the quality of their wastewater at endpoint to meet the governmental requirements for discharge; and (vi) the quantum sharing of the carbon fund by farmers and the carbon credit trading company.
Redirecting rumen fermentation to reduce methanogenesis
Authors: McAllister T. A. , Newbold C. J.
Published: January 2008

Methane production in ruminants has received global attention in relation to its contribution to the greenhouse gas effect and global warming. In the last two decades, research programs in Europe, Oceania and North America have explored a variety of approaches to redirecting reducing equivalents towards other reductive substrates as a means of decreasing methane production in ruminants. Some approaches such as vaccination, biocontrols (bacteriophage, bacteriocins) and chemical inhibitors directly target methanogens. Other approaches, such as defaunation, diet manipulations including various plant extracts or organic acids, and promotion of acetogenic populations, seek to lower the supply of metabolic hydrogen to methanogens. The microbial ecology of the rumen ecosystem is exceedingly complex and the ability of this system to efficiently convert complex carbohydrates to fermentable sugars is in part due to the effective disposal of H2 through reduction of CO2 to methane by methanogens. Although methane production can be inhibited for short periods, the ecology of the system is such that it frequently reverts back to initial levels of methane production though a variety of adaptive mechanisms. Hydrogen flow in the rumen can be modelled stoichiometrically, but accounting for H2 by direct measurement of reduced substrates often does not concur with the predictions of stoichiometric models. Clearly, substantial gaps remain in our knowledge of the intricacies of hydrogen flow within the ruminal ecosystem. Further characterisation of the fundamental microbial biochemistry of hydrogen generation and methane production in the rumen may provide insight for development of effective strategies for reducing methane emissions from ruminants.
Absence of persistent methane emission differences in three breeds of dairy cows
Authors: Münger A. , Kreuzer M.
Published: January 2008

In the present study, data from an experiment with 10 purebred Holstein, Simmental and Jersey cows each were analysed to test the assumption that there are genetically low methane-producing animals. Methane emission of cows offered forage ad libitum and some concentrate was measured for 3 days in open-circuit respiration chambers in weeks 8, 15, 23, 33 and 41 of lactation. Individual cow data were analysed in five different ways: (i) plotting the trend of methane per unit of dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield over time; relating measured methane production to estimates derived from equations based on either; (ii) DMI or (iii) nutrient intake; (iv) relating residual feed intake (RFI) to methane emission; and (v) analysis of variance of cow × measurement interactions. The Holstein, Simmental and Jersey cows emitted on average 25, 25 and 26 g methane/kg DMI, respectively. There was no indication of individual cows with persistently low or high methane yield per kg DMI and per kg milk. Measured methane emissions differed from estimated values without a clear pattern, and the relationship between RFI and methane emission of the cows was weak. Finally, analysis of variance failed to show distinct patterns of methane per unit of DMI and milk for individual animals. The apparent lack of persistence of individual animal differences in methane yields suggests that genetic determination of this trait is of minor importance in dairy cows.
GHG emissions during the storage of rough pig slurry and the fractions obtained by mechanical separation
Authors: Dinuccio E. , Balsari P. , Berg W.
Published: January 2008

Emissions of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) during the storage of rough pig slurry and the fractions (solid and liquid) obtained by mechanical separation were investigated in a laboratory-scale study. Manures were stored for a period of 30 days in open vessels (1500 cm3 capacity) within a climate-controlled room which was kept at 25 ± 0.2°C. Gaseous emissions were determined with the dynamic chamber method by infrared photoacoustic detection. The main GHG emission from the liquid manures was CH4. CH4 losses from both liquid and solid fractions together were 3% higher than from the rough slurry. CO2 losses from both liquid and solid fractions together increased by 10% compared with rough pig slurry. Appreciable N2O fluxes were only measured from the solid fraction. Combining the losses during the storage of both liquid and solid fraction, they resulted in reduced NH3 emissions compared with the storage of the rough pig slurry. Evidence from the present study suggests that mechanical separation of pig slurry has the potential to increase up to 25% the emission of CO2-equivalents to the atmosphere during the storage of the separated fractions if compared with the rough slurry.
Methane emissions from beef cattle - a comparison of paddock- and animal-scale measurements
Authors: Laubach Johannes , Kelliher Francis M. , Knight Terry W. , Clark Harry , Molano German , Cavanagh Adrienne
Published: January 2008

