bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion release characteristics, precipitate formation and sealing ability of a potential new root canal filling material
Authors: Alani A. , Knowles J. , Ng Y.‐L. , Gulabivala K.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To test a new polycaprolactone (PCL)/bioactive glass (BAG) composite as a root filling material capable of producing a seal under moist conditions by precipitation.

Methodology  Formulations of PCL/BAG composites were made using the solvent casting method and then modified into a form physically deliverable into root canals. Root canals of single‐rooted extracted human teeth were modified by de‐coronation and removal of the apical 2 mm of the root. Canal instrumentation was performed with gates glidden drills (1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA irrigation) to achieve a degree of standardization of shape. The canals were filled with the composites using warm vertical compaction (the composites are thermoplastic and behave like gutta‐percha) but without root canal sealer. A group of obturated teeth (n = 6 per composite formulation) was monitored for ion release (Na+, Ca2+, PO43‐, P2O74‐, P3O93‐ and P5O105‐) into solution from the apical portion using ion chromatography. Three composite formulations were used to fill 10 roots each and half (n = 5) exposed to saline, whilst others were sectioned immediately; both were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate adaptation, precipitate and film formation. A further group of 30 roots was obturated to evaluate seal formation by dye penetration; a control group (n = 10) consisted of conventional gutta‐percha and Roth's sealer delivered in like manner to the test material; two test groups (n = 10 each) were obturated with a composite formulation producing the optimal precipitate, the apices of teeth in one group were immersed in saline for 7 days and the other not.

Results  All samples released various amounts of ions which followed inversely to the concentration of iron oxide within the bioactive glass. Adaptation of the experimental material was better than the gutta‐percha control groups. The formation of precipitate was evident in some specimens; in others film formation and dentine tubule entry by the material was observed. The dye penetration test showed that composite root filling specimens immersed apically in saline for 7 days had significantly less leakage (almost none) than those not immersed in saline at all (P < 0.001) or the gutta‐percha control (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Polycaprolactone–bioactive glass composites may have potential as ‘sealer‐free’ root filling material because of their ion release, precipitate formation and short‐term seal.
Utility of the FISH technique in conjunction with confocal microscopy to study the intraradicular microflora of teeth associated with apical periodontitis
Authors: Iacovidou A. , Mordan N. , Figueiredo J. A. P. , Gulabivala K.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To develop protocols to investigate the reliability of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using 16SrRNA probes to examine the composition and distribution of the biofilm along the length of the root canal using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Methodology  Resin‐embedded mixed cultures of Porphymonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium. nucleatum (n = 108) and artificially infected dentine specimens (n = 6) were used to optimize the FISH protocol. The following hybridization variables were tested: hybridization temperature, incubation time, probe concentration, wash regime and buffer composition. Ten extracted human teeth (13 roots) associated with apical periodontitis were fixed, processed and embedded in resin for generating sections to be viewed under conventional light microscopy (LM) and CLSM (FISH). Roots were sectioned transversely into thirds and each third sectioned longitudinally to reveal the canal; semi‐thin sections were obtained. Universal EUB338 and specific (POGI) probes were used in an optimized protocol for bacterial detection and viewing of association between microbial flora and canal structures. Representative sections of each root segment were examined with each microscopy technique. Observations were recorded systematically.

Results  After many trials and errors, a protocol for FISH was successfully refined for predictable application using the EUB338 probe but the specific probe (POGI) failed to give predictable and specific binding. Bacteria were detected in all 10 teeth by both microscopy techniques. A biofilm structure comprising of rods, cocci and filaments was observed in each sample. Overall, more bacterial cells were evident coronally than apically and penetration of the dentinal tubules was evident solely in the coronal and middle thirds. PMNs were found in some of the apical and middle root segments. An ‘amorphous substrate’ was consistently detected in the canal lumen using the CSLM but not using LM; it was contiguous with the visible cells and microorganism structures, implying that it formed an interface with these visible structures, possibly giving shape to their boundaries. Apparently loose‐lying bacteria may therefore be ’enclosed’ within a ‘structure’ unseen by LM, and therefore may correctly be termed biofilm rather than planktonic.

Conclusions  A protocol for FISH was successfully developed for a universal 16SrRNA probe; its application to teeth with apical periodontitis gave interesting insights about the juxtaposition of bacteria and canal contents.
The effect of purmorphamine on murine osteoclast activity
Authors: Ypsilanti K. , Gulabivala K. , Buxton P.
Published: August 2008

Aims  The aim of the study was (i) to establish and characterize a model to evaluate the effect of purmorphamine on murine osteoclastic activity; (ii) to test the hypothesis that purmorphamine‐stimulated osteoclasts would resorb test calcium phosphate surfaces more than controls. The alternative hypothesis was that purmorphamine‐stimulated osteoclasts would be associated with significantly less resorption than baseline controls.

