bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciling historical processes and population structure in the sooty tern Sterna fuscata
Authors: Peck Darren R. , Congdon Bradley C.
Published: June 2004

To test the influence of past vicariant events on population genetic structure of the sooty tern Sterna fuscata, we examined sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region of individuals from the Indo‐Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our analyses indicate a rapid population expansion at a global scale during the last 100 000 years, consistent with global recolonisation during the interstade following the Pleistocene glacial maxima (125 000–175 000 years bp). We estimate islands of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea were colonised no more than 16 000 years ago, most likely in association with the appearance of new breeding habitat following the final Pleistocene glacial retreat (19 000–22 000 years bp). Our results suggest that ice sheets linked to major glacial events not only impact genetic structuring in temperate seabirds, but that sea level changes in the tropics associated with these same events have also significantly impacted contemporary genetic structuring in tropical seabird species.
Egg rejection by Iberian azure‐winged magpiesCyanopica cyanusin the absence of brood parasitism
Authors: Avilés Jesús M.
Published: June 2004

The Iberian azure‐winged magpieCyanopica cyanusshows a remarkable ability to discriminate against great spotted cuckooClamator glandariuseggs. Here, I studied whether egg recognition in this species could be a derived feature resulting from intra‐specific brood parasitism. Azure‐winged magpies showed a very high level of discrimination and rejection of great spotted cuckoo models (73.7%), and of conspecific eggs (42.8%), even when no evidence of great spotted cuckoo or conspecific brood parasitism has been found in the population. Azure‐winged magpie discriminated more readily than magpies, the current favourite host of the great spotted cuckoo. The high rejection rate of conspecific eggs by the azure‐winged magpie suggests that it is quite possible that egg discrimination in this species evolved in response to conspecific brood parasitism rather than to cuckoo parasitism.
Egg colouration and male parental effort in the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Authors: Moreno Juan , Osorno José L. , Morales Judith , Merino Santiago , Tomás Gustavo
Published: June 2004

A recent hypothesis posits that the bright colours of many avian eggs may act like signals of female genetic quality or condition to males in species with biparental care, inducing them to work harder for their offspring. We measured the colour of blue eggs of pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca in Central Spain with a spectrophotometer on the day of laying, and also quantified the provisioning effort by males and females during the last days of the nestling period. Both chromaticity coordinates in the CIELAB colour space (blue to yellow, green to red) showed significant associations with male provisioning rates, explaining more than 20% of variation in male parental effort. Male provisioning rates were positively correlated with nestling condition, thereby potentially contributing to female fitness. This evidence is only tentative until experimental confirmation, but suggests that males are affected by the colour of their mates’ eggs, a possibility not considered hitherto in the study of sexual selection.
Aberration correction for confocal imaging in refractive‐index‐mismatched media
Authors: Booth M.J. , Neil M.A.A. , Wilson T.
Published: June 2004

A major limitation to the use of confocal microscopes to image thick biological tissue lies in the dramatic reduction in both signal level and resolution when focusing deep into a refractive‐index‐mismatched specimen. This limitation may be overcome by measuring the wavefront aberration and pre‐shaping the input beam so as to cancel the effects of aberration. We consider the images of planar and point objects in brightfield, single‐photon fluorescence and two‐photon fluorescence imaging. In all cases, the specimens are imaged using an oil‐immersion objective through various thicknesses of water.