Methane (CH4) emissions from a herd of 58 grazing cattle were determined in a field experiment using paddock-scale (micrometeorological) methods. The emissions were also measured daily from each animal, using the sulfur hexafluoride tracer method. The paddock-scale methods exploit how the gas, once emitted from the cattle, is transported and dispersed by the wind. Hence, the emission rate may be calculated from measurements of windspeed, wind direction and turbulence statistics, as well as CH4 concentration upwind and downwind of the herd. The paddock-scale methods include a mass-budget approach, flux-gradient method and gas dispersion model. Accuracy can be assessed in unprecedented detail because the animal-scale (reference) method included all individuals in the herd, and the measurement site was ideal for micrometeorological methods (flat, usually windy and free of obstructions that alter the turbulent airflow).
The cattle were hand-reared steers of average weight 325 ± 20 kg. Based on the animal-scale method, the average CH4 emission rate over 9 days was 161 ± 20 g/steer.day. The gas dispersion model, when utilising vertical concentration profiles, yielded on average 27% greater emissions. The other paddock-scale methods agreed with the animal-scale method, provided the cattle were at least 22 m away from the location of the downwind concentration measurements. When the cattle were allowed to graze as closely as 5 m from the instruments, the paddock-scale methods gave greater emissions than the animal-scale method; reasons for this are discussed.
Dicyandiamide application plus incorporation into soil reduces N2O and NH3 emissions from anaerobically digested cattle slurry
Authors: Tao X. , Matsunaka T. , Sawamoto T.
Published: January 2008

Livestock slurry application to land recycles nutrients for plant uptake, but resulting gaseous nitrogen (N) emissions pose a major challenge to the environment. This study was conducted to investigate environmentally friendly methods for the application of anaerobically digested cattle slurry (ADCS) to soil. Application techniques of control (C), surface application (S), incorporation into the soil (I) and soil amendments with and without a nitrification inhibitor (dicyandiamide, DCD) were compared in a small-scale laboratory experiment. Ammonia (NH3) volatilisation mainly occurred within 5 days after ADCS application. Cumulative NH3 volatilisation loss accounted for 57.0, 59.9, 0.7 and 1.4% of applied NH4+-N from surface applied ADCS without and with DCD, and from incorporated ADCS without and with DCD, respectively. Ammonia volatilisation from surface-applied ADCS was 56 times greater than from incorporated ADCS. The nitrous oxide (N2O) emission flux from soil where ADCS was surface-applied without DCD was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that from the other treatments. The DCD supplement significantly (P < 0.05) reduced N2O flux from surface-applied and incorporated ADCS. Therefore, the cumulative N2O emission loss from the soil where ADCS was surface-applied was significantly greater than that from the incorporated slurry regardless of the DCD supplement. Total inorganic N (TIN) in the soil for all treatments remained constant, although NH4+-N contents in the soil without DCD decreased continuously and nitrate nitrogen (NO3–-N) contents increased continuously throughout trials. There were significant (P < 0.01) differences in TIN contents among application techniques. NH3 volatilisation from the surface application was a major cause of the differences. Consequently, the incorporation of ADCS with the DCD supplement could be a potential method to successfully reduce emissions of both NH3 and N2O.
Blood-derived dermal langerin+ dendritic cells survey the skin in the steady state
Authors: Ginhoux Florent , Collin Matthew P. , Bogunovic Milena , Abel Michal , Leboeuf Marylene , Helft Julie , Ochando Jordi , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Malissen Bernard , Grisotto Marcos , Snoeck Hans , Randolph Gwendalyn , Merad Miriam
Published: January 2008

Langerin is a C-type lectin receptor that recognizes glycosylated patterns on pathogens. Langerin is used to identify human and mouse epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), as well as migratory LCs in the dermis and the skin draining lymph nodes (DLNs). Using a mouse model that allows conditional ablation of langerin+ cells in vivo, together with congenic bone marrow chimeras and parabiotic mice as tools to differentiate LC- and blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs), we have revisited the origin of langerin+ DCs in the skin DLNs. Our results show that in contrast to the current view, langerin+CD8− DCs in the skin DLNs do not derive exclusively from migratory LCs, but also include blood-borne langerin+ DCs that transit through the dermis before reaching the DLN. The recruitment of circulating langerin+ DCs to the skin is dependent on endothelial selectins and CCR2, whereas their recruitment to the skin DLNs requires CCR7 and is independent of CD62L. We also show that circulating langerin+ DCs patrol the dermis in the steady state and migrate to the skin DLNs charged with skin antigens. We propose that this is an important and previously unappreciated element of immunosurveillance that needs to be taken into account in the design of novel vaccine strategies.
Identification of a novel population of Langerin+ dendritic cells
Authors: Bursch Laura S. , Wang Liangchun , Igyarto Botond , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Malissen Bernard , Kaplan Daniel H. , Hogquist Kristin A.
Published: January 2008

Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting cells that reside in the epidermis of the skin and traffic to lymph nodes (LNs). The general role of these cells in skin immune responses is not clear because distinct models of LC depletion resulted in opposite conclusions about their role in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. While comparing these models, we discovered a novel population of LCs that resides in the dermis and does not represent migrating epidermal LCs, as previously thought. Unlike epidermal LCs, dermal Langerin+ dendritic cells (DCs) were radiosensitive and displayed a distinct cell surface phenotype. Dermal Langerin+ DCs migrate from the skin to the LNs after inflammation and in the steady state, and represent the majority of Langerin+ DCs in skin draining LNs. Both epidermal and dermal Langerin+ DCs were depleted by treatment with diphtheria toxin in Lang-DTREGFP knock-in mice. In contrast, transgenic hLang-DTA mice lack epidermal LCs, but have normal numbers of dermal Langerin+ DCs. CHS responses were abrogated upon depletion of both epidermal and dermal LCs, but were unaffected in the absence of only epidermal LCs. This suggests that dermal LCs can mediate CHS and provides an explanation for previous differences observed in the two-model systems.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Adaptor-Ligation PCR of Randomly Sheared Genomic DNA (PRSG)
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. Adaptor-ligation PCR of randomly sheared genomic DNA (PRSG), described here, is based on ligation-mediated PCR and was designed to improve genome coverage. Rather than using enzymatically generated fragments, this method uses randomly fragmented DNA as the template. The process involves three steps: (1) the hydrodynamic shearing of genomic DNA to a 0.5-2-kb size range, (2) end filling and adaptor ligation, and (3) high-stringency PCR for faithful replication of the resulting fragments.
A new species of Colpocephalum (Phthiraptera) on Threskiornis (Aves) from Aldabra
Authors: PRICE ROGER D.
Published: January 2008

A new species, Colpocephalum abhotti, is described for specimens off the type‐host, Threskiornis aethio‐pica ahbotti, from Aldabra.
A revised numerical chaetotaxy for neotropical Phlebotomine sandfly larvae (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: WARD RICHARD D.
Published: January 2008

Phlebotomine larval taxonomy is briefly reviewed with particular reference to New World species, of which under one fifth have been adequately described as immature stages. A new numerical chaetotaxy is proposed following studies on the larvae of six species from Brazil. Setal numeration is used in a manner which demonstrates apparent segmental homologies and the use of letter designations for some setae has been reduced. With two exceptions the mesothoracic, metathoracic and abdominal setae are homologized with those of the posterior prothorax, and the anterior prothoracic setae are regarded as atypical.
Modifications of the metapostnotum and origin of the ‘propodeal triangle’ in Hymenoptera Aculeata
Authors: BROTHERS DENIS J.
Published: January 2008

The metapostnotum of aculeate Hymenoptera shows three trends of modification: simple reduction in Bethyloidea, invagination and reduction in Vespoidea and enlargement (forming the ‘propodeal triangle’) in Sphecoidea (including bees). The second phragma is also variously modified in thete three groups to allow maximal development of the dorsal longitudinal indirect flight muscles of the mesothorax.
A review of the genusArgyripa(Coleoptera: Scarbaeidae)
Authors: RATCLIFFE BRETT C.
Published: January 2008

The Neotropical genusArgyripais reviewed. Keys, descriptions, illustrations, distributions, and locality record dot maps are presented for the four species in the genus,anomala(Bates),gloriosan.sp.,lansbergei(Sallé),subfasciataRitsema.
The family classification of the Anoplura
Authors: KIM KE CHUNG , LUDWIG HERBERT W.
Published: January 2008

