bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open vs laparoscopic approach for reversal of Hartmann’s procedure: a systematic review
Authors: Siddiqui M. R. S. , Sajid M. S. , Baig M. K.
Published: April 2009

Aim  A meta‐analysis of published literature comparing open vs laparoscopic Hartmann’s reversal.

Method  MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed and the Cochrane databases were searched from January 1993 to August 2008. The bibliography of selected trials was scrutinized and relevant references obtained. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.

Results  Eight comparative studies involving 450 patients were analysed. One hundred and ninety‐three patients were in the laparoscopic and 257 in the open group. Laparoscopic reversal has a significantly reduced complication rate (z = −2.92, P < 0.01), intra‐operative blood loss (z = −7.34, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (z = −3.16, P < 0.01) compared with the conventional approach. No difference in leak rates was found.

Conclusion  Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is safe, has fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. This approach may be considered for reversal, however, randomized controlled trials are required to strengthen the evidence.
Conflict and Cooperation in Diverse Workgroups
Authors: King Eden B. , Hebl Michelle R. , Beal Daniel J.
Published: April 2009

This article reviews research examining the influence of diversity on conflict and cooperation within the context of the workplace. In particular, we describe how heterogeneity in surface characteristics, such as race and gender, as well as deeper characteristics, such as affect, experience, and knowledge, relate to key workgroup processes and outcomes. Of particular interest is the disparate strength and directionality of the effects reported in the literature. In an effort to provide clarity to the confusion, we emphasize the roles of group longevity and the type of diversity being examined. In addition, we recommend greater specificity with respect to the particular group processes and outcomes being examined.
Ethnic and University Identities across the College Years: A Common In‐Group Identity Perspective
Authors: Levin Shana , Sinclair Stacey , Sidanius Jim , Van Laar Colette
Published: April 2009

The common in‐group identity model advocates the creation of a superordinate group identity in order to reduce conflict between members of different ethnic subgroups. This study demonstrates that a university identity can serve as an effective common in‐group identity for students from different ethnic groups. Longitudinal data were collected from an ethnically diverse sample of university students at the end of each year of college. Although ethnic identification tended to be correlated with status‐legitimizing orientations and ideologies in a way that reinforces ethnic‐status differences (i.e., these variables tended to be positively related for Whites but less so for ethnic minorities), the status‐legitimizing variables were largely unrelated to university identification during each year in college. The longitudinal data also allowed us to examine these relationships over time. The relationships between ethnic and university identification and status‐legitimizing orientations and ideologies did not change. Ethnic and university identities are discussed in terms of the common in‐group identity model.
Of Practicalities and Perspective: What Is Fair in Group Decision Making?
Authors: Jacobs Elizabeth , Christensen P. Niels , Prislin Radmila
Published: April 2009

Establishing fair procedures to regulate intragroup disagreements should engender cooperation while inhibiting conflict. Yet what is a “fair” procedure might vary for members of different factions. To understand perceptions of fairness in group decision making, the present research developed and utilized the Fair Group Procedures Scale (FGPS). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a four‐factor structure along two dimensions: the means of distributing decision‐making power (proportionality to equality) and the normative value of the approach (desirable to undesirable). Data suggest that deeming a particular decision‐making procedure “fair” is predicted by one's majority/minority position within a group. Furthermore, experimental data suggest that social change (i.e., reversals of majority/minority positions) reduces the discrepancies between factions. Results support the socially constructed nature of fairness and its potential role in intragroup conflict.
Conflict and Creativity in Groups
Authors: Troyer Lisa , Youngreen Reef
Published: April 2009

Consultants and researchers have long recognized the debilitating effects that conflict between group members can have on both group and individual outcomes. Yetless attention has been paid to the important role that conflict may play in helping generate innovative solutions to ill‐structured problems. Furthermore, conflict (properly managed) is critical to the avoidance of groupthink (i.e., the tendency to sacrifice quality decision making and problem solving for the sake of consensus and conflict avoidance). What strategies can group members use to incorporate conflict, or more specifically, dissent in group problem solving? We argue that the delivery of dissenting opinions (negative evaluations) affects the extent to which dissent fosters creativity. We report the results of an experiment in which the target of negative evaluations was varied (e.g., source of an idea vs. idea itself ) and compared to a condition in which no negative evaluations were incorporated. The results show that (1) creativity is higher in the conditions involving idea‐targeted negative evaluations than source‐targeted or no negative evaluations; (2) negative evaluations from others increase in conditions in which there are source‐targeted negative evaluations and idea‐targeted negative evaluations, compared to no negative evaluations; and (3) group members report higher levels of satisfaction when working under conditions involving idea‐targeted negative evaluations, compared to source‐targeted or no negative evaluations. We discuss the implications of this research for organizational settings, with particular attention to how they might inform the design of group decision support systems.
Cooperation and Conflict within Groups: Bridging Intragroup and Intergroup Processes
Authors: Dovidio John F. , Saguy Tamar , Shnabel Nurit
Published: April 2009

