Role of Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in controlling Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Cage exclusion experiments and direct observation

We evaluated the role of the larval parasitoid, Diadegma semiclausum Hellen (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), in controlling Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) by cage exclusion experiments and direct field observation during the winter season in southern Queensland, Australia. The cage exclusion experiment involved uncaged, open cage and closed cage treatments. A higher percentage (54-83%) of P. xylostella larvae on sentinel plants were lost in the uncaged treatment than the closed (4-9%) or open cage treatments (11-29%). Of the larvae that remained in the uncaged treatment, 72-94% were parasitized by D. semiclausum , much higher than that in the open cage treatment (8-37% in first trial, and 38-63% in second trial). Direct observations showed a significant aggregation response of the field D. semiclausum populations to high host density plants in an experimental plot and to high host density plots that were artificially set-up near to the parasitoid source fields. The degree of aggregation varied in response to habitat quality of the parasitoid source field and scales of the manipulated host patches. As a result, density-dependence in the pattern of parasitism may depend on the relative degree of aggregation of the parasitoid population at a particular scale. A high degree of aggregation seems to be necessary to generate density-dependent parasitism by D. semiclausum . Integration of the cage exclusion experiment and direct observation demonstrated the active and dominant role of this parasitoid in controlling P. xylostella in the winter season. A biologically based IPM strategy, which incorporates the use of D. semiclausum with Bt, is suggested for the management of P. xylostella in seasons or regions with a mild temperature.

Roles of social pain and defense mechanisms in response to social exclusion: Reply to Panksepp (2005) and Coff (2005)

In comments on G. MacDonald and M. R. Leary (2005), J. Panksepp (2005) argued for more emphasis on social pain mechanisms, whereas P. J. Corr (2005) argued for more emphasis on physical defense mechanisms. In response to the former, the authors clarify their positions on the topics of anger, the usefulness of rat models, the role of analgesic mechanisms, and basic motivational processes. In response to the latter, the authors clarify their positions on the topics of the relation of social exclusion to fear, the value of the pain affect construct, and the nature of the social pain experience. The authors conclude that consideration of the roles of both social pain and defense mechanisms is essential to best understand human response to social exclusion.

Why does social exclusion hurt? The relationship between social and physical pain

The authors forward the hypothesis that social exclusion is experienced as painful because reactions to rejection are mediated by aspects of the physical pain system. The authors begin by presenting the theory that overlap between social and physical pain was an evolutionary development to aid social animals in responding to threats to inclusion. The authors then review evidence showing that humans demonstrate convergence between the 2 types of pain in thought, emotion, and behavior, and demonstrate, primarily through nonhuman animal research, that social and physical pain share common physiological mechanisms. Finally, the authors explore the implications of social pain theory for rejection-elicited aggression and physical pain disorders.

One-dimensional interacting anyon gas: Low-energy properties and haldane exclusion statistics

The low-energy properties of the one-dimensional anyon gas with a delta-function interaction are discussed in the context of its Bethe ansatz solution. It is found that the anyonic statistical parameter and the dynamical coupling constant induce Haldane exclusion statistics interpolating between bosons and fermions. Moreover, the anyonic parameter may trigger statistics beyond Fermi statistics for which the exclusion parameter alpha is greater than one. The Tonks-Girardeau and the weak coupling limits are discussed in detail. The results support the universal role of alpha in the dispersion relations.

Further evidence of linkage at 7p22 with familial hyperaldosteronism type II and exclusion of genetic defects in the RBAK coding regions

Once thought rare, primary aldosteronism (PAL) is now reported to be responsible for 5–10% of hypertension. Unlike familial hyperaldosteronism type I (FH-I), FH-II is not glucocorticoidremediable and not associated with the hybrid CYP11B1/CYP11B2 gene mutation. At least five times more common than FH-I, FH-II is clinically indistinguishable from apparently sporadic PAL, suggesting an even higher incidence. Studies performed in collaboration with C Stratakis (NIH, Bethesda) on our largest Australian family (eight affected members) demonstrated linkage at chromosome 7p22. Linkage at this region was also found in a South American family (DNA provided by MI New, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York) and in a second Australian family. The combined multipoint LOD score for these 3 families is 4.61 (q = 0) with markers D7S462 and D7S517, providing strong support for this locus harbouring mutations responsible for FH-II. A newly identified recombination event in our largest Australian family has narrowed the region of linkage by 1.8 Mb, permitting exclusion of approximately half the genes residing in the originally reported 5 Mb linked locus. Candidate genes that are involved in cell cycle control are of interest as adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal adenomas are common in FH-II patients. A novel candidate gene in this linked region produces the retinoblastoma-associated Kruppel-associated box protein (RBaK) which interacts with the retinoblastoma gene product to repress the expression of genes activated by members of the E2F family of transcription factors.