Methodology  In the characterization phase, cultured osteoclasts were able to resorb a calcium phosphate coating (CaP) allowing a simple but effective model to assay their activity. Bone marrow from 50 neonatal mice provided the source of osteoclasts that were seeded onto 100 CaP‐coated discs to evaluate the effect of purmorphamine on their activity. Culture medium was used as a baseline control and bisphosphonate as negative control.

Results  The characterization phase of the study demonstrated that a suitable CaP coating could be reproducibly precipitated onto the discs and that resorption through the action of TRAP‐positive, multi‐nucleate cells was quantifiable. Bisphosphonate negative controls showed no resorption. From a starting sample of 100 CaP discs, attrition through development and infection problems left five experiment and control pairs, the analysis of which showed that purmorphamine‐stimulated osteoclasts were associated with significantly (P = 0.043) less resorption than baseline controls, indicating that it probably had an inhibitory effect on osteoclast function.

Conclusions  Purmorphamine is an important bone agonist that could possibly be combined with grafting materials and induce bone regeneration. Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that purmorphamine does not induce differentiation of precursors into osteoclasts, supporting the alternative hypothesis. The next step would be to evaluate the properties of purmorphamine in conjunction with grafting materials (e.g. hydroxylapatite) by using implantation and usage tests in animals. In this way, the effect of purmorphamine on bone regeneration can be assessed and conclusions about its usefulness can be drawn.
Application of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and cause and effect analysis for industrial processing of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) – Part II
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Varzakas Theodoros H.
Published: August 2008

Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) model was applied in conjunction with cause‐and‐effect analysis for the risk assessment of octopus processing (Octopus vulgaris). Critical control points were identified and implemented in the cause‐and‐effect diagram (also known as Ishikawa, tree diagram and fishbone diagram). The main emphasis was put on the quantification of risk assessment by determining the risk priority numbers (RPN) per identified processing hazard. Chemically contaminated product, decomposed raw materials, scombrotoxin presence in the final product, incorrectly labelled product, storage in cans (foreign matter) and defective products, were identified as those with the highest RPN (378, 294, 280, 252, 245 and 144 respectively) and corrective actions were undertaken. Following the application of corrective actions, a second calculation of RPN values was carried out, leading to considerably lower values (below the upper acceptable limit of 130). It is concluded that the incorporation of FMEA analysis within the ISO2200 system of an octopus‐processing industry is imperative.
Conflicts between biodiversity conservation and development in a biosphere reserve
Authors: Ma Zhijun , Li Bo , Li Wenjun , Han Nianyong , Chen Jiakuan , Watkinson Andrew R.
Published: August 2008

Integrating biodiversity conservation and the development of local communities is a major challenge for biosphere reserves. Their zonation (core, buffer and transition) is intended to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, although only the core zone is legally constituted to conserve biological diversity. Inevitably, and especially in developing countries, the management of biosphere reserves has to reconcile trade‐offs between conservation and development, and address the pressures placed by local communities on the biodiversity resources of the reserve.

We studied the effects of development in the three zones of Yancheng Biosphere Reserve (eastern China) on the endangered red‐crowned crane Grus japonensis, the waterbird communities and the economic benefits to local communities. We tested the hypothesis that allowing different developments within each zone can reduce conflict between biodiversity conservation and community development.

The number of cranes in the reserve increased from 361 to approximately 1100 between 1982 and 1999, but declined markedly to 612 in 2003. The cranes also became increasingly concentrated in the core zone and switched to feeding predominantly in artificial habitats. The proportion of cranes in the core, buffer and transition zones was largely associated with the proportion of developed land area and the total number of cranes in the reserve as a whole.

Developments in the transition zone have reduced and degraded the wetlands, and have disadvantaged cranes and waterbirds. In contrast, the transformation of natural wetlands into artificial ones in the core zone has, to date, continued to support cranes and waterbirds. This has brought economic benefits to the reserve and local communities, but at the cost of the integrity of the wetland ecosystem as a whole.

Synthesis and applications. Despite an increase in the number of red‐crowned cranes in Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, their range has collapsed into the core of the reserve where there is now a substantial artificial wetland complex. Allowing development in all three zones, together with a lack of resources for conservation, appears to have contributed to the reserve becoming overdeveloped. The loss of ecosystem integrity across the reserve as a whole highlights the need for an ecosystem‐based approach to future management combined with the restoration of natural wetlands.
Habitat fragmentation and adaptation: a reciprocal replant–transplant experiment among 15 populations ofLychnis flos‐cuculi
Authors: Bowman Gillianne , Perret Catherine , Hoehn Sophie , Galeuchet David J. , Fischer Markus
Published: August 2008

Habitat fragmentation and variation in habitat quality can both affect plant performance, but their effects have rarely been studied in combination. We thus examined plant performance in response to differences in habitat quality for a species subject to habitat fragmentation, the common but declining perennial herbLychnis flos‐cuculi.

