Nominal genera and species of Diptera misidentified as to family by A.Z. Lehrer (Diptera: Muscidae, Tachinidae).

Nominal genera and species misidentified to family by A.Z. Lehrer are revised and annotated, with habitus photographs given for all holotypes. New synonyms in the Muscidae: Dobrogiella Lehrer & Oprisan, 2013 = Pyrellia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. nov., Dobrogiella phallogreciana Lehrer & Oprisan, 2013 = Pyrellia vivida Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. nov. New synonyms and new combinations in the Tachinidae: Benigramma Lehrer, 2013 = Thelairosoma Villeneuve, 1916, syn. nov., B. bellanda Lehrer, 2013 = Thelairosoma bellanda (Lehrer, 2013), comb. nov.; Eweka Lehrer, 2012 = Pales Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. nov., Eweka cordicerci Lehrer, 2012 = Ctenophorocera [now Pales] pauciseta Mesnil, 1950, syn. nov.; Mawuphalla Lehrer, 2013 = Ceracia Rondani, 1865, syn. nov., Mawuphalla antennomyia Lehrer, 2013 = Myothyria [now Ceracia] africana Mesnil, 1959, syn. nov.; Paraphalloides Lehrer, 2013 = Pales Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. nov., Paraphalloides epiphallops Lehrer, 2013 = Pales epiphallops (Lehrer, 2013), comb. nov.; Spinuphalla Lehrer, 2013 = Drino Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863, syn. nov., Spinuphalla juxtina Lehrer, 2013 = Drino (Palexorista Townsend, 1921) juxtina (Lehrer, 2013), comb. nov.

Mud extrusion and ring-fault gas seepage - upward branching fluid discharge at a deep-sea mud volcano.

Submarine mud volcanoes release sediments and gas-rich fluids at the seafloor via deeply-rooted plumbing systems that remain poorly understood. Here the functioning of Venere mud volcano, on the Calabrian accretionary prism in ~1,600 m water depth is investigated, based on multi-parameter hydroacoustic and visual seafloor data obtained using ship-borne methods, ROVs, and AUVs. Two seepage domains are recognized: mud breccia extrusion from a summit, and hydrocarbon venting from peripheral sites, hosting chemosynthetic ecosystems and authigenic carbonates indicative of long-term seepage. Pore fluids in freshly extruded mud breccia (up to 13 °C warmer than background sediments) contained methane concentrations exceeding saturation by 2.7 times and chloride concentrations up to five times lower than ambient seawater. Gas analyses indicate an underlying thermogenic hydrocarbon source with potential admixture of microbial methane during migration along ring faults to the peripheral sites. The gas and pore water analyses point to fluids sourced deep (>3 km) below Venere mud volcano. An upward-branching plumbing system is proposed to account for co-existing mud breccia extrusion and gas seepage via multiple surface vents that influence the distribution of seafloor ecosystems. This model of mud volcanism implies that methane-rich fluids may be released during prolonged phases of moderate activity.

Gas hydrate dissociation off Svalbard induced by isostatic rebound rather than global warming.

Methane seepage from the upper continental slopes of Western Svalbard has previously been attributed to gas hydrate dissociation induced by anthropogenic warming of ambient bottom waters. Here we show that sediment cores drilled off Prins Karls Foreland contain freshwater from dissociating hydrates. However, our modeling indicates that the observed pore water freshening began around 8 ka BP when the rate of isostatic uplift outpaced eustatic sea-level rise. The resultant local shallowing and lowering of hydrostatic pressure forced gas hydrate dissociation and dissolved chloride depletions consistent with our geochemical analysis. Hence, we propose that hydrate dissociation was triggered by postglacial isostatic rebound rather than anthropogenic warming. Furthermore, we show that methane fluxes from dissociating hydrates were considerably smaller than present methane seepage rates implying that gas hydrates were not a major source of methane to the oceans, but rather acted as a dynamic seal, regulating methane release from deep geological reservoirs.

Widespread methane seepage along the continental margin off Svalbard - from Bjørnøya to Kongsfjorden.

