Uacaries,new world monkeys of the genus Cacajao(Cebidae,Platyrrhini): A preliminary taxonomic review with the description of a new subspecies

The two known species of uacaries, inhabitants of the upper Amazonian region, are the black head Cacajao melanocephalus with subspecies C. m. melanocephalus Humboldt and C. m. ouakary Spix, and the larger bald head uacari C. calvus with subspecies C. c. ucayalii Thomas, C. c. rubicundus I. Geoffroy and Deville, C. c. calvus I. Geoffroy, and C. c. novaesi described as new. The diagnostic generic characters described are the external, cranial, dental, some postcranial, and cytogenetic. The species are described and compared and their geographic distribution plotted with those of their subspecies delimited. Sexual differences are outlined. Apart from size-related characters, the species and subspecies are distinguished by pelage pattern of head and coloration in general. It is shown that both species could have diverged from a hairy-headed melanistic ancestral form. Pelage divergence in the descendants was expressed by the more pilose head of C. melanocephalus, and less pilose of C. calvus. Coloration differentiation was geographic and followed metachromic lines with mutation from eumelanism to partial pheomelanism (reddish or golden) in C. melanocephalus and to virtually complete pheomelanism in C. calvus. The subspecies of each species are distinguished by color patterns resulting from selective bleaching or dilution of the pheomelanin fields. The most saturate pheomelanic subspecies of C. calvus is C. c. ucayalii and the most dilute is the albinotic C. c. calvus. Correlation between coloration and environment is not evident. A gazetteer identifies all locality records plotted by numbers on the geographic distribution maps.     

Filiform papillae as a sensory apparatus in the tongue: An immunohistochemical study of nervous elements by use of neurofilamcnt protein (NFP) and S-100 protein antibodies

Summary Nervous elements supplying the filiform papillae of the tongue of cattle and rats were investigated using immunohistochemistry against neurofilament protein (NFP) and glia-specific S-100 protein. The rod-shaped bovine filiform papillae were heavily keratinized along their entire length and lacked the connective tissue core that occurs in other mammals. Instead, the core was located posterior to the filiform papilla. The base of the bovine filiform papillae was invaded vertically by laminar connective tissue papillae. The core contained a large number of NFP-positive nerve fibers, most of them terminating as free endings in its anterior margin. NFP-positive nerves gathered around the anterior ridge of the epithelium at the base of the core and occasionally penetrated into the epithelium. The laminar connective tissue papillae at the base of the filiform papilla also contained NFP-positive nerve fibers. The core contained S-100-immunoreactive lamellated corpuscles, which were identified as simple corpuscles in electron micrographs. The structure and innervation of the bovine filiform papilla suggest that they represent a specialized sensory apparatus. The pyramidal filiform papillae of the rat were smaller, each containing a simple connective tissue core. Few NFP-positive nerve fibers from the nerve plexus entered the core. Filiform papillae are thus less specialized in rats than in cattle.     

A new species of Trichieurina (Diptera,Chloropidae) with a key to the world species of the genus

Trichieurina haladai sp. n. (Diptera, Chloropidae), is described from Zambia. All known Trichieurina species are keyed and main differential characters are illustrated.     

A new species of Cisaris (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) with a key to the world species

A new species, Cisaris canaliculatus Sun & Sheng, sp. n., belonging to the tribe Phygadeuontini of the subfamily Cryptinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), collected from Jiangxi Province, China, is reported. A key to the species of the genus Cisaris Townes, 1970, is provided.     

A new species of Discocyrtanus from Mato Grosso,Brazil (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) with a key to the species of the genus

Discocyrtanus canjinjim sp. n., belonging to the family Gonyleptidae Sundevall, 1833 is described based on nineteen specimens, eleven adult males and eight adult females, collected in the Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This new species represents an endemic component for the harvestmen fauna of Chiquitano Dry Forests terrestrial eco-region, being the most occidental point of distribution of the genus, notably found in the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest. The new species is characterized by femur IV swollen with the same length of dorsal scutum, trochanter IV with prodorsal distal apophysis as a stout hook not bifurcated, and a unique form of genitalia in the genus. This paper also includes the first identification key to the species of the genus after its revalidation.     