The question of finite‐sized pinhole is addressed and it is found, in general, that it is sufficient to correct only the first two or three orders of spherical aberration to restore adequate image signal level and optical resolution, at imaging depths of up to 50‐100 wavelengths.
Pneumonia and mesenteric lymphadenopathy caused by disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in a cadaveric renal transplant recipient
Authors: Chan Y.‐H. , Wong K.‐M. , Lee K.‐C. , Kwok P.C.‐H. , Chak W.‐L. , Choi K.‐S. , Chau K.‐F. , Li C.‐S.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: A 38‐year‐old cadaveric kidney transplant recipient presented with fever, pneumonia, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy 9 months after transplant. Blood culture, bone marrow culture, and fine‐needle aspiration cytology of mesenteric lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection. He recovered after receiving parenteral amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole therapy. P. marneffei infection is a dimorphic fungal opportunistic infection endemic in Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It has been well reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients in the endemic areas, and also in other immunocompromised patients. This diagnosis must be considered for all febrile transplant recipients who have the relevant clinical features and travel history to Southeast Asia. Prompt treatment with anti‐fungal therapy improves the survival and outcome of these patients.
Deep sinus aspergillosis in a liver transplant recipient successfully treated with a combination of caspofungin and voriconazole
Authors: Tsiodras S. , Zafiropoulou R. , Giotakis J. , Imbrios G. , Antoniades A. , Manesis E.K.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: We describe the rare case of a diabetic patient who was successfully treated for cytomegalovirus viremia and leishmaniasis following liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis, but also developed invasive sinus Aspergillus infection, while still on liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome). The patient refused radical surgery including eye enucleation, and received a combination of intravenous caspofungin and voriconazole, along with repeated, conservative, local surgical debridement. At follow‐up, 15 months after the onset of sinusitis, the patient remains culture‐negative, fully active, and without evidence of local recurrence.
Clostridium difficile colitis in patients after kidney and pancreas–kidney transplantation
Authors: Keven K. , Basu A. , Re L. , Tan H. , Marcos A. , Fung J.J. , Starzl T.E. , Simmons R.L. , Shapiro R.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Limited data exist about Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) in solid organ transplant patients. Between 1/1/99 and 12/31/02, 600 kidney and 102 pancreas–kidney allograft recipients were transplanted. Thirty‐nine (5.5%) of these patients had CDC on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Of these 39 patients, 35 have information available for review. CDC developed at a median of 30 days after transplantation, and the patients undergoing pancreas–kidney transplantation had a slightly higher incidence of CDC than recipients of kidney alone (7.8% vs. 4.5%, P>0.05). All but one patient presented with diarrhea. Twenty‐four patients (64.9%) were diagnosed in the hospital, and CDC occurred during first hospitalization in 14 patients (40%). Treatment was with oral metronidazole (M) in 33 patients (94%) and M+oral vancomycin (M+V) in 2 patients. Eight patients had recurrent CDC, which occurred at a median of 30 days (range 15–314) after the first episode. Two patients (5.7%) developed fulminant CDC, presented with toxic megacolon, and underwent colectomy. One of them died; the other patient survived after colectomy. CDC should be considered as a diagnosis in transplant patients with history of diarrhea after antibiotic use, and should be treated aggressively before the infection becomes complicated.
Spondylodiscitis after bilateral sequential lung transplantation in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Quattrucci S. , Canuzzi P. , Bertasi S. , Grzejdziak A.D. , Midulla F. , Crucitti G. , Melis E.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: We report the case of a 24‐year‐old woman with cystic fibrosis in whom spondylodiscitis developed after bilateral sequential transplantation. The diagnostic work‐up included magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography‐guided disk biopsy, histological examination, and cultures of disk specimens. The infective organism was D group Streptococcus and the patient was successfully treated with intravenous piperacillin followed by oral ampicillin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spondylodiscitis after lung transplantation.
Late cytomegalovirus infection after oral ganciclovir prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Murray B.M. , Subramaniam S.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience with a consecutive group of 41 renal transplant recipients (R) who received a kidney from a cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositive donor (D+) and had 3 months of prophylaxis with oral ganciclovir. Patients were prospectively monitored clinically and with determinations of CMV antigenemia for at least 6 months. Patients were followed for a mean period of 247±16 days. CMV antigenemia developed in 51% of patients (53% D+R−, 47% D+R+) after the transplant, but in no case was antigenemia seen during the period of oral ganciclovir therapy. Antigenemia developed at a median of 167 days post transplant (range 99–522 days) and peak antigen counts ranged from <1–3940, and tended to be higher in D+R− recipients. Infection was symptomatic in 67% of the antigenemic patients and symptoms tended to be more marked in the D+/R− than in the D+/R+ group. All symptomatic patients were treated with intravenous ganciclovir (21 days) followed by 9 weeks of oral ganciclovir and responded with resolution of symptoms and antigenemia. No evidence of tissue‐invasive disease was seen. Recurrence of antigenemia was observed exclusively in the D+R− group, occurred with less severe manifestations of CMV infection, and invariably responded to retreatment with ganciclovir. Our results suggest that oral ganciclovir prophylaxis is effective in preventing CMV infection during the 3‐month period of prophylaxis, that a 3‐month period of prophylaxis appears to be sufficient for D+R+ recipients, but a longer period of oral ganciclovir prophylaxis may be needed in D+R− recipients. Clinicians caring for renal transplant recipients should be vigilant to the possibility of late CMV infection, especially in D+R− recipients.
The value of prospective monitoring of Epstein–Barr virus DNA in blood samples of pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Scheenstra R. , Verschuuren E.A.M. , De Haan A. , Slooff M.J.H. , The T.H. , Bijleveld C.M.A. , Verkade H.J.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in transplantation patients. A primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor for developing PTLD. The aim of this study was to determine circulating EBV DNA after liver transplantation in pediatric patients in relation to primary EBV infection and development of PTLD. EBV serology was performed before transplantation. Every 4 weeks after transplantation a competitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for EBV nuclear antigen‐1 was performed in 13 patients. Patients were followed for development of a PTLD. Before transplantation four patients were EBV seropositive and nine patients were EBV seronegative. In one of the four patients who were EBV seropositive before transplantation, EBV DNA became detectable after transplantation, with a peak load of 3600 copies/mL. None of these four patients developed a PTLD. Eight of the nine patients who were EBV seronegative before transplantation developed positive EBV DNA samples. EBV DNA was first detected at a mean of 64 days after transplantation (range 38–89). The mean peak EBV DNA load was 79,700 copies/mL (3600–446,000). Two of these patients developed PTLD, but they could not be identified based on prior or concomitant EBV PCR results.