Numerous articles have recently reported on gas seepage offshore Svalbard, because the gas emission from these Arctic sediments was thought to result from gas hydrate dissociation, possibly triggered by anthropogenic ocean warming. We report on findings of a much broader seepage area, extending from 74° to 79°, where more than a thousand gas discharge sites were imaged as acoustic flares. The gas discharge occurs in water depths at and shallower than the upper edge of the gas hydrate stability zone and generates a dissolved methane plume that is hundreds of kilometer in length. Data collected in the summer of 2015 revealed that 0.02-7.7% of the dissolved methane was aerobically oxidized by microbes and a minor fraction (0.07%) was transferred to the atmosphere during periods of low wind speeds. Most flares were detected in the vicinity of the Hornsund Fracture Zone, leading us to postulate that the gas ascends along this fracture zone. The methane discharges on bathymetric highs characterized by sonic hard grounds, whereas glaciomarine and Holocene sediments in the troughs apparently limit seepage. The large scale seepage reported here is not caused by anthropogenic warming.

Morphology successfully separates third instar larvae of Muscina.

Three representatives of the muscid genus Muscina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Musicidae), Muscina levida (Harris), Muscina prolapsa (Harris) and Muscina stabulans (Fallén), are well known for their medical, veterinary and forensic importance. However, data in the literature provide contradictory information for the identification of third instar larvae of these species. This hinders easy species differentiation because it requires the rearing of material to adult stages in order to facilitate reliable identification. Third instar larvae of these three Muscina species were studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy to provide thorough redescriptions of their morphology. Existing information concerning third instar morphology, with particular reference to its value for taxonomy and identification, is revised and discussed. Emden's spiracular distance factor (SDF) is considered here as inappropriate for identification purposes in third instar larvae of Muscina spp. because its values are not constant ratios but increase during larval maturation and overlap in the examined species. These species were, instead, discriminated here by differences in the spinulation patterns of their abdominal segments.

Morphology of the first instar larva of obligatory traumatic myiasis agents (Diptera: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae).

There are only three fly species that are obligate agents of traumatic myiasis of humans and livestock: a single species of flesh fly, Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Sarcophagidae), and two species of blow flies, Chrysomya bezziana and Cochliomyia hominivorax (Calliphoridae). The morphology of their first instar larvae is thoroughly and consistently documented here with light microscopy photographs and scanning electron microscopy micrographs. The following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, oral ridges, thoracic and abdominal spinulation, spiracular field, posterior spiracles and cephaloskeleton. New diagnostic features drawn from the cephaloskeleton and the spinulation of abdominal segments, including the anal pad, are discovered and extensively described. Earlier descriptions in the literature are revisited, and major discrepancies between these and the results of the current study are discussed. The present results allow clarification, correction and, especially, complementation of information provided by earlier authors. The relatively distant taxonomic position of all three species is evidence that obligatory myiasis has arisen independently, and the extensively similar morphology in the first instar larvae of Chrysomya bezziana, Cochliomyia hominivorax and W. magnifica in comparison to necrophagous species, especially the enhancement of the anterior part of the cephaloskeleton and the segmental spinulation, is therefore best interpreted as homoplasic adaptations to a life strategy as obligate vertebrate parasites. An identification key for first instar larvae of all obligatory traumatic myiasis agents of mammals is provided.

Morphology and identification of first instars of European and Mediterranean blowflies of forensic importance. Part III: Calliphorinae.

First instars of Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus) and Cynomya mortuorum (Linnaeus) (both: Diptera: Calliphoridae) are thoroughly documented with scanning electron microscopy images, light microscopy photographs and line drawings. Substantial new data are provided for the following morphological structures: pseudocephalon; antennal complex; maxillary palpus; facial mask; cephaloskeleton; thoracic and abdominal spinulation; spiracular field, and posterior spiracles. Earlier descriptions are summarized and major discrepancies with the current study are discussed. An identification key to first-instar larvae of the five European species of Calliphorinae of forensic importance is presented. However, it remains impossible to distinguish the first instars of Ca. vicina and Cy. mortuorum based on external morphology with the current level of knowledge.

Morphology and identification of first instars of the European and Mediterranean blowflies of forensic importance. Part II. Luciliinae.