Whereas intragroup processes and intergroup relations are often assumed to reflect discrete processes and cooperation and conflict to represent alternative outcomes, the present article focuses on intergroup dynamics within a shared group identity and challenges traditional views of cooperation and conflict primarily as the respective positive and negative outcomes of these dynamics. Drawing on the ideas, theories, and evidence presented in other articles in this volume, we (1) consider the dynamic tension between stability and change that exists within hierarchical groups; (2) discuss the different perspectives that advantaged and disadvantaged subgroups within a larger group have regarding this tension; (3) propose that cooperation and conflict should be viewed as developmental processes in the life of a group; (4) suggest that constructive resolution of conflict depends upon whether subgroups manage to satisfy the different needs of each group, and (5) conclude by discussing the personal, social, and policy implications of this perspective.
Digital Distinction: Status‐Specific Types of Internet Usage*
Authors: Zillien Nicole , Hargittai Eszter
Published: April 2009

Objective. Sociologists of technology propose that not only a technological artifact, as such, but also patterns of usage should be considered when studying the social implications of technologies. Accordingly, we explore how people's online activities are influenced by users' socioeconomic status and context of use.

Methods. We analyze data from the Allensbacher Computer and Technology Analysis (ACTA) 2004 survey with uniquely detailed information about people's Internet uses and context of usage to explore this relationship.

Results. Findings suggest that high‐status and low‐status individuals cultivate different forms of “Internet‐in‐practice.” High‐status users are much more likely to engage in so‐called capital‐enhancing activities online than are their less privileged counterparts.

Conclusion. Results suggest differential payoffs from Internet use depending on a user's socioeconomic background. Digital inequalities might be mitigated by improving people's Internet equipment and digital experience, but they do not account for all the status differential in use.
Different Forms of Ventricular Tachycardia Involving the Left Anterior Fascicle in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: Critical Sites of the Reentrant Circuit in Low‐Voltage Areas
Authors: REITHMANN CHRISTOPHER , HAHNEFELD ANTON , ULBRICH MICHAEL , MATIS TOMAS , STEINBECK GERHARD
Published: April 2009

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the reentrant circuit of ventricular tachycardias (VTs) involving the left anterior fascicle (LAF) in nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results: Six patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy presented with VTs involving the LAF. Potentials in the diastolic or presystolic phase of the VT were identified close to the LAF in 3 patients and in the mid or inferior left ventricular (LV) septum in 3 patients. Superimposed on a CARTO or NavX 3‐dimensional voltage map, the diastolic and presystolic potentials were recorded within or at the border of a low‐voltage zone in the LV septum in all cases. In 2 patients, both left bundle fascicles participated in the reentrant circuit including a possible interfascicular VT in one case. Ablation targeting the diastolic or presystolic potentials near the LAF or in the midinferior LV septum eliminated the VTs in all patients with the occurrence of a left posterior fascicular block and the delayed occurrence of a complete atrioventricular block in each one patient. During the follow‐up of 23 ± 20 months after ablation, 4 patients were free of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Due to detoriation of heart failure, one patient died after 12 months and one patient underwent heart transplantation after 40 months.

Conclusions: Slow conduction in diseased myocardium close to the LAF or in the middle and inferior aspects of the LV septum may represent the diastolic pathway of VT involving the LAF.
Not All hERG Pore Domain Mutations Have a Severe Phenotype: G584S Has an Inactivation Gating Defect with Mild Phenotype Compared to G572S, Which Has a Dominant Negative Trafficking Defect and a Severe Phenotype
Authors: ZHAO JING TING , HILL ADAM P. , VARGHESE ANTHONY , COOPER ANTONY A. , SWAN HEIKKI , LAITINEN‐FORSBLOM PÄIVI J. , REES MARK I. , SKINNER JONATHAN R. , CAMPBELL TERENCE J. , VANDENBERG JAMIE I.
Published: April 2009

Introduction: Mutations in the pore domain of the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) potassium channel are associated with higher risk of sudden death. However, in many kindreds clinical presentation is variable, making it hard to predict risk. We hypothesized that in vitro phenotyping of the intrinsic severity of individual mutations can assist with risk stratification.

Methods and Results: We analyzed 2 hERG pore domain mutations, G572S and G584S. Similar to 90% of hERG missense mutations, G572S‐hERG subunits did not traffic to the plasma membrane but could coassemble with WT subunits and resulted in a dominant negative suppression of hERG current density. The G584S‐hERG subunits traffic normally but have abnormal inactivation gating. Computer models of human ventricular myocyte action potentials (AP), incorporating Markov models of the hERG mutants, indicate that G572S‐hERG channels would cause more severe AP prolongation than that seen with G584S‐hERG channels.