A new species of the genus Haba Semenov, 1954 (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) from Iran,with a key to species

Haba persica Strumia & Fallahzadeh sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Elampini), from mountains in southwestern Iran, is described and illustrated.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9D537878-6215-4874-8970-7F7DE8F57422     

A lentiviral vector with expression controlled by E2F-1: a potential tool for the study and treatment of proliferative diseases

We have constructed a lentiviral vector with expression limited to cells presenting active E2F-1 protein, a potential advantage for gene therapy of proliferative diseases. For the FE2FLW vector, the promoter region of the human E2F-1 gene was utilized to drive expression of luciferase cDNA, included as a reporter of viral expression. Primary, immortalized, and transformed cells were transduced with the FE2FLW vector and cell cycle alterations were induced with serum starvation/replacement, contact inhibition or drug treatment, revealing cell cycle-dependent changes in reporter activity. Forced E2F-1 expression, but not E2F-2 or E2F-3, increased reporter activity, indicating a major role for this factor in controlling expression from the FE2FLW virus. We show the utility of this vector as a reporter of E2F-1 and proliferation-dependent cellular alterations upon cytotoxic/cytostatic treatment, such as the introduction of tumor suppressor genes. We propose that the FE2FLW vector may be a starting point for the development of gene therapy strategies for proliferative diseases, such as cancer or restinosis.     

A new species of Oniscus Linnaeus, 1758 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) from northern Spain, with a revised key to members of the genus

Oniscvs ancarenisis from the Sierra de Ancares in northern Spain is described as new. The genus Oniscus now contains four species: ancarensis sp. nov. , asellus Linnaeus, lusitanus Verhoeff and simoni Budde-Lund. The distribution of these species is figured and discussed, and a key is given for their determination.     

A comparative study of amyloid fibril formation by residues 15-19 of the human calcitonin hormone: a single beta-sheet model with a small hydrophobic core

Experimentally, the human calcitonin hormone (hCT) can form highly stable amyloid protofibrils. Further, a peptide consisting of hCT residues 15-19, DFNKF, was shown to create highly ordered fibrils, similar to those formed by the entire hormone sequence. However, there are limited experimental data regarding the detailed 3D arrangement of either of these fibrils. We have modeled the DFNKF protofibril, using molecular dynamics simulations. We tested the stabilities of single sheet and of various multi sheet models. Remarkably, our most ordered and stable model consists of a parallel-stranded, single beta-sheet with a relatively insignificant hydrophobic core. We investigate the chemical and physical interactions responsible for the high structural organization of this single beta-sheet amyloid fibril. We observe that the most important chemical interactions contributing to the stability of the DFNKF organization are electrostatic, specifically between the Lys and the C terminus, between the Asp and N terminus, and a hydrogen bond network between the Asn side-chains of adjacent strands. Additionally, we observe hydrophobic and aromatic pi stacking interactions. We further simulated truncated filaments, FNKF and DFNK. Our tetra-peptide mutant simulations assume models similar to the penta-peptide. Experimentally, the FNKF does not create fibrils while DFNK does, albeit short and less ordered than DFNKF. In the simulations, the FNKF system was less stable than the DFNK and DFNKF. DFNK also lost many of its original interactions becoming less organized, however, many contacts were maintained. Thus, our results emphasize the role played by specific amino acid interactions. To further study specific interactions, we have mutated the penta-peptide, simulating DANKF, DFNKA and EFNKF. Here we describe the model, its relationship to experiment and its implications to amyloid organization.     

A key to the genera of Ricaniidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) recorded in Australia with notes on the Australian fauna, including a new species of Epithalamium Kirkaldy

Abstract  A key to the genera of Ricaniidae occurring in Australia is provided along with an annotated checklist of the described species in each genus. Taxonomic changes include transfer of Privesa pronotalis Distant to Aprivesa Melichar as Aprivesa pronotalis (Distant) comb. nov. and transfer of Busas Jacobi to the Tropiduchidae: Gaetuliini. Ricania fusconebulosa Lallemand and R. pedicellata Jacobi are both transferred to the genus Euricania Melichar as Euricania fusconebulosa (Lallemand) comb. nov. and Euricania pedicellata (Jacobi) comb. nov. Epithalamium moirae sp. nov. is described from Western Australia. The known Australian Ricaniidae fauna includes 29 species in 10 genera.     