We reciprocally transplanted plants between 15 fen grasslands in north‐east Switzerland and recorded plant performance for 4 years.

Variation between the 15 target sites was the most important factor and affected all measures of plant performance in all years. This demonstrates the importance of plastic responses to habitat quality for plant performance.

Plants from smaller populations produced fewer rosettes than plants from larger populations in the first year of the replant–transplant experiment.

Plant performance decreased with increasing ecological difference between grassland of origin and target grassland, indicating adaptation to ecological conditions. In contrast, plant performance was not influenced by microsatellite distance and hardly by geographic distance between grassland of origin and target grassland.

Plants originating from larger populations were better able to cope with larger ecological differences between transplantation site and site of origin.

Synthesis: In addition to the direct effects of target grasslands, both habitat fragmentation, through reduced population size, and adaptation to habitats of different quality, contributed to the performance ofL. flos‐cuculi. This underlines that habitat fragmentation also affects species that are still common. Moreover, it suggests that restoration projects involvingL. flos‐cuculishould use plant material from large populations living in habitats similar to the restoration site. Finally, our results bring into question whether plants in small habitat remnants will be able to cope with future environmental change.
Testing the spatial phylogenetic structure of local communities: statistical performances of different null models and test statistics on a locally neutral community
Authors: Hardy Olivier J.
Published: August 2008

Analyzing the phylogenetic structure of natural communities may illuminate the processes governing the assembly and coexistence of species. For instance, an association between species co‐occurrence in local communities and their phylogenetic proximity may reveal the action of habitat filtering, niche conservatism and/or competitive exclusion.

Different methods were recently proposed to test such community‐wide phylogenetic patterns, based on the phylogenetic clustering or overdispersion of the species in a local community. This provides a much needed framework for addressing long standing questions in community ecology as well as the recent debate on community neutrality. The testing procedures are based on (i) a metric measuring the association between phylogenetic distance and species co‐occurrence, and (ii) a data set randomization algorithm providing the distribution of the metric under a given ‘null model’. However, the statistical properties of these approaches are not well‐established and their reliability must be tested against simulated data sets.

This paper reviews metrics and null models used in previous studies. A ‘locally neutral’ subdivided community model is simulated to produce data sets devoid of phylogenetic structure in the spatial distribution of species. Using these data sets, the consistency of Type I error rates of tests based on 10 metrics combined with nine null models is examined.

This study shows that most tests can become liberal (i.e. tests rejecting too often the null hypothesis that only neutral processes structured spatially the local community) when the randomization algorithm breaks down a structure in the original data set unrelated to the null hypothesis to test. Hence, when overall species abundances are distributed non‐randomly across the phylogeny or when local abundances are spatially autocorrelated, better statistical performances were achieved by randomization algorithms preserving these structural features. The most reliable randomization algorithm consists of permuting species with similar abundances among the tips of the phylogenetic tree. One metric, RPD‐DO, also proved to be robust under most simulated conditions using a variety of null models.

Synthesis. Given the suboptimal performances of several tests, attention must be paid to the testing procedures used in future studies. Guidelines are provided to help choosing an adequate test.
Interpreting and estimating measures of community phylogenetic structuring
Authors: Hardy Olivier J. , Jost Lou
Published: August 2008

To characterize the spatial phylogenetic structure of communities, Hardy & Senterre (2007) (J. Ecol., 95, 493–506) partition Gini–Simpson diversity and its generalization, Rao's entropy, defining IST and PST as the proportion of diversity expressed among sites.

Interpreting IST as a measure of ‘differentiation’ between sites is inadequate because low values are actually compatible with high differentiation (low species sharing) in species rich communities. To avoid an inadequate use of IST, for example in conservation biology, we offer a more literal interpretation: IST expresses the ‘local species identity excess’. Similarly, PST expresses the ‘local phylogenetic similarity excess’.

Villéger & Mouillot (2008) (J. Ecol., 96, 845–848, this issue) argue that the equations of Hardy & Senterre (2007) to compute diversity are inadequate when sites differ in size, and they provide new expressions weighting sites by their sizes. We argue that whether sites must be weighted equally or not depends on the question being asked. Moreover, actual size and sample size must be distinguished, the latter being important for defining estimators.