Conclusions: In pediatric liver transplantation EBV DNA load is higher in patients with a primary infection than in patients who were EBV seropositive before transplantation. The EBV PCR cannot be used to identify individual patients who develop PTLD. However, elevated EBV DNA load can be used to detect a group of patients at increased risk for PTLD.
False‐positive Histoplasma antigenemia caused by antithymocyte globulin antibodies
Authors: Wheat L.J. , Connolly P. , Durkin M. , Book B.K. , Tector A.J. , Fridell J. , Pescovitz M.D.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: False‐positive Histoplasma antigen results were identified in two patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG, Thymoglobulin®) to prevent allograft rejection. To determine the prevalence of false‐positive results following the administration of Thymoglobulin®, sequential specimens were tested from a cohort of transplant recipients. Of 107 such patients, 17 (15.9%) demonstrated false‐positive tests for Histoplasma antigenemia. False antigenemia peaked at 2–4 weeks after ATG administration and cleared over the next few months. Physicians should be aware of the potential for false‐positive results in specimens from patients who have received ATG.
Nosocomial invasive aspergillosis in a heart transplant patient acquired during a break in the HEPA air filtration system
Authors: Muñoz P. , Guinea J. , Peláez T. , Durán C. , Blanco J.L. , Bouza E.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: We report a case of nosocomially acquired invasive aspergillosis (IA) in a low‐risk heart transplant recipient due to a break in the air conditioning system. A high overload of Aspergillus spores in the intensive care unit room led this patient to acquire IA. Identical environmental and patient isolates allowed our hypothesis to be confirmed and a very precise incubation time to be estimated.
Transient Nonlinear Disturbances and Shelves in a Stratified Fluid Layer
Authors: Skopovi Ivan , Akylas T. R.
Published: June 2004

We revisit the classical problem of internal wave propagation in a stratified fluid layer bounded by rigid walls and point out a mechanism by which unsteady locally confined disturbances generate far‐field shelves. Carrying the standard expansion procedure to fourth order in the wave amplitude reveals that weakly nonlinear long waves of a certain mode shed, in general, lower‐ and higher‐mode shelves, which propagate upstream and downstream with the corresponding long‐wave speeds. This phenomenon is brought about by the combined effect of nonlinear interactions and the presence of transience in the main disturbance. While the shelves accompanying small‐amplitude waves are relatively weak, numerical solutions of the full Euler equations indicate that shelves induced by unsteady disturbances of finite amplitude close to breaking can be quite significant.
Partnership with parents of disabled children in research?
Authors: Russell Fran
Published: June 2004

Parent/professional partnership is a key theme in government policy and service delivery for parents of disabled children, yet there is little evidence of such partnerships in research. Drawing on the literature concerning parents’ experiences of caring for and raising a child with additional needs; parental involvement and partnerships and the social analysis of disability, this article sets out the rationale for parents’ participation in educational research. It proposes a parents’ participatory research approach adapted from a disability or emancipatory research paradigm, which the author used when conducting her doctoral research. She describes how there was evidence of parental participation in the study on three levels, through, firstly, the parent/researcher who initiated and co‐ordinated the study; secondly, the parents’ advisory group, who advised the researcher, completed some analysis and discussed the findings and, thirdly, the parents in the sample, who were offered opportunities to participate, for example, in decisions concerning the content of the data and development of the research methods that were used. Finally, the article discusses to what extent the parents participating in this study were given a voice to express their views, some control over the research process and so were treated as partners in the research process. It concludes that this research study has extended the notion of working in partnership with parents to the field of research and demonstrated that a parents’ participatory research approach is possible. It now needs to be developed and replicated in other studies with parents of disabled children.
Current conceptions of literacy – insights from work with children and older learners with sensory needs
Authors: Watson Linda , Douglas Graeme , Hodges Liz , McLinden Mike , Hall Nigel
Published: June 2004

There have been many efforts to conceptualise literacy, both in terms of its essence and component parts, but it has proved difficult to define. This paper considers work that is undertaken with children and older learners with sensory needs in order to promote the early stages of literacy. Recent government initiatives aimed at fostering literacy development have caused teachers of children with sensory needs to re‐examine their practice. The paper discusses early literacy as part of children's attempts to communicate and describes children with sensory needs engaging in a range of activities that are termed ‘literacy’ by those working with them. By taking into account these activities, the authors endeavour to throw light on the broader questions around concepts of literacy.
Enhancing students’ learning through differentiated approaches to teaching and learning: a Maltese perspective
Authors: Adami Audrey Fenech
Published: June 2004

Within the context of Malta, differentiated teaching pervades the National Minimum Curriculum (NMC) published in 1999, in 11 of 15 principles that the NMC supports. The study seeks to explore how well prepared and equipped the teachers are with the necessary skills to fulfil a differentiated teaching approach. The aim of this research study was to explore the current pedagogical procedures teachers are adopting in order to ensure curriculum access to all students, and to what extent these actually reflect differentiated instructional strategies.