Overcoming a subclavian complete occlusion: Simple single lead extraction by the subclavian vein allowing implantation of two new leads and upgrade to CRT-P with multi-site pacing

Central venous obstruction following pacemaker implantation is not uncommon, and can prove challenging in the case of system upgrade. We report a case of DDDR to CRT-P (with multi-site pacing) upgrade, where a subclavian occlusion was overcome resorting to an atrial lead extraction (using only a locking stylet). This allowed regaining of the venous access with subsequent implantation of not just one, but two new leads and subsequent successful upgrade.     

A new approach to the modification of cell membrane glycosphingolipids: Ganglioside composition of JTC-12 P3 cells altered by feeding with galactose as a sole carbohydrate source in protein- and lipid-free synthetic medium

A significant difference in the glycosphingolipid composition of JTC-12 P3 cells established from monkey kidney tissue was observed when cells cultured in a protein- and lipid-free synthetic medium containing glucose (DM-160) as a sole carbohydrate source were transferred and cultured in the same medium containing galactose and pyruvic acid (DM-170) in place of glucose. In particular, the amounts of gangliosides GM3, GM2, and GD3 in the cells cultured in DM-170 were 5.3-, 17.8-, and more than 8-fold those in the cells cultured in DM-160, respectively, indicating that anabolism of gangliosides is greatly enhanced in cells cultured in the presence of galactose and pyruvic acid, as compared with cells cultured in the presence of glucose. In fact, after cultivation of cells in the medium with N-acetyl-D-[14C]mannosamine for 96 h, the radioactivity incorporated into the gangliosides of the cells in DM-170 was 10-fold that of the cells in DM-160. Among the gangliosides of the cells in DM-170, highly sialylated molecules such as GD3, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b were preferentially labeled, indicating that the sialyltransferases responsible for the synthesis of gangliosides are significantly more activated in cells cultured in DM-170 than in DM-160. These observations reveal that the glycosphingolipid composition of the plasma membrane can be modified epigenetically under well-defined conditions and provide important clues for clarifying the roles of glycosphingolipids associated with particular cell functions.     

Resistance to Brown Ring Disease in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum: A study of selected stocks showing a recovery process by shell repair

European stocks of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum are affected by the Brown Ring Disease (BRD), which is caused by Vibrio tapetis. BRD is characterized by an accumulation of a brown organic matrix on the inner face of the shell. Clams that recover from BRD develop a white mineralized layer covering the brown matrix. Stocks of clams that showed resistance to BRD development, as enhanced recovery, have been monitored since 2000. We have examined two selected stocks: a Low Susceptibility (LS) stock and a High Susceptibility stock (HS), over three generations. The LS stock showed less evidence of the BRD symptoms, and more evidence of total shell repair, both in the field and following experimental challenge with V. tapetis, indicating that some clams may be less vulnerable to a V. tapetis attack than others. The inner face of the valves of the LS and HS clams of the two last generations were analysed with scanning electron microscopy. Examination of shells from BRD-affected clams showed that during the repair process, calcium crystals were progressively laid down until the affected zone was entirely covered. By the end of the shell repair process, a final organic layer covered the calcium crystal mounds. This layer seemed essential in the recovery process. The results indicate that the shell repair capability of the clams is the principal mechanism implicated in the development of BRD resistance in the Manila clam stocks. However, this resistance did not increase with generation because the broodstock was maintained at a site where selection pressure was low, due to a low prevalence of V. tapetis.     

Interactions between gangliosides and proteins in the exoplasmic leaflet of neuronal plasma membranes: A study performed with a tritium-labeled GM1 derivative containing a photoactivable group linked to the oligosaccharide chain

Interactions between gangliosides and proteins at the exoplasmic surface of the sphingolipid-enriched membrane domains can be studied by ganglioside photolabeling combined with cell surface biotin labeling. In the present paper, we report on the results obtained using a novel radioactive photoactivable derivative of GM1 ganglioside, carrying the photoactivable nitrophenylazide group at the external galactose.After cell photolabeling with the radioactive photoactivable derivative of GM1 and cell surface biotin labeling, sphingolipid-enriched domains were prepared from rat cerebellar neurons differentiated in culture and further purified by immunoprecipitation with streptavidin-coupled beads. Among proteins belonging to the sphingolipid-enriched domains that were biotin labeled, thus bearing an exoplasmic domain, a few were also cross-linked by the radioactive photoactivable ganglioside. In particular, two protein bands showing apparent molecular mass of 135 and 35 kDa were intensely photolabeled. The 135 kDa protein was immunologically identified as the GPI-anchored neural cell adhesion molecule TAG-1. These data suggest that hydrophilic interaction between the exoplasmic domains of the protein and the ganglioside sialooligosaccharide chain could exist. Published in 2004.     