Fifteen families of Anoplura are recognized and defined, one with two sub‐families, and a key is provided for their identification. The included genera are listed for each family, together with the relevant type‐species as well as the mammalian hosts. Phylogenetic relationships between the families are discussed, and an extensive historical review and analysis of the available taxonomic characters is presented.
A revisional study of the genus Apekntnothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: OKAJIMA SHÜ
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The old‐world genus Apelaunothrips Karny is redefined with descriptions of ten new species. A key is provided to the nineteen species of the genus: armatus sp.n.; bhowalii (Ananthakrishnan) comb.n.; bicolor sp.n.; consimilis (Ananthakrishnan) comb.n.;femoralis sp n.;gabonensis (Bournier) comb.n.; indicus (Ananthakrishnan); japonicus sp.n.; leios (Mound); lieni sp.n.; luridus sp.n.; maculipennis (Okajima) combji.; malayensis sp. n.; medioflavus (Karny); montanus sp. n.; nigripennis sp. n.; ocularis sp.n.; tasmani Mound; tricolor (Priesner). One species, madrasensis, is removed from the genus to Dexiothrips Hart wig.
Wax production by coccinellid larvae (Coleoptera)
Authors: POPE R. D.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.Details of wax and wax‐producing structures belonging to twenty species of coccinellid larvae, including members of the Scymnini, Ortaliini, Hyperaspini, Coccidulini, Noviini, Cryptognathini, Azyini and Telsimiini are described and/or illustrated with photographs taken by means of the scanning electron microscope. Published records of wax‐production by larvae of Telsimiini and Chilocorini are examined and evaluated. The means by which wax precursors reach the outer surface of the epicuticle is discussed. Some of the physical properties of coccinellid and other waxes, such as their adhesiveness and UV reflectance, are recorded and the ecological significance of these factors is discussed. The contribution made by the present study to current opinion concerning the classification and possible phylogeny of the Coccinellidae is discussed and assessed.
The Anthomyia pluvialis complex in Europe (Diptera, Anthomyiidae)
Authors: MICHELSEN VERNER
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Five species are recognized in the Anthomyia pluvialis complex from Europe: bazini Séguy, imbrida Rondani, pluvialis (Linnaeus), procellaris Rondani, and quinquemuculata Macquart. A key for identification, diagnoses, figures of male genitalia, and distribution records are provided and notes are given on all available types with three lectotype designations; two new synonyms are established. Six names, which are considered nomina dubia due to inadequate descriptions and loss of types, are deleted from the synonymy of pluvialis. The Afrotropical A.benguellae Malloch is a new synonym of A. quinquemaculata Macquart, described from the Canary Islands.
Semiaquatic bugs: phylogeny and classification of the Hebridae (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) with revisions of Timasius, Neotimasius and Hyrcanus
Authors: ANDERSEN N. MØLLER
Published: January 2008

Various characters of semiaquatic bugs belonging to the family Hebridae are analysed with respect to their taxonomic and phylogenetic importance. The cladistic relationships of the genera are discussed and a cladogram included. A classification is presented which divides the family into two sub‐families and resurrects Lipogomphus Berg as a valid taxon (to include L. lacuniferus Berg (type‐species), L.accola (Drake & Chapman) comb.n. for Merragata accola, L.brevis (Champion) comb.n. for Merragata brevis, and L.leucosticta (Champion) comb.n. for Merragata leucosticta). The following new taxa of hygropetric hebrids are described: Timasius livenssp.n. (Thailand), T.minorsp.n. (Pakistan, N. India), T.miyamotoisp.n. (Thailand), T.majorsp.n. (N.India), T.ventralissp.n. (N. India), T. miyamotoisp.n. (S. India), T.rupestrissp.n. (N. India), T.falcifersp.n. (N. India), T.championisp.n. (N. India), T.himalayensissp.n. (N. India), Neotimasius orientalisgen.n., sp.n. (S. India), Hyrcaninae subfam.n., Hyrcanus disparsp.n. (N. India), H.saxatilissp.n. (Thailand) and H.varicolorsp.n. (Java, Sumatra). Other species of the genera Timasius and Hyrcanus are redescribed and the generic position of one species changed: Hebrus (s.str.) atratus (Distant) comb.n. for Timasius atratus.
The systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of the psocopteran family Philotarsidae
Authors: THORNTON I. W. B.
Published: January 2008

The 150 or so species of the Philotarsidae are reviewed. Using up to twenty‐six characters from 107 species, principal coordinates analyses are undertaken and groupings recognized. Inadequately known species are placed, on known characters, into the groups revealed by the analysis. Where appropriate, generic transfers are made. A revised classification is proposed and two subfamilies recognized: Philotarsinae (containing the tribes Philotarsini and Aaroniellini) and Zelandopsocinae. A new genus,Latrobiella, is erected andBroadheadiais reduced to a synonym ofAaroniella. A key to genera is given. Four new species are described and additional descriptions given for several others. A possible phylogeny of the family is suggested and the geographical distribution of groups is discussed in relation to the possible historical roles of fragmentation and dispersal.
A new genus of Chlidanotini (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from New Caledonia, with a key to genera and check‐list of species
Authors: TUCK KEVIN R.
Published: January 2008