Data was collected through questionnaires. All teachers in the school were asked to participate and the response rate was high. The results are therefore representative of this particular school but cannot be generalised to the whole teaching population.

It was found that many teachers were taking an individualised role to teaching, and in the future the school will need to adopt policy decisions and a School Development Plan (SDP) which feature differentiation. Such an approach will be needed in order to encourage the teachers to utilise strategies that reflect a differentiated approach to teaching within a whole school context. In‐service training will be required to enable teachers to be made aware of the varying ways of responding to the needs of all students through differentiated teaching approaches in order to provide paths to learning so that the classroom becomes a ‘good fit’ for varied learners.
Examining key issues underlying the Audit Commission Reports on SEN Policy Paper 1 (5th series)
Authors: Norwich Brahm , Beek Chris , Richardson Penny , Gray Peter
Published: June 2004

This book is the first publication in the fifth series of seminars organised by the SEN Policy Options Steering Group to examine policy issues to do with special educational needs.

The aim of the seminar was to examine in depth several underlying issues raised by the recent Audit Commission Reports on special educational needs. The seminar provided a distinctive perspective and analysis of these reports. The focus was on (1) assurance for parents: alternatives to statements? (2) justifying common national definitions of difficulties and SEN and (3) managing inclusion.

Papers were presented by: Peter Gray, SEN Policy Consultant, on common national definitions of difficulties and SEN; Penny Richardson from Nottinghamshire Local Education Authority (LEA) on assurance for parents: alternatives to statements? and Chris Beek from Capita Strategic Education Services on managing inclusion.

The main purpose of this publication is to provide policy makers at all levels of the education system with an examination of relevant and practical policy options in the field of special educational needs. The book raises crucial issues and outlines ways forward.
Socio‐economic changes and sacred groves in South India: Protecting a community‐based resource management institution
Authors: Chandrakanth M.G. , Bhat Mahadev G. , Accavva M.S.
Published: June 2004

The sacred groves along the forest belts of south India, which were traditionally managed by village communities, are gradually disappearing. This study conducts an analysis of how this community‐based resource management institution has evolved over time and what socio‐economic factors have caused its gradual disintegration. Commercial agriculture, changing demographics and weak property‐rights systems are found to be some of the enabling factors. While the grass‐roots enthusiasm to save the sacred groves is still alive, government action is needed to strengthen the traditional village organizations, which are still perhaps in the best position to manage local resources. Several economic and financial incentive mechanisms at the local level that might lead to more efficient and equitable resource use outcomes are suggested.
Irrigation water management policies: Allocation and pricing principles and implementation experience
Authors: Dinar Ariel , Mody Jyothsna
Published: June 2004

Food security and sustainable development require efficient use of water resources, especially in irrigation. Economic pricing can be an effective tool to achieve more efficient water use, provided it is supported by other policies in implementation. Applying various water pricing and cost recovery arrangements is suggested for efficient allocation. Any adverse impact on farmers’ incomes must be addressed and more reliable service must accompany higher prices. Experience from several countries suggests a variety of implementation issues. Essential complements to water pricing are water distribution rules and technological choices at critical nodes in the delivery system that allow farmers flexibility in conserving water in response to higher prices. Among supporting institutions, water users associations seem a higher priority than water markets.
The ecohealth system and the community engagement movement in foundations: A case study of mutual benefits from grants funded by the United Nations Foundation
Authors: Yacoob May , Hetzler Beth , Langer Rafael
Published: June 2004