Conclusions: hERG‐G572S and ‐G584S are 2 pore domain mutations that involve the same change in sidechain but have very different in vitro phenotypes; G572S causes a dominant negative trafficking defect, whereas G584S is the first hERG missense mutation where the cause of disease can be exclusively attributed to enhanced inactivation. The G572S mutation is intrinsically more severe than the G584S mutation, consistent with the overall clinical presentation in the 2 small kindreds studied here. Further investigation, involving a larger number of cohorts, to test the hypothesis that in vitro phenotyping of the intrinsic severity of a given mutation will assist with risk stratification is therefore warranted.
Upgrading Pacemaker Patients with Right Ventricular Apical Pacing to Right Ventricular Septal Pacing Improves Left Ventricular Performance and Functional Capacity
Authors: TSE HUNG‐FAT , WONG KWONG‐KUEN , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , ZHANG XUE‐HUA , HO WAI‐YIN , LAU CHU‐PAK
Published: April 2009

Background: Right ventricular (RV) apical pacing results in abnormal left ventricular (LV) electrical and mechanical activation and is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. Chronic RV septal pacing has been shown to be superior to RV apical pacing in newly implanted patients. However, whether RV septal pacing can reverse deleterious effects of RV apical pacing remain unclear.

Methods: We evaluated the effects of RV septal pacing on LV performance and functional capacity before and at 18 months after device replacement in 12 patients with previously permanent RV apical pacing and in 12 control patients that continued RV apical pacing. All patients underwent radionuclide ventriculography and 6‐minute hallwalk (6‐MHW) test before replacement (baseline) and at 18 months afterward to determine changes in LV performance and functional capacity, respectively.

Results: After RV septal upgraded, there was a significant decrease in paced QRS duration (171.2 ± 3.9 ms to 160.4 ± 3.5 ms, P = 0.0016), increase in LV ejection fraction (55.2 ± 2.6% vs 60.4 ± 2.9%, P = 0.0002), the peak ventricular filling rate (2.60 ± 0.13 s−1 vs 3.01 ± 0.14 s−1, P = 0.046), and 6‐MHW (308.2 ± 31.6 m vs 355.5 ± 34.2 m, P = 0.015) at 18 months compared with baseline. No changes in these parameters were observed in the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: RV septal pacing upgraded improves LV systolic and diastolic function and functional capacity in patients with previously permanent RV apical pacing. These findings suggest that RV septal pacing can reverse the deleterious effects of RV apical pacing in patients who required permanent ventricular pacing.
Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from the Noncoronary Cusp: Electrocardiographic and Electrophysiological Characterization and Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: ALASADY MUAYAD , SINGLETON CAMERON B. , MCGAVIGAN ANDREW D.
Published: April 2009

Noncoronary cusp (NCC) ventricular tachycardia is a rare form of monomorphic outflow tract tachycardia, and its electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics have not been well described previously. The NCC should be considered for catheter ablation if attempts to eliminate ventricular tachyarrhythmia were unsuccessful in the other common anatomical sites of the left ventricular outflow tract.
Correlative Anatomy for the Invasive Electrophysiologist: Outflow Tract and Supravalvar Arrhythmia
Authors: ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: April 2009

Radiofrequency ablation in the outflow tract and great arteries is increasingly performed to treat a variety of symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias. The regional anatomy of these structures is among the most complex of those encountered by cardiac electrophysiologists. An exact appreciation of the relationships between these overlapping structures and their proximity to the coronary arterial and conduction system is essential for rational, safe, and effective ablation for these arrhythmias. A supravalvar portion of the aorta is a unique site for arrhythmia origin where the arrhythmogenic substrate for atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, and accessory pathways may all be located. Discussed in this review are the main principles of outflow tract and supravalvar arrhythmia, and these are correlated with fluoroscopy, electrograms, and electrocardiography that help guide the invasive electrophysiologist.
Bayesian Models for Multiple Outcomes Nested in Domains
Authors: Thurston Sally W. , Ruppert David , Davidson Philip W.
Published: April 2009

Summary We consider the problem of estimating the effect of exposure on multiple continuous outcomes, when the outcomes are measured on different scales and are nested within multiple outcome classes, or “domains.” Our Bayesian model extends the linear mixed models approach to allow the exposure effect to differ across domains and across outcomes within domains. Our model can be parameterized to allow shrinkage of the effects within the different levels of nesting, or to allow fixed domain‐specific effects with no shrinkage. Our model also allows covariate effects to differ across outcomes and domains. Our methodology is applied to data on prenatal methylmercury exposure and multiple outcomes in four domains measured at 9 years of age on children enrolled in the Seychelles Child Development Study. We use three different priors and found that our main conclusions were not sensitive to the choice of prior. Simulation studies examine the model performance under alternative scenarios. Our results demonstrate that a sizeable increase in power is possible.
Estimating HIV Incidence Based on Combined Prevalence Testing
Authors: Balasubramanian Raji , Lagakos Stephen W.
Published: April 2009