First instars of Lucilia ampullacea Villeneuve, Lucilia caesar Linnaeus, Lucilia cuprina Weidemann, Lucilia richardsi Collin, Lucilia sericata Meigen and Lucilia silvarum Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are thoroughly documented with scanning electron microscopy images, light microscopy photographs and line drawings. The following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, cephaloskeleton, thoracic and abdominal spinulation, spiracular field, and posterior spiracles. New diagnostic features of the cephaloskeleton are presented and the spinulation of the abdominal segments is described. Earlier descriptions are summarized and major discrepancies with the current study are discussed. The present results allow for the clarification, correction and, especially, complementing existing information provided by numerous authors. The first instar larva of L. richardsi is described for the first time and an identification key to the first instars of European species of Lucilia Robineau-Desvoidy of forensic importance is presented.

Larval morphology of the lesser housefly, Fannia canicularis.

The morphology of all larval instars of Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Fanniidae) is documented using a combination of light and scanning electron microscopy. The following structures are documented for all instars: antennal complex; maxillary palpus; facial mask; cephaloskeleton; ventral organ; anterior spiracle; Keilin's organ; posterior spiracle; fleshy processes, and anal pad. Structures reported for the first time for all instars include: two pairs of lateral prominences on the prothoracic segment; additional ventrolateral prominences on the second thoracic segment, and a papilla at the base of the posterior spiracle. Other structures reported for the first time are anterior spiracles in the first instar and a serrated tip on the mouthhook in the second instar. A trichoid sensillum on the posterior spiracular plate, representing a sensory organ otherwise unknown in the Calyptratae, is described in the second and third instars. Results are discussed and compared with existing knowledge on dipteran larval morphology.

A new dipteran forensic indicator in buried bodies.

The first breeding records of miltogrammine fleshflies in buried vertebrate carrion are presented. First instars of Eumacronychia persolla Reinhard (Nearctic) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Phylloteles pictipennis Loew (Palaearctic) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are able to penetrate dry, loose soil and reach deeply buried animal remains, an ability which distinguishes is unique to necrophagous Calyptratae. Their broad geographical distribution, fast location and colonization of carrion, complete development on buried food resources and easy identification make these species useful forensic indicators in buried bodies in dry habitats.

Morphology of the first instar of Calliphora vicina, Phormia regina and Lucilia illustris (Diptera, Calliphoridae).

Scanning electron microscopy documentation of first instar Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, Phormia regina (Meigen) and Lucilia illustris (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is presented for the first time, and the following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon; antenna; maxillary palpus; facial mask; labial lobe; thoracic and abdominal spinulation; spiracular field; posterior spiracles, and anal pad. Light microscopy documentation and illustrations are provided for the cephaloskeleton in lateral and ventral views. New diagnostic features are revealed in the configuration of the facial mask, cephaloskeleton and posterior spiracles. The first instar morphology of C. vicina, Ph. regina and L. illustris is discussed in the light of existing knowledge about early instars of blowflies.

Carbon pools and isotopic trends in a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat.

The fine-scale depth distribution of major carbon pools and their stable carbon isotopic signatures (delta(13)C) were determined in a cyanobacterial mat (Salin-de-Giraud, Camargue, France) to study early diagenetic alterations and the carbon preservation potential in hypersaline mat ecosystems. Particular emphasis was placed on the geochemical role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Total carbon (C(tot)), organic carbon (C(org)), total nitrogen (N(tot)), total hydrolysable amino acids (THAA), carbohydrates, cyanobacteria-derived hydrocarbons (8-methylhexadecane, n-heptadec-5-ene, n-heptadecane) and EPS showed highest concentrations in the top millimetre of the mat and decreased with depth. The hydrocarbons attributed to cyanobacteria showed the strongest decrease in concentration with depth. This correlated well with the depth profiles of oxygenic photosynthesis and oxygen, which were detected in the top 0.6 and 1.05 mm, respectively, at a high down-welling irradiance (1441 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1)). At depths beneath the surface layer, the C(org) was composed mainly of amino acids and carbohydrates. A resistance towards microbial degradation could have resulted from interactions with diverse functional groups present in biopolymers (EPS) and with minerals deposited in the mat. A (13)C enrichment with depth for the total carbon pool (C(tot)) was observed, with delta(13)C values ranging from -16.3 per thousand at the surface to -11.3 per thousand at 9-10 mm depth. Total lipids depicted a delta(13)C value of -17.2 per thousand in the top millimetre and then became depleted in (13)C with depth (-21.7 to -23.3 per thousand). The delta(13)C value of EPS varied only slightly with depth (-16.1 to -17.3 per thousand) and closely followed the delta(13)C value of C(org) at depths beneath 4 mm. The EPS represents an organic carbon pool of preservation potential during early stages of diagenesis in recent cyanobacterial mats as a result of a variety of possible interactions. Their analyses might improve our understanding of fossilized microbial remains from mat ecosystems.