Ecohealth is a process for identifying key environmental determinants causing mortality or morbidity and combating them by mobilizing multiple social sectors. Evolving out of the concept of environmental health, ecohealth provides a framework for long‐term sustainability. The health outcomes anticipated by environmental interventions are part of a long‐term agenda and require fundamental groundwork for the growth of community‐driven development. Building long‐term sustainability requires that two key approaches be developed through ecohealth. The first is the strengthening of local community institutions, whether formal or informal. The second is building financial mechanisms that are more diversified and less reliant on a single donor. As a result, the ecohealth system provides an opportunity for foundations to empower communities, build cross‐cutting cooperation, and gain knowledge through projects. If people's environmental behaviour is to change and be sustained in the long term to produce desired health outcomes, this will require all members of society to be capable of functioning within the existing institutional infrastructure. This means that not only do formal institutions need to become more accessible but also that concepts relating to local informal institutions must be incorporated into ecohealth projects. It is imperative that we identify and understand relevant local institutions and how they can be transformed so that new environmental forms of behaviour can be sustained and result in positive health outcomes. The intersection of environmental and health concerns provides an ideal area in which the gap between government and civil society can be bridged — not only providing solutions to ecohealth concerns, but building government capacity in general and making these positive changes sustainable in the long term. This article is a case study, based on several United Nations Foundation grants. It outlines the significance of traditional community organizations, the breadth of their long‐term relations with communities, their resources, and the adoption of sustained forms of behaviour. In addition, the article highlights the role that international foundations can play in creating innovative financing mechanisms through community‐based foundations.
Determining the optimal tax on mining
Authors: Tilton John E.
Published: June 2004

This article examines three arguments often raised in support of higher taxes on mining and finds them wanting: First, the wealth or economic rents associated with particularly rich deposits rightfully belong to the citizens of the host country. Second, mining companies should compensate the State and the public for their use of mineral resources, given the intrinsic value arising from their non‐renewable nature. Third, the division of the wealth created by mining is unfair. Too much goes to mining companies, and too little to the host country to promote economic development.

It suggests instead that host governments should maximize the net present value of the social benefits flowing from their mineral sector. In practice, unfortunately, it is often difficult to know whether this objective is served by raising or lowering the level of taxation on mining.
Enhanced water resource base for sustainable integrated water resource management
Authors: Boutkan Else , Stikker Allerd
Published: June 2004

The article states the case for greatly enhanced reliance on desalination in the provision of freshwater. It argues that the concept of integrated water resource management (IWRM), should be expanded to routinely include desalination, and that sea water and brackish water should be listed among available sources of freshwater.

In recent years, the price per m3 of freshwater obtained from desalination has steadily declined, and is now within competitive range of conventional sources, especially as extracting water from surface sources (rivers, lakes) is becoming increasingly expensive as well as ecologically harmful, and groundwater in many locations is saline or depleted. With the expectation that by 2020, five billion people will reside in megacities, today's conventional water resources are likely to become insufficient. As many of these megacities are located near ocean coasts, sea water seems a logical solution.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the introduced fall webworm, showing its shift in life cycle in Japan
Authors: GOMI Tadashi , MURAJI Masahiko , TAKEDA Makio
Published: June 2004

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), was introduced from North America into Japan in 1945. For the first three decades after its introduction, its life cycle was bivoltine. Thereafter, its life cycle shifted to trivoltine in south‐western areas of Japan. Two hypotheses have been proposed for the process that led to the shift in voltinism: one based on a single and the other on multiple independent colonizations. To test these hypotheses, mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequences were analyzed in the black‐headed type of 14 Japanese, one Korean and two North American populations of H. cunea. In addition, the same regions of mtDNA were compared with the red‐headed type of two North American populations. In the black‐headed type, mtDNA sequences were the same in all Japanese populations and in the Korean population, but sequences of the North American populations differed from each other and from those of the other populations. These results suggest that the process of the shift in voltinism occurred originally in Japan, and that the Japanese and the Korean population of H. cunea originated from a relatively small area in North America.
Systematic study of the genusCyphononyx(Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) occurring in Japan
Authors: SHIMIZU Akira , WAHIS Raymond
Published: June 2004

Generic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of the genusCyphononyxare presented, together with a brief review of the biology of the genus. It is shown that only one species of the genus,C. fulvognathus(Rohwer), occurs in Japan. This species is distributed also in Taiwan and south China, and has hitherto been recognized under the name ofC. dorsalis. In addition, two new combinations are presented:Cyphononyx hirtus(Haupt, 1935) (= Cryptochilus hirtusHaupt) andCyphononyx plebejus(de Saussure, 1867) (= Agenia plebejade Saussure), both of which were recorded from the Oriental Region.
Species composition and life histories of shelter‐building caterpillars on Salix miyabeana
Authors: NAKAMURA Masahiro , OHGUSHI Takayuki
Published: June 2004

We studied the species composition and life history patterns of shelter‐building microlepidoptera on the willow Salix miyabeana in Hokkaido, northern Japan. We identified 23 microlepidopteran species across seven families that constructed leaf shelters. Species in Tortricidae and Pyralidae comprised approximately 90% of the total number of sampled shelter‐building microlepidoptera that reached adult eclosion in the laboratory. Seasonal changes in the density of leaf shelters showed two peaks: early June and mid‐August. In June, caterpillars of Gypsonoma bifasciata, Gypsonoma ephoropa, Acleris issikii and Saliciphage acharis were the principal shelter builders, while in August shelters were constructed primarily by caterpillars of Nephopterix adelphella, A. issikii and S. acharis. Approximately 90% of leaf shelters were constructed on the top portions of shoots, suggesting that most shelter‐building caterpillars prefer to build leaf shelters here.
Role of extrafloral nectaries of Vicia faba in attraction of ants and herbivore exclusion by ants
Authors: KATAYAMA Noboru , SUZUKI Nobuhiko
Published: June 2004