SummaryKnowledge of incidence rates of HIV and other infectious diseases is important in evaluating the state of an epidemic as well as for designing interventional studies. Estimation of disease incidence from longitudinal studies can be expensive and time consuming. Alternatively,Janssen et al.(1998, Journal of the American Medical Association 280,42–48) proposed the estimation of HIV incidence at a single point in time based on the combined use of a standard and “detuned” antibody assay. This article frames the problem from a longitudinal perspective, from which the maximum likelihood estimator of incidence is determined and compared with the Janssen estimator. The formulation also allows estimation for general situations, including different batteries of tests among subjects, inclusion of covariates, and a comparative evaluation of different test batteries to help guide study design. The methods are illustrated with data from an HIV interventional trial and a seroprevalence survey recently conducted in Botswana.
Semiparametric Models of Time‐Dependent Predictive Values of Prognostic Biomarkers
Authors: Zheng Yingye , Cai Tianxi , Stanford Janet L. , Feng Ziding
Published: April 2009

SummaryRigorous statistical evaluation of the predictive values of novel biomarkers is critical prior to applying novel biomarkers into routine standard care. It is important to identify factors that influence the performance of a biomarker in order to determine the optimal conditions for test performance. We propose a covariate‐specific time‐dependent positive predictive values curve to quantify the predictive accuracy of a prognostic marker measured on a continuous scale and with censored failure time outcome. The covariate effect is accommodated with a semiparametric regression model framework. In particular, we adopt a smoothed survival time regression technique (Dabrowska, 1997, The Annals of Statistics 25,1510–1540) to account for the situation where risk for the disease occurrence and progression is likely to change over time. In addition, we provide asymptotic distribution theory and resampling‐based procedures for making statistical inference on the covariate‐specific positive predictive values. We illustrate our approach with numerical studies and a dataset from a prostate cancer study.
Distances to Emergency Department and to Primary Care Provider’s Office Affect Emergency Department Use in Children
Authors: Ludwick Annameika , Fu Rongwei , Warden Craig , Lowe Robert A.
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  Patients of all ages use emergency departments (EDs) for primary care. Several studies have evaluated patient and system characteristics that influence pediatric ED use. However, the issue of proximity as a predictor of ED use has not been well studied. The authors sought to determine whether ED use by pediatric Medicaid enrollees was associated with the distance to their primary care providers (PCPs), distance to the nearest ED, and distance to the nearest children’s hospital.

Methods:  This historical cohort study included 26,038 children age 18 and under, assigned to 332 primary care practices affiliated with a Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO). Predictor variables were distance from the child’s home to his or her PCP site, distance from home to the nearest ED, and distance from home to the nearest children’s hospital. The outcome variable was each child’s ED use. A negative binomial model was used to determine the association between distance variables and ED use, adjusted for age, sex, and race, plus medical and primary care site characteristics previously found to influence ED use. Distance variables were divided into quartiles to test for nonlinear associations.

Results:  On average, children made 0.31 ED visits/person/year. In the multivariable model, children living greater than 1.19 miles from the nearest ED had 11% lower ED use than those living within 0.5 miles of the nearest ED (risk ratio [RR] = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.99). Children living between 1.54 and 3.13 miles from their PCPs had 13% greater ED use (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.24) than those who lived within 0.7 miles of their PCP.

Conclusions:  Geographical variables play a significant role in ED utilization in children, confirming the importance of system‐level determinants of ED use and creating the opportunity for interventions to reduce geographical barriers to primary care.
Routine Packing of Simple Cutaneous Abscesses Is Painful and Probably Unnecessary
Authors: O’Malley Gerald F. , Dominici Paul , Giraldo Patricia , Aguilera Elizabeth , Verma Manisha , Lares Claudia , Burger Patricia , Williams Edwin
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  The objective was to determine whether the routine packing of simple cutaneous abscesses after incision and drainage (I&D) confers any benefit over I&D alone.

Methods:  In a prospective, randomized, single‐blinded trial, subjects with simple cutaneous abscesses (less than 5 cm largest diameter) underwent incision, drainage, irrigation, and standard abscess preparation in the usual manner. Subjects were then randomized to either packing or no‐packing. Visual analog scales (VAS; 100 mm) of pain were recorded in the emergency department (ED). All patients received trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX), ibuprofen, and narcotic prescriptions, recorded twice daily VAS pain scores, and returned in 48 hours at which time dressings and packing, if present, were removed and a physician blinded to the randomization and not part of the initial visit repeated measurements and determined the need for further intervention.

Results:  Forty‐eight subjects were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in age, sex, abscess location, or initial pain scores between the two groups. There was no significant difference in need for a second intervention at the 48‐hour follow‐up between the packed (4 of 23 subjects) and nonpacked (5 of 25 subjects) groups (p = 0.72; relative risk = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4 to 4.2). Patients in the group that received packing reported higher pain scores immediately postprocedure (mean difference = 23.8 mm; p = 0.014, 95% CI = 5 to 42 mm) and at 48 hours postprocedure (mean difference = 16.4 mm; p = 0.03, 95% CI = 1.6 to 31.2 mm), as well as greater use of ibuprofen (mean difference = 0.32; p = 0.12, 95% CI = −1.4 to 2.0) and oxycodone/acetaminophen (mean difference = 2.19; p = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.2 to 4.1).