A study of genetic distances and variability in several species pf the gemis Ctenomys (Rodentia: Octodontidae) with special references to a probable causal role of chromosomes in speciation

Genetic variability measured by allozymic electrophoresis has been studied in several species of the subterranean rodent genus Ctenomys (Octodontidae). The study was carried out with the main purpose of analysing a special group known as the 'Corrientes group' which inhabits the province of Corrientes in Argentina. The members of the group are, with high probability, isolated reproductively due to their karyotypic differences diploid numbers are between 42 and 70). To evaluate whether the chromosomal differences were the causes of speciation or if they arose a posteriori, we compared the level of the genetic distance among taxa within the orrientes group with all those measured between intraspecific populations in Ctenomys . The results indicate that the distances among the populations of the Corrientes group are at or below the level of those measured among traspecific populations in Ctenomys . Thus, it is unlikely that genetic differentiation triggered speciation. It is shown that this low level of genetic differentiation is not in contradiction with the high levels expected for species originating from one of the possible mechanisms of chromosomal speciation named, chromosomal transilience. Although for geographical reasons it seems obviousthat gene flow is precluded among the members of the Corrientes group, the Slatkin method for estimating Nm values was also used. Because high values of Nm exist but no isolation by distance could be detected, it is suggested that reproductive and geographical isolation are very ecent. Finally, analysis of population variability suggests that the high levels of heterozygosity observed (a) can be explained by the population structure, and (b) are within the range of expected values if bottlenecks have occurred in the recent history of the Corrientes group. As a general conclusion, the results indicate that in the Corrientes group the genetic data support a putative causal role for chromosomes in speciation.     

A new general method for the biosynthesis of stable isotope-enriched peptides using a decahistidine-tagged ubiquitin fusion system: An application to the production of mastoparan-X uniformly enriched with 15N and 15N/13C

A new strategy is described for the production of peptides enriched with stable isotopes. Peptides of interest are expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells as recombinant fusion proteins with Saccharomyces cerevisiae ubiquitin. This method yields as much as 30–100 mg/l of isotope-enriched fusion proteins in minimal media. A decahistidine tag attached to the N-terminus of ubiquitin enables a one-step purification of the fusion protein via Ni²⁺-chelating affinity chromatography. The ubiquitin moiety is then easily and specifically cleaved off by a protease, yeast ubiquitin hydrolase. Since this enzyme is also expressed at a high level in E. coli cells and can be purified in one step, the presented strategy has an advantage in view of costs over others that use commercially available proteases. In addition, since ubiquitin fusion proteins easily refold, the fusion protein can be expressed either in a soluble form or as inclusion bodies. This flexibility enables us to prepare peptides that are unstable in a soluble state in E. coli cells. As an example, the expression and the uniform stable isotope enrichment with ¹⁵N and/or¹³ C are described for mastoparan-X, a tetradecapeptide known to activate GTP-binding regulatory proteins. An amide group at the C-terminus of this peptide can also be formed by our method. The presented system is considered powerful for the stable isotope enrichment of short peptides with proton resonances that are too severely overlapped to be analyzed solely by proton NMR.     

On the reliability of a simple method for scoring phenotypes to estimate heritability: A case study with pupal color in Heliconius erato phyllis, Fabricius 1775 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

In this paper, two methods for assessing the degree of melanization of pupal exuviae from the butterfly Heliconius erato phyllis, Fabricius 1775 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiini) are compared. In the first method, which was qualitative, the exuviae were classified by scoring the degree of melanization, whereas in the second method, which was quantitative, the exuviae were classified by optical density followed by analysis with appropriate software. The heritability (h(2)) of the degree of melanization was estimated by regression and analysis of variance. The estimates of h (2) were similar with both methods, indicating that the qualitative method could be particularly suitable for field work. The low estimates obtained for heritability may have resulted from the small sample size (n = 7-18 broods, including the parents) or from the allocation-priority hypothesis in which pupal color would be a lower priority trait compared to morphological traits and adequate larval development.