We directly evaluated the role of extrafloral nectaries (EFN) in ant attraction and herbivore exclusion by experimental removal of EFN in the laboratory. When EFN of Vicia faba Linnaeus (Leguminosae) were artificially removed, the number of workers of Tetramorium tsushimae Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) visiting the plant decreased, and the efficiency of herbivore exclusion by ants also decreased. Herbivore exclusion by ants was mostly ineffective on a plant when less than four workers visited the plant, but when more than four workers visited, the time a herbivore resided on the plant decreased rapidly with increasing numbers of visiting ants. Therefore, the efficiency of herbivore exclusion from a plant is determined by the number of ants visiting, and EFN play an important role in ant attraction.
Food plants and life cycle of Lymantria bantaizana Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in northern Honshu, Japan
Authors: GOTOH Tadao , SCHAEFER Paul W. , DOI Nobuo
Published: June 2004

The food plants and life cycle of Lymantria bantaizana were investigated in Iwate Prefecture, northern Honshu, Japan from 2000 to 2002. Eggs laid in July hatched approximately 10 days after oviposition. Hatched larvae fed only on Juglandaceae, Juglans mandshurica var. sachaliensis, J. regia var. orientalis and Pterocarya rhoifolia when reared in the laboratory. In field rearing, the plants of Juglans enabled the moth to complete its life cycle. Differing from all other known Lymantria species in Japan, the moth overwintered not in the egg stage but in the fifth or sixth instar larval stage. Lymantria bantaizana had eight larval instars in both sexes. Moth emergence occurred mostly in July at a field‐trapping site in Iwate Prefecture.
Oviposition site of and gall formation by the fruit gall midge Asphondylia aucubae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in relation to internal fruit structure
Authors: IMAI Kensuke , OHSAKI Naota
Published: June 2004

Most gall insects use young developing plant organs for gall formation; however, little information is available on the histological identification of such tissues or the changes in their availability with plant growth. We investigated the oviposition site of and the tissue used for gall formation by the midge Asphondylia aucubae Yukawa and Ohsaki, which is responsible for galls on the fruit of Aucuba japonica Thunb., by comparing the internal structures of young developing fruit, mature intact (uninfested) fruit, and galled fruit. The midge deposited eggs between the integument and the carpel of young fruit. Larval chambers were made of callus‐like tissue and were formed between the embryo sac and the carpel, where the integument was initially situated. The integument and part of the carpel were thus identified as critical plant tissues used by A. aucubae in forming galls. The integument degenerates in mature intact fruit; therefore, the season of emergence and oviposition by the midge may be determined by the timing of integument degeneration.
Soldier differentiation during embryogenesis of a social aphid, Pseudoregma bambucicola
Authors: IJICHI Nobuyuki , SHIBAO Harunobu , MIURA Toru , MATSUMOTO Tadao , FUKATSU Takema
Published: June 2004

To understand the developmental process of aphid soldier differentiation, we investigated the morphological characters of normal nymphs, soldier nymphs and developing embryos of Pseudoregma bambucicola. Results of morphometric analyses showed that normal and soldier nymphs formed discrete clusters on the basis of several morphological characters, although a small number of intermediate individuals, termed ‘intercaste nymphs’, were present. In late embryonic stages, normal and soldier embryos were morphologically distinguishable. The earlier the embryonic stage, the smaller the morphological differences between them. In early embryos less than 1000 µm in length, normal and soldier embryos were not morphologically distinguishable, suggesting that the onset of soldier differentiation occurs at an early embryonic stage. Throughout embryonic development, morphological differentiation of the soldier caste proceeded gradually. Notably, several morphological characters of soldiers grew remarkably upon larviposition. Observation of embryonic leg cuticle revealed a characteristic folding structure, indicating that  some  morphological  traits  of  the  soldier  are  exaggerated  upon  larviposition  through  expansion  of the folded cuticle. We suggest that morphological differentiation of the soldier caste in P. bambucicola comprises two phases: gradual growth during embryogenesis and rapid growth upon larviposition.
First record of the emesine assassin bug genus Emesopsis (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Vietnam, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: ISHIKAWA Tadashi , OKAJIMA Shûji
Published: June 2004

The emesine assassin bug genus Emesopsis is reported from Vietnam for the first time and is briefly diagnosed, and two new species of the genus, E. longipilosa and E. albispinosa, are described. They were collected by beating dead, drooping leaves of the banana, Musa acuminata (Musaceae).
C677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene affects plasma homocysteine level and is a genetic factor of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: KIDA Tomoyuki , KAMINO Kouzin , YAMAMOTO Mitsuko , KANAYAMA Daisuke , TANAKA Toshihisa , KUDO Takashi , TAKEDA Masatoshi
Published: June 2004

Background:  Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are known as a risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease and venous thrombosis and have been shown as a risk for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).