Conclusion:  In this pilot study, not packing simple cutaneous abscesses did not result in any increased morbidity, and patients reported less pain and used fewer pain medications than packed patients.
Multivesicular Endosome Biogenesis in the Absence of ESCRTs
Authors: Stuffers Susanne , Sem Wegner Catherine , Stenmark Harald , Brech Andreas
Published: April 2009

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) protein machinery comprises four complexes, ESCRT‐0, ESCRT‐I, ESCRT‐II and ESCRT‐III, that facilitate receptor sorting into the lumen of multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) in order to terminate signalling receptors for final degradation within the lysosomes. Even though ESCRT proteins appear to be essential for the biogenesis of MVEs in Saccharomyces cerevisae, it is not clear whether ESCRT‐independent pathways for MVE biogenesis exist in higher organisms. In this study we maximized inhibition of ESCRT‐dependent pathway by depleting cells of key subunits of all four ESCRTs and followed MVE formation and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) traffic using electron and confocal microscopy. There was a dramatic alteration in the morphology of components of the endocytic pathway in ESCRT‐depleted cells, but early and late endosomes stayed clearly differentiated. Importantly, although EGF‐induced formation of MVEs was highly sensitive to ESCRT depletion, EGF‐independent formation of MVEs could still occur. The MVEs remaining in ESCRT‐depleted cells contained enlarged intralumenal vesicles into which EGFRs were not sorted. Our observations suggest that both ESCRT‐dependent and ESCRT‐independent mechanisms of MVE biogenesis exist in mammalian cells.
Molecular identification and population dynamics of two species of Pemphigus (Homoptera: Pemphidae) on cabbage
Authors: Chen Naiqi , Liu Tong‐Xian , Sétamou Mamoudou , French J. Victor , Louzada Eliezer S.
Published: April 2009

The poplar petiole gall aphid, Pemphigus populitransversus Riley, has been one of the major pests on cruciferous vegetable in the Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas since the late 1940s. It normally migrates from poplar trees to cruciferous vegetables in the fall, and migrates back to the trees in early spring of the coming year. Some root‐feeding aphids were found on cruciferous vegetables in late spring and early summer in 1998 and the following years. Those aphids have been identified as Pemphigus obesinymphae Moran. This discovery completely changed the current knowledge about the root‐feeding aphids on cruciferous vegetables in the LRGV. Due to their small size, morphological and feeding similarities between P. populitransversus and P. obesinymphae, their identification and distinction are difficult. In this study, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) were used to distinguish these two species over a period of time when the two species occurred together, or separately, in cabbage fields. The two species occurred on cabbage at different times of the year, and overlapped from October to June. From May to October, both species migrated to their primary hosts. The apterous aphids found on cabbage in winter contained mainly P. obesinymphae, whereas in early spring more apterous P. populitransversus were recovered. The root‐feeding aphids would feed on cabbage plants as long as this host was available even during the hot, dry summer in the LRGV, although their populations were generally low. Both RAPD and AFLP techniques were efficient in discriminating the two species that showed obviously genetic variability. These molecular techniques confirmed the existence of the two aphid species in apterous samples collected from the soil in cabbage fields in the LRGV, and the results performed by RAPD were confirmed by AFLP. Furthermore, the results suggest that RAPD technique was a better choice despite its reproducibility problem, as it was less time‐consuming and required less technology, labor and expense than AFLP.
Presence of a cerebral factor showing summer‐morph‐producing hormone activity in the brain of the seasonal non‐polyphenic butterflies Vanessa cardui, V. indica and Nymphalis xanthomelas japonica (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Tanaka Ayuki , Inoue Moeko , Endo Katsuhiko , Kitazawa Chisato , Yamanaka Akira
Published: April 2009

Three species of nymphalid butterflies, Vanessa cardui, V. indica and Nymphalis xanthomelas japonica, do not exhibit seasonal polyphenism in wing coloration. To determine whether seasonal non‐polyphenic butterflies possess a cerebral factor affecting wing coloration, we used a Polygonia c‐aureum female short‐day pupal assay for detection of summer‐morph‐producing hormone (SMPH) activity in P. c‐aureum. When 2% NaCl extracts of 25 brain‐equivalents prepared from the pupal brains of V. cardui, V. indica or N. xanthomelas japonica were injected into Polygonia female short‐day pupae, all recipients developed into summer‐morph adults with dark‐yellow wings, and the average grade score (AGS) of summer morphs showing SMPH activity was 3.8, 3.7 and 4.0, respectively. In contrast, when acetone or 80% ethanol extracts prepared from pupal brains were injected into Polygonia pupae, all recipients developed into autumn‐morph adults with a dark‐brown coloration and each exhibited an AGS of less than 0.5. Our results indicate that a cerebral factor showing SMPH activity is present in the pupal brain of seasonal non‐polyphenic nymphalid butterflies, suggesting that a SMPH and cerebral factor showing SMPH activity occur widely among butterfly species. This finding will improve our understanding of the presence of cerebral factors showing interspecific actions of SHPH.
Kairomonal effect of sex pheromone components of two lepidopteran olive pests on Trichogramma wasps
Authors: Milonas Panos , Mazomenos Basilios E. , Konstantopoulou Maria A.
Published: April 2009