Synthesis. The formulations given by Hardy & Senterre (2007) and by Villéger & Mouillot (2008) are both correct in the specific contexts we detail.
Hydrogenated castor oil nanoparticles as carriers for the subcutaneous administration of tilmicosin: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: HAN C. , QI C. M. , ZHAO B. K. , CAO J. , XIE S. Y. , WANG S. L. , ZHOU W. Z.
Published: August 2008

Tilmicosin‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared with hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) by o/w emulsion–solvent evaporation technique. The nanoparticle diameters, surface charges, drug loadings and encapsulation efficiencies of different formulations were 90∼230 nm, −6.5∼−12.5 mV, 40.3∼59.2% and 5.7∼11.7% (w/w), respectively. In vitro release studies of the tilmicosin‐loaded nanoparticles showed a sustained release and the released tilmicosin had the same antibacterial activity as that of the free drug. Pharmacokinetics study after subcutaneous administration to Balb/c mice demonstrated that a single dose of tilmicosin‐loaded nanoparticles resulted in sustained serum drug levels (>0.1 μg/mL) for 8 days, as compared with only 5 h for the same amount of tilmicosin phosphate solution. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax), half‐life of absorption (T½ ab) and half‐life of elimination (T½ el) of tilmicosin‐loaded nanoparticles were much longer than those of tilmicosin phosphate solution. Tissue section showed that drug‐loaded nanoparticles caused no inflammation at the injection site. Cytotoxicity study in cell culture and acute toxicity test in mice demonstrated that the nanoparticles had little or no toxicity. The results of this exploratory study suggest that the HCO–SLN could be a useful system for the delivery of tilmicosin by subcutaneous administration.
Description of a novel HLA‐Cw*03 allele, HLA‐Cw*0349, identified in a Korean individual
Authors: Lee K. W. , Jung Y.‐A. , Eom H.‐S.
Published: August 2008

The sequence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐Cw*0349 is identical to that of HLA‐Cw*030301 except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 156 (CTG→CGG) resulting in an amino acid change from Leu to Arg.
Effect of different levels of mannan‐oligosaccharide supplementation on some immunological variables in weaned piglets
Authors: Nochta I. , Tuboly T. , Halas V. , Babinszky L.
Published: August 2008

The effect of different doses of mannan‐oligosaccharide (MOS) on specific and non‐specific immune responses was studied in piglets, weaned at 28 days. A total of 58 piglets were used in six groups. Five groups were fed 0, 1, 2, 4 g MOS product per kg diet or with growth promoting antibiotics and immunized by inactivated Aujeszky’s disease virus (AyV) vaccine at week 1 and 3 of the experiment (35 and 49 days). A sixth group, receiving the same non‐supplemented diets was not immunized. Blood samples for lymphocyte stimulation (LST) and AyV neutralization (VN) tests were taken from all pigs on the first day of the experiment and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. At week 8, the immunized piglets were infected orally with transmissible gastroenteritis virus. All piglets were weighed and slaughtered at week 10, digesta from small intestine were collected and tested for the presence of secretory (s)IgA. Feeding MOS supplementation resulted in enhanced specific and non‐specific immune responses, however, a regressive dose‐response of MOS was observed. Both the specific cellular (LST) and humoral responses (VN) were enhanced after 2 weeks of feeding 1 g/kg MOS and significantly differed from the antibiotic positive control. The same tendency was detected in case of the non‐specific LSTs, although these started some weeks later showing significant differences by the fifth week. Higher doses of MOS had no further beneficial effect on systemic immunity. In addition, 1 g/kg MOS supplementation group also showed some advantage in local immune responsiveness. Therefore, based on the studied immune variables, 1 g/kg MOS product is suggested in the diet of weaned piglets.
Effect of feeding allowance level on embryonic survival, IGF‐1, insulin, GH, leptin and progesterone secretion in early pregnancy gilts
Authors: De W. , Ai‐rong Z. , Yan L. , Sheng‐yu X. , Hai‐yan G. , Yong Z.
Published: August 2008

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding allowance level on embryonic survival, uterine development and reproductive hormone secretion in early gestation gilts. A total of 54 F1 crosses of Landrace × Large white gilts were randomly allocated to three treatment groups of high (H, 2 × maintenance), medium (M, 1.2 × maintenance) and low (L, 0.6 × maintenance) feeding level after mating. Blood samples and uterine flushings were collected on day 12, 25 and 35 of pregnancy, and embryonic survival rate was estimated. Concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF)‐1, insulin, growth harmone (GH), leptin and progesterone in serum and uterine flushings were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Embryonic survival was affected by dietary treatment; total number of viable embryos and embryo survival of group M were higher than other groups in the early pregnancy (p < 0.05). Greater foetal weight in M gilts was achieved when gestation advanced to day 35 (p < 0.05), though there was no difference on day 25 of pregnancy among treatments. No appreciable differences were observed in the crown‐rump length on day 25 and 35 of pregnancy among groups. Greater weight of uterus and products of conception were identified in M gilts compared with group H and L (p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively) on day 25 of pregnancy. The hormone level was greatly affected by feeding allowance level. In serum, concentrations of IGF‐1, leptin and insulin tended to be greater in H than in M and L during the early gestation, while concentrations of GH were greater in M and progesterone were the lowest in H. At the same time, feed allowance level affected the concentration of IGF‐1, insulin, GH, leptin and progesterone in uterine flushings. These data demonstrated that feed allowance level after mating has important consequence on embryo survival, embryo development and uterine development, possibly mediated by nutrition level inducing changes in concentrations of reproductive hormones and/or intermediary metabolites in early pregnancy.
Effect of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) administration on volumetric bone mineral density, and morphometric and mechanical properties of tibia in male turkeys
Authors: Tatara M. R.
Published: August 2008