AbstractIconostigmagen.n., with included speciestryphaenusp.n. (typespecies) andmorosasp.n., is described from New Caledonia. A key to males of the world genera and a check‐list of the world species of Chlidanotini are provided. The relationship of the Chlidanotini to the Polyorthini and Hilarographini is discussed, with particular reference toIconostigma. It is suggested that the hair‐pencils of the eighth abdominal segment, and the invaginations in the male valvae into which each hair‐pencil is inserted, are apomorphic characters which unite these three tribes.PanegyruDiakonoff is transferred to the Tortricini andPolemograptis flavicostana(Walsingham) is transferred toPanegyra,comb.n.Archimaga euplocamisMeyrick is synonymized withMetrernis ochrolinaMeyrick,syn.n.
Larvae of the British genera of chrysomeline beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: COX MICHAEL L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. An illustrated generic key is given to the larvae of the eleven British genera of the Chrysomelinae. Diagnostic larval descriptions are included for each genus. The existing classification of these genera using characters of the adults and immature stages is reviewed. The inter‐relationships between the different suprageneric groupings in the Chrysomelinae are investigated in terms of the plesiomorphic and apomorphic states of eleven larval characters. A cladogram incorporating these characters and illustrating the proposed phylogeny is given. A classification based on larval characters would be similar to the existing classification, requiring no significant nomenclatural changes for its adoption.
Revision of theaereagroup ofChrysobothris(Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: WESTCOTT RICHARD L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.Theaereagroup of the genusChrysobothrisEschscholtz, as characterized for the first time, includes eight species which occur in the south‐western United States and in Mexico. The complicated taxonomic history and confused identity of some species is discussed in depth. Four Mexican species are redescribed in detail from type material:aereaChevrolat,quadriplagiataWater‐house,simplexWaterhouse,stelliferaWaterhouse. Lectotypes are designated for the last two species.C.costifronsWaterhouse is considered to comprise three subspecies; two,C.c.rubitergaandC.c.bajaare newly described. The remaining species in the group areC.bispinosa, chalcophoroidesandserripes. Illustrations and keys to species and subspecies are provided.
An experimental study of morphological variation in mealybugs (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: COX JENNIFER M.
Published: January 2008

AbstractCultures of a number of species of mealybug were reared under a variety of controlled environments and the effects of factors such as temperature, relative humidity and host plant on the morphology of the adult females examined. It was found that temperature had the greatest effect. The lengths of the appendages and setae, and the numbers of wax producing pores and ducts, vary over a wide range within a single species when specimens are reared at different temperatures. The relationship with temperature is generally linear, with size and pore numbers increasing with decreased temperature. However, some characters, noticeably the numbers of tubular ducts, reach their highest values at an intermediate temperature. It is suggested that while variation in size is a direct response to temperature, other characters are influenced by size or by a combination of size and environmental factors acting independently. Rearing mealybugs under different environmental conditions in order to induce morphological variation is shown to be a useful technique for resolving difficult species complexes.
The Neotropical species of Drapetis Meigen (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: ROGERS EDWARD
Published: January 2008