Loss-of-function mutations in the Nav1.7 gene underlie congenital indifference to pain in multiple human populations.

Congenital indifference to pain (CIP) is a rare condition in which patients have severely impaired pain perception, but are otherwise essentially normal. We identified and collected DNA from individuals from nine families of seven different nationalities in which the affected individuals meet the diagnostic criteria for CIP. Using homozygosity mapping and haplotype sharing methods, we narrowed the CIP locus to chromosome 2q24-q31, a region known to contain a cluster of voltage-gated sodium channel genes. From these prioritized candidate sodium channels, we identified 10 mutations in the SCN9A gene encoding the sodium channel protein Nav1.7. The mutations completely co-segregated with the disease phenotype, and nine of these SCN9A mutations resulted in truncation and loss-of-function of the Nav1.7 channel. These genetic data further support the evidence that Nav1.7 plays an essential role in mediating pain in humans, and that SCN9A mutations identified in multiple different populations underlie CIP.

A second paradigm for gene activation in bacteria.

Control of gene expression is key to development and adaptation. Using purified transcription components from bacteria, we employ structural and functional studies in an integrative manner to elaborate a detailed description of an obligatory step, the accessing of the DNA template, in gene expression. Our work focuses on a specialized molecular machinery that utilizes ATP hydrolysis to initiate DNA opening and permits a description of how the events triggered by ATP hydrolysis within a transcriptional activator can lead to DNA opening and transcription. The bacterial EBPs (enhancer binding proteins) that belong to the AAA(+) (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) protein family remodel the RNAP (RNA polymerase) holoenzyme containing the sigma(54) factor and convert the initial, transcriptionally silent promoter complex into a transcriptionally proficient open complex using transactions that reflect the use of ATP hydrolysis to establish different functional states of the EBP. A molecular switch within the model EBP we study [called PspF (phage shock protein F)] is evident, and functions to control the exposure of a solvent-accessible flexible loop that engages directly with the initial RNAP promoter complex. The sigma(54) factor then controls the conformational changes in the RNAP required to form the open promoter complex.

Hypoderma sinense: solving a century-old enigma.

Among the species of Hypoderma (Diptera: Oestridae) that have been described and named over the last three centuries, Hypoderma sinense Pleske has been the subject of several scientific discussions. Hypoderma sinense was described by T. Pleske in 1926 on the basis of only three females collected by the Russian explorer P. K. Kozlov nearly 25 years earlier during a scientific expedition to China (1900-1901). This species was examined by the foremost oestrid authorities and synonomized with H. lineatum. Recently a unique, unidentified species of Hypoderma was observed to infect cattle and yaks in China. Molecular and morphological observations confirmed the unique nature of the third-stage larvae. This data initiated a debate within the scientific community regarding the proper name of this species, in particular with reference to previous taxonomical discussion on the validity of H. sinense. The present work provides a historical overview of the Russian scientific expeditions that collected the specimens and of the explorers and the entomologists who contributed to the description of H. sinense. The morphological examination of the original type material of H. sinense and the comparison with females of H. lineatum indicated that the H. sinense lectotype, deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, was within the range of variation of H. lineatum. Comparisons of the cox1 (688 bp) sequence obtained from the leg of a paralectotype of H. sinense with those of H. bovis (Linneaus), H. lineatum (De Villers) and of a sixth valid species of Hypoderma identified as "H. sinense" available in GenBank revealed differences of 9.7%, 7.2% and 0.3%, respectively. On the basis of these results, we concluded that the nominal species H. sinense should be treated as valid.