Egg parasitoids are known to use a wide range of chemicals, emitted by plants, host eggs or adults, for host selection. The effect of the sex pheromone components of the lepidopteran olive pests Prays oleae (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and Palpita unionalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied under laboratory conditions, on the foraging behaviour of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma oleae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). The response of T. oleae wasps to (Z)‐7‐tetradecenal and (E)‐11‐hexadecenal, major sex pheromone components of P. oleae and P. unionalis respectively, depended on the dose of the pheromone used in a Y‐tube olfactometer bioassay. (E)‐11‐hexadecenal elicited maximum attraction (70%) at a dose of 1 μg, while a dose of 100 μg (Z)‐7‐tetradecenal attracted 80% of the tested wasps. (E)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate, the second sex pheromone component of P. unionalis, and the binary blend of (E)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate: (E)‐11‐hexadecenal (7:3) were not attractive at these doses. The results of this research are discussed in view that they may be considered as alternatives in the biological control of these pests.
Stylet penetration behaviors of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii on transgenic Bt cotton
Authors: Xue Kun , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Huang Cui‐Hong , Wang Rong‐Jiang , Liu Biao , Yan Feng‐Ming , Xu Chong‐Ren
Published: April 2009

Stylet penetration behaviors of cotton aphids Aphis gossypii Glover on a transgenic cotton line “GK‐12” expressing Bt toxic protein of Cry1A (Bt cotton) and a non‐Bt conventional cotton line “Simian‐3” (CK cotton) were recorded with the direct current electrical penetration graph (DC‐EPG) technique. Cotton aphids reared on Bt cotton (abbreviated as Bt‐aphids) and its parental non‐Bt control line (CK‐aphids) for more than 20 generations each, were used for recordings on two cotton lines. Among 47 selected parameters reflecting the activities of aphid stylets within plant tissues, there were eight parameters of CK‐aphids showing significant differences between the performances of CK‐aphids on Bt cotton and CK cotton, while for Bt‐aphids, all the parameters were statistically equal between the performances on the two cotton lines. All parameters with significant differences indicated that CK‐aphids could penetrate into Bt cotton more easily, but the phloem saps of Bt cotton were not as good as those of regular cotton for CK‐aphids. Based on the present results, we concluded that there were some factors in Bt cotton affecting penetration behaviors of CK‐aphids, but it just took several generations for CK‐aphids to completely adapt Bt cotton, and Bt‐aphids could feed on two cotton lines without difficulty.
Efficacy of chlorfenapyr against adult Tribolium castaneum exposed on concrete: effects of exposure interval, concentration and the presence of a food source after exposure
Authors: Arthur Frank H.
Published: April 2009

Chlorfenapyr, an insecticidal pyrrole, was applied to concrete arenas at concentrations of 1.1, 0.825, 0.55, and 0.275 g of active ingredient [AI]/m2. Adult Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle, were exposed for 2, 4, or 8 h at each concentration, then removed and held either with or without food (wheat flour) for 7 days. Survival was assessed when the beetles were removed from the exposure arenas and daily during the post‐exposure period. In the presence of food, survival was high regardless of concentration and the day on which post‐treatment survival was assessed, but survival did decrease as the exposure period increased from 4 to 8 h. When the beetles were not given food after exposure, survival at each concentration and exposure period declined during the 1‐week post‐exposure assessments. This pattern of decrease could be described by linear and non‐linear equations. Results show the presence of food material greatly compromised effectiveness of the insecticide, and emphasize the importance of cleaning and sanitation in conjunction with insecticide treatments.
Positive correlation of methamidophos resistance between Lipaphis erysimi and Diaeretilla rapae and effects of methamidophos ingested by host insect on the parasitoid
Authors: Wu Gang , Lin Yong‐Wen , Miyata Tadashi , Jiang Shu‐Ren , Xie Lian‐Hui
Published: April 2009

Temporal and spatial correlated variations on the methamidophos resistance and biomolecular rate constant of acetylcholinesterase to insecticides were found between the turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi and its endoparasitoid, Diaeretilla rapae, collected from field colonies and an insecticide‐free field insectarium in Fujian, China. Compared to the related susceptible insectarium population, L. erysimi and D. rapae displayed 7.4–29.2‐ and 2.6–9.2‐fold resistance ratios, respectively. In addition, two populations of L. erysimi with different methamidophos resistance levels, that is, a field (with 5.8‐fold resistance ratio) and an insectarium population, were used to study the effects of methamidophos ingested by the host insect on D. rapae development. The percentage of D. rapae cocoon formation decreased significantly when the parasitized L. erysimi were fed on cauliflower leaves treated with methamidophos at lethal concentration dosages 10 (LC10) or LC50. At LC50 dosages the percentage of D. rapae cocoon formation and adult emergence decreased significantly. When the parasitized L. erysimi were fed on methamidophos at LC90 dosage, no D. rapae cocoons were found. When the field or insectarium L. erysimi were treated with methamidophos at LC10, the susceptibility to methamidophos in the adult D. rapae emerged from the treated host insect was similar to the control. However, the susceptibility to methamidophos in the adult D. rapae became lower than the control when the host insects were treated at LC50 dosages. The data thus suggested that the methamidophos ingested by the host insect L. erysimi could be an important factor in the endoparasitoids' insecticide resistance development. The natural selectivity would favor the parasitoids that had developed an insensitivity to the insecticide(s).
Dynamics and mechanisms of permethrin resistance in a field population of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans
Authors: Li Andrew Y. , Lohmeyer Kimberly H. , Miller J. Allen
Published: April 2009