Abstract The Neotropical species of Drapetis Meigen are reviewed, and eight new species are described: alimacula, from Trinidad; atrinervalis, from Bahamas; naevia, from El Salvador; onconeura, from Costa Rica; steyskali, from Mexico; stictica, from Jamaica; tibialis, from Panama; and tuberculata, from Costa Rica. A lectotype is designated for Drapetis divergens Loew; Drapetis intermedia Smith is newly synonymized with divergens Loew. Two new species groups are described, the divergens group and the naica group. Two keys are provided: one distinguishing the Neotropical species of Drapetis; the other distinguishing Drapetis Meigen, Crossopalpus Bigot and Elaphropeza Macquart. Drapetis flavicornis Melander, inermis Melander and zonalis Curran are assigned to Elaphropeza Macquart, new combinations, and redescribed. The heretofore unknown male of Elaphropeza flavicornis is described.
The Esphalmeninae (Dermaptera: Pygidicranidae): a group of Andean and Southern African earwigs
Authors: BRINDLE A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The species of the genus Esphalmenus Burr, the only genus of the subfamily Esphalmeninae, are reviewed. Three new American species, E.rostratus and E.basidentatus (Argentine) and E.nigrinus (Ecuador) are described and figured. Lectotypes are designated for E.porteri Burr, E.inca (Burr) and E.perin‐gueyi (Bormans). E.vulcani Bharadwaj and Kapoor does not belong to this genus and its possible systematic position is discussed. The distribution of the species is outlined and a key for their identification provided.
Male‐like females, mimicry and transvestism in butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: CLARKE Sir CYRIL , CLARKE Lady F. M. M. , COLLINS S. C. , GILL ALISON C. L. , TURNER JOHN R. G.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. When a butterfly species has a polymorphic female, with one of the forms closely resembling the male, it is customary to suppose that this form is ancestral, and that the ‘odd’ forms have arisen later. R. I. Vane‐Wright, on the other hand, has suggested that in some species the male‐like form may be a ‘transvestite’ female, the ancestral form of the female having been strikingly unlike the male. As later‐derived forms are usually, but not always, genetically dominant to ancestral forms, we can make some choice between these hypotheses by discovering the dominance relations of the male‐like and the ‘odd’ forms of the female. In the mimetic Papilio aegeus the male‐like form is shown to be recessive to the ‘odd’ (mimetic) form, as has essentially been the case in all other butterflies so far investigated. Papilio phorcas is now shown to be the exception: the ‘odd’ (non‐mimetic) form is recessive to the male‐like form. We conclude that usually the male‐like form is ancestral, but that P.phorcas may be an authentic example of ‘transvestism’, or the ‘transfer’ of male epigamic colour to the female of the species. The yellow, male‐like pattern of the mimetic Papilio dardanus may be dominant or recessive to the mimetic forms according to the genetic background: largely recessive in Madagascar, and southern and western Africa, dominant to most forms in Ethiopia, and probably dominant to one mimetic form but recessive to the others in Kenya. All female dardanus patterns, both mimetic and yellow, are strongly dominant to both female phorcas patterns in P. dardanus × P. phorcas hybrids (P. ‘nandina’). The simplest explanation of this situation is that the male‐like pattern of dardanus is ancestral, and that dominance has become locally reversed in Ethiopia. The dominance relations, and the sex‐ or autosomal‐linkage of two forms can be determined without pedigree‐breeding, simply by observing a few offspring each from a large number of wild‐caught females.
Key to the Middle Eastern species of Uroleucon Mordvilko (Aphididae: Homoptera)
Authors: EASTOP V. F.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Keys are provided to distinguish the winged and wingless viviparous morphs of the thirteen species of Uroleucon (=Dactynotus) known from the Middle East. The host range and geographical distribution of each species is indicated.
A preliminary cladistic investigation of relationships among the bumble bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: Williams Paul H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT.The cladistic method is used to classify sixty species of bumble bees by characters of the male genitalia selected for their functional importance. A system of three genera is recommended, preserving the holophyletic groupsMendacibombusSkorikov,PsithyrusLepeletier andBombusLatreille, with the retention of the named subgroups ofBombusin subgeneric status. A new subgenusBrachycephalibombusis recognized in order to avoid paraphyletic groupings. The phylogenetic interpretation of the cladogram is considered and biogeographic problems discussed.
A description of the first instar larva of Promecognathus Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: BOUSQUET Y. , SMETANA A.
Published: January 2008

The first instar larva ofPromecognathus laevissimus(Dejean) is described, representing the first species of Promecognathus known in the larval stage. The larva is autapomorphic in having: (1) additional setae, often in great number, on many sclerites of the body, (2) a transverse, not bulbous, sensory area located ventrally and laterally at the apex of antennomere III, and (3) the marginal area of the mesonotum, metanotum and abdominal tergites I‐VI more expanded than usual in carabid larvae. No evidence was found from the larval morphology ofP.laevissimusto indicate the sister group of the Promecognathini.
Homology and function in the wings of Heteroptera
Authors: WOOTTON ROBIN J. , BETTS CLIVE R.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The homology of veins and other wing characters in Heteroptera is reviewed in the light of palaeontology and new functional studies. A cladogram is given for the higher taxa of Hemiptera. It is probable that the vannus is an autapomorphy of Auchenorrhyncha+Heteropteroidea; that the leading edge vein of heteropteran fore‐ and hindwings is C+Sc; that Rs cannot be distinguished from R; that the hamus is part of M; that the glochis is a secondary structure. The difficulty of defining a vein is stressed. The functional significance of the hemielytron, cuneal fracture and longitudinal flexion lines is discussed. A preliminary ground‐plan for Heteroptera wings is presented.