Method:  To examine the effect of genetic factors predisposing to elevated plasma homocysteine levels on the occurrence of LOAD, we determined the genotype of a C677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) spanning exon 13–intron 13 boundary of cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) gene in patients with LOAD and community‐based control subjects.

Results:  Logistic regression indicated that the MTHFR‐T allele was a risk for LOAD (P < 0.05), independently from apolipoprotein E‐ɛ4 (APOE‐ɛ4) allele. Kaplan–Meier tests showed that in APOE‐ɛ4 non‐carriers, individuals with the MTHFR‐TT genotype have occurences of LOAD earlier than those with the MTHFR‐CC genotype (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicates that MTHFR‐T allele increases plasma homocysteine levels (P = 0.0002), while the number of X chromosomes decreases (P = 0.01). Plasma homocysteine level was not correlated with age, plasma albumin reflecting nutritional condition, and the dose of APOE‐ɛ4 allele. The CBS‐20 VNTR allele showed the same trend to increase plasma homocysteine level as the MTHFR‐T allele, but a risk effect for LOAD was not evident.

Conclusion:  A genetic propensity for elevated plasma homocysteine levels, explained by the MTHFR‐T allele encoding defective enzymatic function, is involved in the development of LOAD, particularly in APOE‐ɛ4 non‐carriers, and that homocysteine metabolism could be a preventive target to LOAD in the elderly.
Characteristics of behavioral and psychological symptoms in the oldest patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: FURUTA Nobuo , MIMURA Masaru , ISONO Hiroshi , SUGAI Yuichi , KAMIJIMA Kunitoshi
Published: June 2004

Background:  Advancing age increases the risk of developing dementia. Recent studies have clarified characteristic cognitive changes in very old patients with dementia. Although non‐cognitive symptoms are frequent in dementia, relatively little attention has been paid to the nature of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Methods:  A retrospective review of a database was performed to compare 27 very old patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (onset age ≥ 85) with 162 less old patients (onset age < 85). Cognitive decline, ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL), and overall severity were rated. BPSD were evaluated using a 16‐item questionnaire to the compare frequency of each symptom between old and very old groups.

Results:  Cognitive decline was equivocal in both old and very old groups. In contrast, very old patients were more impaired in ADL, and BPSD were more frequent in very old patients. Delusions, irritability, and delusional misidentification syndrome were frequent in both groups, but were more prominent in very old patients. Behavioral abnormalities such as excitement, delirium, reversed diurnal rhythm, and wandering were not prominent in old patients, but were frequent in very old patients.

Conclusions:  Very old AD patients presented more frequent BPSD than old AD patients. Troublesome behavioral abnormalities particularly prominent in the older patients might represent a heavy burden for caregivers.
Inverted metamorphic sequence in the Sikkim Himalayas: crystallization history, P–T gradient and implications
Authors: Dasgupta S. , Ganguly J. , Neogi S.
Published: June 2004

The metapelitic rocks of the Sikkim Himalayas show an inverted metamorphic sequence (IMS) of the complete Barrovian zones from chlorite to sillimanite + K‐feldspar, with the higher grade rocks appearing at progressively higher structural levels. Within the IMS, four groups of major planar structures, S1, S2 and S3 were recognised. The S2 structures are pervasive throughout the Barrovian sequence, and are sub‐parallel to the metamorphic isograds. The mineral growth in all zones is dominantly syn‐S2. The disposition of the metamorphic zones and structural features show that the zones were folded as a northerly plunging antiform. Significant bulk compositional variation, with consequent changes of mineralogy, occurs even at the scale of a thin section in some garnet zone rocks. The results of detailed petrographic and thermobarometric studies of the metapelites along a roughly E–W transect show progressive increase of both pressure and temperature with increasing structural levels in the entire IMS. This is contrary to all models that call for thermal inversion as a possible reason for the origin of the IMS. Also, the observation of the temporal relation between crystallization and S2 structures is problematic for models of post‐/late‐metamorphic tectonic inversion by recumbent folding or thrusting. A successful model of the IMS should explain the petrological coherence of the Barrovian zones and the close relationship of crystallization in each zone with S2 planar structures along with the observed trend(s) of P–T variation in Sikkim and in other sections. A discussion is presented of some of the available models that, with some modifications, seem to be capable of explaining these observations.
A new method for the derivation of the closed nets in the phase diagram space of multisystems. I. The absent phase substitution method
Authors: Hu J. , Yin H. , Duan Z.
Published: June 2004