This study was performed to investigate the effects of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) administration on skeletal system properties in turkeys. Thirty‐two males were randomly divided into two groups at the age of 35 days of life. The first group included control turkeys (n = 16) treated with placebo, while the second group of birds (HMB group; n = 16) was administered orally with calcium salt of HMB during the last 15 weeks of life. The turkeys were sacrificed at the age of 20 weeks and tibia was isolated for analysis of bone geometrical parameters, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and mechanical properties. Furthermore, assessment of free amino acid concentrations in plasma was performed. The results showed a 6.3% increase of vBMD of tibia in response to HMB treatment (p < 0.01). Cross‐sectional area, second moment of inertia, maximum elastic strength and ultimate strength of tibia were significantly increased in HMB‐treated turkeys by 21.3%, 49.0%, 27.2% and 28.3%, respectively (p ≤ 0.01). β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate administration increased plasma concentrations of proline, glutamate, leucine, isoleucine, valine, alanine, aspartate, phenylalanine and cysteic acid (p < 0.05). These results indicate that long‐term administration of HMB improves vBMD, and geometrical and mechanical properties of skeletal system in turkeys, and that these effects are associated with improved plasma amino acid concentrations.
Determination of host status of citrus fruits against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Staub Caroline G , De Lima Francis , Majer Jonathan D
Published: August 2008

Abstract  The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) is a pest of citrus in parts of Western Australia. Three citrus cultivars: Valencia oranges, Eureka lemons and Imperial mandarins, as well as non‐citrus control fruits, were examined for attractiveness and suitability to Medfly in the field and in the laboratory using choice and no‐choice experiments. Oranges were more susceptible to Medfly than mandarins and lemons. Punctures in the skin had a significant impact on the degree of infestation in both citrus and non‐citrus control fruit. Artificial infestation and larval survivorship were used to investigate the suitability of each cultivar to Medfly under laboratory conditions. Oranges and mandarins were suitable for the development of Medfly, but lemons were a poor host. When each cultivar was in season, field cage trials demonstrated that infestation occurred in oranges and mandarins but not in lemons.
New gall midge taxa (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Australian Chenopodiaceae
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Veenstra‐Quah Anneke
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Five new species and a new genus of gall midge are described from flower galls on native chenopod plants in Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Asphondylia vesicaria sp. n. induces galls on Atriplex vesicaria; A. mcneilli sp. n. on Sclerolaena diacantha; and A. tonsura sp. n. on Enchylaena tomentosa. Infested flowers develop into galls and produce no seeds. DNA analysis of part of the cytochrome‐c oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene supported the morphological and biological differences between each of the new species and the previously described A. floriformis (Veenstra‐Quah & Kolesik) and A. sarcocorniae (Veenstra‐Quah & Kolesik) that induce galls on leaves and branches, respectively, of Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Chenopodiaceae) in Australian salt marshes. A new genus, Dactylasioptera gen. n. and two new species of Lasiopterini, D. adentata sp. n. and D. dentata sp. n. are described – both were reared from galls of A. mcneilli and A. tonsura.
Toxicity of six commercially formulated insecticides and biopesticides to third instar larvae of mushroom sciarid, Lycoriella ingenua Dufour (Diptera: Sciaridae), in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Shamshad Afsheen , Clift Alan D , Mansfield Sarah
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Lycoriella ingenua is one of the major pests of cultivated mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. Insecticide resistance among mushroom sciarid populations has been reported from other countries, and there is a need to determine the toxicity of currently approved and potential pesticides to sustain control of mushroom sciarid populations in Australia. The present study investigated the toxicity of six commercial formulations of insecticides or biopesticides against third instar larvae of L. ingenua using laboratory bioassays. Insecticide treatments were incorporated into the growing medium for sciarid larvae and the concentration of the pesticide, which killed 90% of the test population (LD90) determined the efficacy of selected insecticides. Triflumuron was the most effective insecticide against L. ingenua with an LD90 of 53.12 mg active ingredient (a.i.)/m2 followed by cyromazine (LD90, 179.68 mg a.i./m2) and diazinon (LD90, 261.72 mg a.i./m2). Abamectin and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis were ineffective against L. ingenua. Steinernema feltiae, an entomopathogenic nematode, reduced the number of third instar larvae of L. ingenua only when applied at a higher rate (LD90, 732 422 nematodes/m2) than was recommended on the label.
Direct and indirect effects of egg parasitism by Neopolycystus Girault sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Paropsis atomaria Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Duffy Michael P , Nahrung Helen F , Lawson Simon A , Clarke Anthony R
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Neopolycystus sp. is the only primary egg parasitoid associated with the pest beetle Paropsis atomaria in subtropical eucalypt plantations, but its impact on its host populations is unknown. The simplified ecosystem represented by the plantation habitat, lack of interspecific competition for host and parasitoid, and the multivoltinism of the host population makes this an ideal system for quantifying the direct and indirect effects of egg parasitism, and hence, effects on host population dynamics. Within‐, between‐ and overall‐egg‐batch parasitism rates were determined at three field sites over two field seasons, and up to seven host generations. The effect of exposure time (egg batch age), host density proximity to native forest and water sources on egg parasitism rates was also tested. Neopolycystus sp. exerts a significant influence on P. atomaria populations in Eucalyptus cloeziana. plantations in south‐eastern Queensland, causing the direct (13%) and indirect (15%) mortality of almost one‐third of all eggs in the field. Across seasons and generations, 45% of egg batches were parasitised, with a within‐batch parasitism rate of around 30%. Between‐batch parasitism increased up to 5–6 days after oviposition in the field, although within‐batch parasitism rates generally did not. However, there were few apparent patterns to egg parasitism, with rates often varying significantly between sites and seasons.
The Effect of Verbal Self‐Guidance Training for Overcoming Employment Barriers: A Study of Turkish Women
Authors: Yanar Basak , Budworth Marie‐Hélène , Latham Gary P.
Published: August 2008