A study was conducted at the Pressler ranch, near Kerrville, Texas, USA between 2002 and 2006 to determine the dynamics and mechanisms of resistance to permethrin in a field population of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.). Changes of resistance to pyrethroid insecticide associated with use of a pour‐on formulation of cyfluthrin in 2002 and use of diazinon ear tags in subsequent years were studied using a filter paper bioassay technique and a polymerase chain reaction assay that detects two sodium channel mutations, kdr and super‐kdr resistance alleles. A maximum of 294‐fold resistance to permethrin was observed in the summer of 2002. A significant decrease in the resistance level was observed in spring 2003, and resistance continued to decline after animals were treated with diazinon ear tags. In response to pyrethroid treatments, the allelic kdr and super‐kdr frequency increased from 56.3% to 93.8% and from 7.5% to 43.8%, respectively in 2002, and decreased significantly in 2003 when the pyrethroid insecticide was no longer used to treat animals. Females were found to have a higher allelic super‐kdr frequency than males in 2002, while no difference was detected between males and females in the allelic kdr frequency. There was a significant positive correlation between frequencies of the sodium channel mutations and levels of permethrin resistance, suggesting that the sodium channel mutations, kdr and super‐kdr, are the major mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids in this horn fly population. Results of synergist bioassays also indicated possible contributions of two metabolic detoxification mechanisms, the mixed function oxidases (MFO) and glutathione S‐transferases (GST). Compared to a horn fly infestation of an untreated herd, treatments with the pyrethroid pour‐on formulation failed to control horn flies at the Pressler ranch in 2002. Sustained control of horn flies was achieved with the use of diazinon ear tags in 2003 and subsequent years.
Effects of nitrogen application on beetle communities in tea plantations
Authors: Chen Shao‐Bo , Wei Zhi‐Juan , Zeng Zhao‐Hua , Chen Li‐Lin , Chen Hui‐Tao , You Min‐Sheng
Published: April 2009

In contrast to grassland and forest ecosystems, little is known about insect response to nitrogen deposition in agricultural ecosystems. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of short‐term (1–2 years) nitrogen application (0, 172.5, 345.0, 690.0, and 1035.0 kg · N ha−1· y−1) on beetle communities in tea plantations. A collection of 34 families, 89 species of beetles, was obtained from a tea plantation in Wuyishan, China. Among them, herbivores, predators and detritivores had 52, 29, and eight species, respectively. Species richness, effective diversity and abundance (measured as the number of individuals and insect biomass) of the beetle community were not significantly related to the rate of nitrogen application. However, nitrogen application changed the species distribution and weakly increased the evenness of species distribution, while this did not significantly change the species evenness. Species richness and abundance of herbivores and predators were not significantly related to the rate of nitrogen application. However, there were some variations in trophic responses to nitrogen. Species richness and abundance of detritivores increased with increasing nitrogen application.
Mapping and ultrastructure of antennal chemosensilla of the wheat bug Eurygaster maura
Authors: Romani Roberto , Stacconi Marco Valerio Rossi
Published: April 2009

Antennae of the wheat stink bug Eurygaster maura L. (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) were investigated to elucidate structure and distribution of antennal chemosensilla in females. Five type of sensilla were identified and characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Type 1 sensilla are mechanical and contact chemoreceptors with a single apical pore. Types 2 and 3 sensilla are multiporous chemoreceptors both with typical features of olfactory sensilla. Type 4 are multiporous peg‐like sensilla, short and with a grooved surface. Type 5 are sensilla coeloconica with a smooth and aporous peg completely inserted in a sub‐cuticular chamber. All types are distributed on the two flagellar segments, but we considered only the apical flagellomere in which the largest number of sensilla are located. The most abundant sensilla are type 3, while the less numerous are type 5. All types, except type 2, decreased in number from the tip to the base of the segment. The lower density of sensilla was recorded on the dorsal‐internal part of the apical antennomere, while the higher density was recorded on the opposite side (external‐ventral).
A User Interface for the Kansas Geological Survey Slug Test Model
Authors: Esling Steven P. , Keller John E.
Published: April 2009

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) developed a semianalytical solution for slug tests that incorporates the effects of partial penetration, anisotropy, and the presence of variable conductivity well skins. The solution can simulate either confined or unconfined conditions. The original model, written in FORTRAN, has a text‐based interface with rigid input requirements and limited output options. We re‐created the main routine for the KGS model as a Visual Basic macro that runs in most versions of Microsoft Excel and built a simple‐to‐use Excel spreadsheet interface that automatically displays the graphical results of the test. A comparison of the output from the original FORTRAN code to that of the new Excel spreadsheet version for three cases produced identical results.
Nonlinear Flow in Karst Formations
Authors: Chin David A. , Price René M. , DiFrenna Vincent J.
Published: April 2009