The shaping of individual meanings assigned to assistive technology: a review of personal factors.

PURPOSE: This review article examines the development of individualized meanings assigned to assistive technology and how these personal meanings influence the integration of assistive technology into daily activities. METHODS: A review of the published literature regarding assistive technology use and abandonment was conducted by performing two independent searches using 26 search terms and three databases. Publications were reviewed for whether they addressed device use, device abandonment, coping, adjustment, adaptation, values, outcomes and/or cultural issues; 81 publications met these criteria. RESULTS: The evidence suggests that psychosocial and cultural issues influence the shaping of individualized meanings assigned to assistive technology. Theoretical arguments suggest that the process of adapting to disability is another influential factor. CONCLUSIONS: The synthesis of evidence and theories suggests that successful integration of assistive technology into daily lives requires potential device users to explore: (1) the meanings they assign to devices; (2) their expectations of assistive technology; (3) the anticipated social costs; and (4) ways to understand that disability is one, but not the defining, feature of one's identity.

DNA-based identification and molecular systematics of forensically important Sarcophagidae (Diptera).

Sarcophagid flies have many characteristics that make them ideal forensic indicators. However, their utility is severely limited because it is difficult or impossible to determine the species of a sarcophagid larva, and in many instances an adult specimen, based on anatomy. We developed a database of mitochondrial DNA sequence data that makes it possible to identify all sarcophagid species likely to be found feeding on a human corpse at an urban location in Canada or the USA. Analyses were based on a 783 base pair region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). The species analyzed, including some of no forensic importance that were included for purposes of phylogenetic comparisons, were members of the genera Sarcophaga, Peckia, Blaesoxipha, Rovinia, Wohlfahrtia, Brachicoma (all Sarcophagidae), and Musca (Muscidae).

Direct localization by cryo-electron microscopy of secondary structural elements in Escherichia coli 23 S rRNA which differ from the corresponding regions in Haloarcula marismortui.

Insertions were introduced by a two-step mutagenesis procedure into each of five double-helical regions of Escherichia coli 23 S rRNA, so as to extend the helix concerned by 17 bp. The helices chosen were at sites within the 23 S molecule (h9, h25, h45, h63 and h98) where significant length variations between different species are known to occur. At each of these positions, with the exception of h45, there are also significant differences between the 23 S rRNAs of E. coli and Haloarcula marismortui. Plasmids carrying the insertions were introduced into an E. coli strain lacking all seven rrn operons. In four of the five cases the cells were viable and 50 S subunits could be isolated; only the insertion in h63 was lethal. The modified subunits were examined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), with a view to locating extra electron density corresponding to the insertion elements. The results were compared both with the recently determined atomic structure of H. marismortui 23 S rRNA in the 50 S subunit, and with previous 23 S rRNA modelling studies based on cryo-EM reconstructions of E. coli ribosomes. The insertion element in h45 was located by cryo-EM at a position corresponding precisely to that of the equivalent helix in H. marismortui. The insertion in h98 (which is entirely absent in H. marismortui) was similarly located at a position corresponding precisely to that predicted from the E. coli modelling studies. In the region of h9, the difference between the E. coli and H. marismortui secondary structures is ambiguous, and the extra electron density corresponding to the insertion was seen at a location intermediate between the position of the nearest helix in the atomic structure and that in the modelled structure. In the case of h25 (which is about 50 nucleotides longer in H. marismortui), no clear extra cryo-EM density corresponding to the insertion could be observed.

Searching for the final answer: factors contributing to medication administration errors.

Medication errors have reached epidemic proportions in the United States with proposed resolutions having little effect. Many errors go unreported because of nurses' fear of retaliation. Yet these unreported errors may contain the very information needed to uncover system flaws. Until all causes are examined and researched thoroughly, systems will continue to fail. These unknown factors contributing to medication errors will remain elusive unless health care providers are willing and able to focus attention where it is needed-on systems rather than individuals. Patients have enough fears when entering health care institutions; medication errors should not be one of them.