Women over the age of 40 were trained in verbal self guidance, a methodology for training people to identify dysfunctional self‐statements and translate them into positive self‐talk. Subsequently, they (n= 27) had significantly higher self‐efficacy with regard to re‐employment than their counterparts who had been randomly assigned to a control group (n= 28). In addition, they persisted in job search behavior significantly more so than those in the control group. Job search self‐efficacy completely mediated the effect of the training program on job search behavior. Consequently, they were more likely to find a job in their area of interest within 6 months and 1 year of training than were those women in the control group.

Des femmes de plus de 40 ans d’une société musulmane, ont été formées à l’auto‐régulation verbale, une méthode pour former les personnes à identifier les auto‐évaluations dysfonctionnelles et à les traduire en un dialogue intérieur positif. En conséquence, elles (n= 27) ont une auto‐efficacité significativement plus élevée en ce qui concerne le retour à l’emploi que leurs homologues du groupe contrôle (n= 28). De plus, elles persistent significativement plus dans le comportement de recherche d’emploi que celles du groupe contrôle. L’auto‐efficacité dans la recherche d’emploi influence complètement l’effet du programme de formation sur le comportement de recherche d’emploi. En conséquence, elles étaient plus susceptibles de trouver un emploi en accord avec leur centre d’intérêts en moins de 6 mois et 1 an de formation que les femmes du groupe contrôle.
Domain‐specific and domain‐general changes in children's development of number comparison
Authors: Holloway Ian D. , Ansari Daniel
Published: August 2008

The numerical distance effect (inverse relationship between numerical distance and reaction time in relative number comparison tasks) has frequently been used to characterize the mental representation of number. The size of the distance effect decreases over developmental time. However, it is unclear whether this reduction simply reflects developmental changes in domain‐general speed of processing and whether it is specific to numerical compared with non‐numerical magnitude. To examine these open questions, we conducted a cross‐sectional study with 6‐, 7‐, and 8‐year‐old children as well as adult college students. Participants performed comparisons on Arabic numerals, arrays of squares, squares of varying luminance and bars of varying height. To control for general age‐related changes in reaction time, a measure of speed of processing was used as a covariate in the analysis. A significant developmental decrease in the distance effect was found across numerical and non‐numerical comparison tasks over and above general changes in processing speed. However, this change was not found to differ as a function of format. These data suggest that developmental changes in the distance effect are reflective of changes in a domain‐general comparison process, rather than domain‐specific developmental changes in number representations. However, analysis of overall reaction times revealed significantly greater developmental changes for numerical relative to non‐numerical comparison tasks. These findings highlight the importance of taking multiple measures into account when characterizing developmental changes in numerical magnitude processing. Implications for theories of numerical cognition and its development are discussed.
Individual differences in numerical abilities in preschoolers
Authors: Dowker Ann
Published: August 2008