A new convenient combinatorial method is developed here to derive the invariant points in multisystem closed nets – the absent phase substitution (APS) method. It substantially simplifies the derivation of the closed nets in multisystems with many components and phases. For the multisystems whose total phase number (NPS) ≤ twice the number of the absent phases (m) in an invariant assemblage, the method can yield regular closed nets with or without globally absent phases; for other multisystems, the method can yield the regular closed nets with globally absent phases. As examples, the APS method was used to predict: (1) the regular closed nets of unary to quinary n + 4‐phase multisystems, unary 6‐phase multisystem and ternary 8‐phase multisystem; (2) the basic properties of the regular closed nets of the quaternary and quinary multisystems with n + 4 and n + 5 phases. Two multisystems were chosen to demonstrate how to select a realistic closed net from the numerous possible closed nets of a complex multisystem, and how to derive a realistic partially closed‐net, closed‐net‐diagram and the related realistic straight‐line‐net‐diagram. Comparisons of our APS method for the derivation of complicated closed nets with other methods indicate that this method is much simpler and more efficient.
Grain coarsening in contact metamorphic carbonates: effects of second‐phase particles, fluid flow and thermal perturbations
Authors: Berger A. , Herwegh M.
Published: June 2004

Under contact metamorphic conditions, carbonate rocks in the direct vicinity of the Adamello pluton reflect a temperature‐induced grain coarsening. Despite this large‐scale trend, a considerable grain size scatter occurs on the outcrop‐scale indicating local influence of second‐order effects such as thermal perturbations, fluid flow and second‐phase particles. Second‐phase particles, whose sizes range from nano‐ to the micron‐scale, induce the most pronounced data scatter resulting in grain sizes too small by up to a factor of 10, compared with theoretical grain growth in a pure system. Such values are restricted to relatively impure samples consisting of up to 10 vol.% micron‐scale second‐phase particles, or to samples containing a large number of nano‐scale particles. The obtained data set suggests that the second phases induce a temperature‐controlled reduction on calcite grain growth. The mean calcite grain size can therefore be expressed in the form D = C2 eQ*/RT(dp/fp)m*, where C2 is a constant, Q* is an activation energy, T the temperature and m* the exponent of the ratio dp/fp, i.e. of the average size of the second phases divided by their volume fraction. However, more data are needed to obtain reliable values for C2 and Q*. Besides variations in the average grain size, the presence of second‐phase particles generates crystal size distribution (CSD) shapes characterized by lognormal distributions, which differ from the Gaussian‐type distributions of the pure samples. In contrast, fluid‐enhanced grain growth does not change the shape of the CSDs, but due to enhanced transport properties, the average grain sizes increase by a factor of 2 and the variance of the distribution increases. Stable δ18O and δ13C isotope ratios in fluid‐affected zones only deviate slightly from the host rock values, suggesting low fluid/rock ratios. Grain growth modelling indicates that the fluid‐induced grain size variations can develop within several ka. As inferred from a combination of thermal and grain growth modelling, dykes with widths of up to 1 m have only a restricted influence on grain size deviations smaller than a factor of 1.1. To summarize, considerable grain size variations of up to one order of magnitude can locally result from second‐order effects. Such effects require special attention when comparing experimentally derived grain growth kinetics with field studies.
Bidirectional substrate fluxes through the System N (SNAT5) glutamine transporter may determine net glutamine flux in rat liver
Authors: Baird F. E. , Beattie K. J. , Hyde A. R. , Ganapathy V. , Rennie M. J. , Taylor P. M.
Published: June 2004

System N (SNAT3 and SNAT5) amino acid transporters are key mediators of glutamine transport across the plasma membrane of mammalian cell types, including hepatocytes and astrocytes. We demonstrate that SNAT5 shows simultaneous bidirectional glutamine fluxes when overexpressed in Xenopus oocytes. Influx and efflux are both apparently Na+ dependent but, since they are not directly coupled, the carrier is capable of mediating net amino acid movement across the cell membrane. The apparent Km values for glutamine influx and efflux are similar (∼1 mm) and the transporter behaviour is consistent with a kinetic model in which re‐orientation of the carrier from outside‐ to inside‐facing conformations (either empty or substrate loaded) is the limiting step in the transport cycle. In perfused rat liver, the observed relationship between influent (portal) glutamine concentration and net hepatic glutamine flux may be described by a simple kinetic model, assuming the balance between influx and efflux through System N determines net flux, where under physiological conditions efflux is generally saturated owing to high intracellular glutamine concentration. SNAT5 shows a more periportal mRNA distribution than SNAT3 in rat liver, indicating that SNAT5 may have particular importance for modulation of net hepatic glutamine flux.