The variation of effective hydraulic conductivity as a function of specific discharge in several 0.2‐m and 0.3‐m cubes of Key Largo Limestone was investigated. The experimental results closely match the Forchheimer equation. Defining the pore‐size length scale in terms of Forchheimer parameters, it is demonstrated that significant deviations from Darcian flow will occur when the Reynolds number exceeds 0.11. A particular threshold model previously proposed for use in karstic formations does not show strong agreement with the data near the onset of nonlinear flow.
Degradation of Relaxin Family Peptides by Insulin‐Degrading Enzyme
Authors: Bennett Robert G. , Heimann Dean G. , Hamel Frederick G.
Published: April 2009

Insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) is a ubiquitously expressed metalloproteinase responsible for the intracellular degradation of insulin. IDE also interacts with other members of the insulin superfamily, including relaxin, but no studies have been reported regarding the interaction of other relaxin‐like peptides with IDE. In this study, we determined that relaxin, relaxin‐3, and InsL3 all competitively inhibited the degradation of insulin by IDE to different degrees, and all inhibited covalent cross‐linking of insulin to IDE. Each of the peptides was degraded by IDE to various degrees (insulin > relaxin > InsL3 = relaxin‐3). In summary, relaxin, InsL3, and relaxin‐3 all bound to IDE, competed for the binding and degradation of insulin, and were all substrates for the proteolytic activity of IDE. Therefore, it is possible that in addition to insulin, IDE may be important for the cellular proteolysis of relaxin, InsL3, and relaxin‐3.
Identification of Relaxin‐Responsive Cells in the Human Choriodecidua at Term
Authors: Horton Jaime S. , Yamamoto Sandra Y. , Bryant‐Greenwood Gillian D.
Published: April 2009

The decidua of the human maternal–fetal interface is a local source of intrauterine relaxin, and the choriodecidua expresses its receptor (LGR7). Since these tissues consist of a variety of cells, we sought to identify the primary cell(s) responsible for LGR7 expression and relaxin responsiveness.
New Roles for INSL3 in Adults
Authors: Ferlin Alberto , Pepe Anastasia , Gianesello Lisa , Garolla Andrea , Feng Shu , Facciolli Arianna , Morello Roy , Agoulnik Alexander I. , Foresta Carlo
Published: April 2009

Insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) is produced primarily by testicular Leydig cells and acts by binding to its specific G‐protein‐coupled receptor, RXFP2 (relaxin family peptide 2). INSL3 is involved in testicular descent during fetal development, and mutations in the INSL3 and RXFP2 genes cause cryptorchidism. The physiological role of INSL3 in adults is not known, although substantial INSL3 circulating levels are present. After extensive clinical, biochemical, and hormonal investigations, including bone densitometry with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, on 25 young men (age, 27–41 years) who have the well‐characterized T222P mutation in the RXFP2 gene, we found that 16 of them (64%) had significantly reduced bone density. No other cause of osteoporosis was evident in these subjects, whose testosterone and gonadal function were normal. Expression analysis of INSL3 and RXFP2 on human bone biopsy and human and mouse osteoblast cell cultures performed by reverse transcription‐PCR and immunohistochemistry showed the presence of RXFP2 in these cells. Real‐time cAMP imaging analysis and proliferation assays under the stimulus of INSL3 showed a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in cAMP and cell proliferation, and specific osteoblast gene activation was observed by real‐time PCR after INSL3 stimulation. Lumbar spine and femoral bone of Rxfp2‐deficient mice were studied by static and dynamic histomorphometry and micro‐computed tomography, respectively, and showed decreased bone mass, mineralizing surface, bone formation, and osteoclast surface compared to wild‐type littermates, compatible with a functional osteoblast impairment. This study identified for the first time a role for INSL3 in adults, demonstrating a modulating effect on bone metabolism and linking RXFP2 gene mutations with human osteoporosis.
RXFP1 Is Expressed on the Sperm Acrosome, and Relaxin Stimulates the Acrosomal Reaction of Human Spermatozoa
Authors: Gianesello Lisa , Ferlin Alberto , Menegazzo Massimo , Pepe Anastasia , Foresta Carlo
Published: April 2009

The function of relaxin in human reproductive processes remains poorly understood. Nevertheless, relaxin is produced by the prostate in men and by the corpora lutea of ovaries and endometrium in women. Previous studies with contrasting results have suggested a possible role of relaxin on sperm function and fertilization. Here we show the expression of the relaxin receptor RXFP1 on the acrosome of human spermatozoa. Furthermore, relaxin induced the acrosome reaction and, interestingly, the percentage of viable sperm with the acrosome reaction induced by relaxin was similar to that obtained with progesterone. These data suggest a physiological role on sperm for relaxin produced by the prostate and/or the female genital tract.