This study investigated individual differences in different aspects of early number concepts in preschoolers. Eighty 4‐year‐olds from Oxford nursery classes took part. They were tested on accuracy of counting sets of objects; the cardinal word principle; the order irrelevance principle; and predicting the results of repeated addition and subtraction by 1 from a set of objects. There were marked individual differences for most tasks. Most children were reasonably proficient at counting and 70% understood the cardinal word principle. Based on the results of a repeated addition and subtraction by 1 task, the children were divided into three approximately equal groups: those who were already able to use an internalized counting sequence for the simplest forms of addition and subtraction; those who relied on a repeated ‘counting‐all’ procedure for such tasks; and those who were as yet unable to cope with such tasks. In each group, significant relationships between some, but not all, of the numerical tasks were found. However, for almost any two tasks, it was possible to find individuals who could carry out either one of the tasks but not the other. Thus, even before formal instruction, arithmetical cognition is not unitary but is made up of many components.
The impact of specific prior experiences on infants’ extension of animal properties
Authors: Furrer Stephanie D. , Younger Barbara A.
Published: August 2008

We examined the influence of prior exposure to specific animal properties on 15‐month‐old infants’ inductive generalization. Using picture books, 29 infants were trained on properties linked in a congruent or incongruent manner with four animal categories. A generalized imitation task was then administered to assess patterns of property extension for two of the trained properties as well as two untrained properties aligned with the training categories. Prior exposure to particular category–property relations was shown to impact infants’ property extensions in that infants selected a novel member of the training category for their imitation. For untrained properties, infants selected equally between novel members of the training and non‐training categories. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of inductive processes in infancy.
The effect of social engagement on 24‐month‐olds’ imitation from live and televised models
Authors: Nielsen Mark , Simcock Gabrielle , Jenkins Linda
Published: August 2008

To date, developmental research has rarely addressed the notion that imitation serves an interpersonal, socially based function. The present research thus examined the role of social engagement on 24‐month‐olds’ imitation by manipulating the social availability of the model. In Experiment 1, the children were more likely to imitate the exact actions of a live socially responsive model compared to a videotaped model who could not provide socially contingent feedback. In Experiment 2, the children were more likely to imitate the exact actions of a model with whom they could communicate via a closed‐circuit TV system than a videotaped model who could not provide interactive feedback. This research provides clear evidence that children's imitative behavior is affected by the social nature of the model. These findings are discussed in relation to theories on imitation and the video deficit.
Children's performance in mental rotation tasks: orientation‐free features flatten the slope
Authors: Perrucci Vittore , Agnoli Franca , Albiero Paolo
Published: August 2008

Studies of the development of mental rotation have yielded conflicting results, apparently because different mental rotation tasks draw on different cognitive abilities. Children may compare two stimuli at different orientations without mental rotation if the stimuli contain orientation‐free features. Two groups of children (78 6‐year‐olds and 92 8‐year‐olds) participated in an experiment investigating development of the ability to mentally rotate and the ability to recognize and use orientation‐free features. Children compared two stimuli, one upright and one rotated, and responded as quickly as possible indicating whether the stimuli were the same or different. The stimuli were either two panda bears or two ice‐cream cones with three scoops of ice‐cream of different colors. The panda bears were either identical or mirror images. The cones were either identical, mirror images, or non‐mirror images. Response times increased linearly as a function of the angle of orientation when stimuli were the same and when the stimuli were mirror images. But response times were much less dependent on angle of orientation for non‐mirror image stimuli. Children as young as 6 years recognized orientation‐free stimulus features and responded without mentally rotating when the task permitted this strategy.
How young children and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) perceive objects in a 2D display: putting an assumption to the test
Authors: Leighty Katherine A. , Menzel Charles R. , Fragaszy Dorothy M.
Published: August 2008

Object recognition research is typically conducted using 2D stimuli in lieu of 3D objects. This study investigated the amount and complexity of knowledge gained from 2D stimuli in adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and young children (aged 3 and 4 years) using a titrated series of cross‐dimensional search tasks. Results indicate that 3‐year‐old children utilize a response rule guided by local features to solve cross‐dimensional tasks. Four‐year‐old toddlers and adult chimpanzees use information about object form and compositional structure from a 2D image to guide their search in three dimensions. Findings have specific implications to research conducted in object recognition/perception and broad relevance to all areas of research and daily living that incorporate 2D displays.
Disinhibition: its effects on appetite and weight regulation
Authors: Bryant E. J. , King N. A. , Blundell J. E.
Published: August 2008

Over the past 30 years, the understanding of eating behaviour has been dominated by the concept of dietary restraint. However, the development of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire introduced two other factors, Disinhibition and Hunger, which have not received as much recognition in the literature. The objective of this review was to explore the relationship of the Disinhibition factor with weight regulation, food choice and eating disorders, and to consider its aetiology. The review indicates that Disinhibition is an important eating behaviour trait. It is associated not only with a higher body mass index and obesity, but also with mediating variables, such as less healthful food choices, which contribute to overweight/obesity and poorer health. Disinhibition is also implicated in eating disorders and contributes to eating disorder severity. It has been demonstrated that Disinhibition is predictive of poorer success at weight loss, and of weight regain after weight loss regimes and is associated with lower self‐esteem, low physical activity and poor psychological health. Disinhibition therefore emerges as an important and dynamic trait, with influences that go beyond eating behaviour and incorporate other behaviours which contribute to weight regulation and obesity. The characteristics of Disinhibition itself therefore reflect many components representative of a thrifty type of physiology. We propose that the trait of Disinhibition be more appropriately renamed as ‘opportunistic eating’ or ‘thrifty behaviour’.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of low‐carbohydrate vs. low‐fat/low‐calorie diets in the management of obesity and its comorbidities
Authors: Hession M. , Rolland C. , Kulkarni U. , Wise A. , Broom J.
Published: August 2008

There are few studies comparing the effects of low‐carbohydrate/high‐protein diets with low‐fat/high‐carbohydrate diets for obesity and cardiovascular disease risk. This systematic review focuses on randomized controlled trials of low‐carbohydrate diets compared with low‐fat/low‐calorie diets. Studies conducted in adult populations with mean or median body mass index of ≥28 kg m−2 were included. Thirteen electronic databases were searched and randomized controlled trials from January 2000 to March 2007 were evaluated. Trials were included if they lasted at least 6 months and assessed the weight‐loss effects of low‐carbohydrate diets against low‐fat/low‐calorie diets. For each study, data were abstracted and checked by two researchers prior to electronic data entry. The computer program Review Manager 4.2.2 was used for the data analysis. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. There were significant differences between the groups for weight, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols and systolic blood pressure, favouring the low‐carbohydrate diet. There was a higher attrition rate in the low‐fat compared with the low‐carbohydrate groups suggesting a patient preference for a low‐carbohydrate/high‐protein approach as opposed to the Public Health preference of a low‐fat/high‐carbohydrate diet. Evidence from this systematic review demonstrates that low‐carbohydrate/high‐protein diets are more effective at 6 months and are as effective, if not more, as low‐fat diets in reducing weight and cardiovascular disease risk up to 1 year. More evidence and longer‐term studies are needed to assess the long‐term cardiovascular benefits from the weight loss achieved using these diets.
Quantitation of non‐motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chaudhuri K. Ray , Martinez‐Martin P.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Disabling non‐motor symptoms (NMS) associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as dementia and loss of balance, do not respond well to levodopa therapy and can lead to eventual death in patients with the disease. In 2006, a multidisciplinary group of experts and patient representatives developed an NMS screening questionnaire (NMSQuest) and a unified Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) to address the need for simple identification and comprehensive assessment of NMS in patients with PD.

Methods and Results:  An international pilot study of 96 healthy controls and 123 patients with various stages of treated and untreated PD was conducted to demonstrate that the NMSQuest is a feasible, valid, and accepted tool.

Conclusion:  The majority of patients and caregivers felt that the questionnaire was clear and relevant to their daily lives. Data from 242 PD patients with no dementia were analysed in a pilot study on the clinimetric validation of NMSS. Similar to the NMSQuest study, the NMSS study revealed a significant correlation between progression of PD and increasing NMS burden. These studies suggest that the NMSQuest accurately detects the NMS, and that the NMSS closely correlates with quality of life for PD patients.
Dopamine agonists in the treatment of non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: depression
Authors: Lemke M. R.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Psychiatric symptoms such as depression are common non‐motor comorbidities of Parkinson's disease (PD). Depressive symptoms in patients with PD are a major complication that impairs quality of life independent of motor symptoms. The relationship between PD and comorbid depression is not completely understood.

Methods and Results:  Evidence suggests that both PD and depression may be mediated by degeneration of the dopaminergic system. Recent and ongoing research is exploring the potential role of dopamine agonists in the treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with PD.

Conclusion:  Experimental studies suggest a primary relationship and the importance of dopaminergic mechanisms in PD and depression. Patients with PD and depression might benefit from a global approach. Thus, treatment with dopamine agonists promises to reduce motor complications as well as depressive symptoms, avoiding multiple drug interactions as well as possible antidepressant medication side effects.
Caregiver Perceptions of the Community Integration of Adults with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia
Authors: Clark Erica , Minnes Patricia , Lutke Jan , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène
Published: August 2008

Background  Adults with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) require support to be part of the community; however, most have few supports other than family and friends. The purpose of this study was to assess caregiver perceptions of community integration of adults with FASD living in British Columbia.

Method  The Assimilation, Integration, Marginalization and Segregation (AIMS) Interview and Functional Assessment were used to assess community integration and the level of support needed respectively.

Results  Scores on the AIMS indicated that most of the adults with FASD were integrated (i.e. disability related needs were identified and supported) in the following domains: medical, dental and housing; however, a large percentage were marginalized in other domains. Living with a caregiver had the greatest positive impact on integration while a history of incarceration or confinement had a negative impact.

Conclusion  Although most of the adults with FASD had achieved community integration in some areas; this was, to some extent, because of the support of family and friends.