bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction and sexual dimorphism of the West African fruit bat, Epomops buettikoferi, in Liberia
Authors: KOFRON CHRISTOPHER P. , CHAPMAN ANGELA
Published: April 2008

Epomops buettikoferi is a savanna species of fruit bat that has entered the deforested zone in Liberia where it inhabits agricultural areas and secondary forest, but not rain forest. Contrary to the conclusions of Bergmans & Sowler (1992), the species is in no way vulnerable or endangered because of destruction of the Upper Guinea rain forest. Instead, as the remaining Upper Guinea rain forest is cut, it is predicted that numbers of E. buettikoferi will increase.

Sexual dimorphism was observed in the pelvic girdle, which by palpation allowed reliable determination of sex (100% accurate) of individuals of any age. This was useful in the field for distinguishing immature males, which lack an obvious penis and epaulettes, from females.

In central Liberia, female E. buettikoferi have a bimodal reproductive cycle, with two young borne annually about six months apart. The two births occur in February/March (end of dry/beginning of the wet season) and August/September (during heaviest rains in second half of the wet). Parturition is followed by oestrus, with immediate embryonic development and gestation spanning five to six months. Reproduction is timed so that both periods of lactation occur during the wet season.

Epomops buettikoferi est une espèce de chauve‐souris frugivore qui a pénétré la région déforestée du Liberia où elle habite dans les régions d'agriculture et de forêt secondaire mais non de forêt humide. Contrairement aux recommandations de Bergmans & Sowler (1992), cette espèce n'est pas du tout vulnérable ni menacée par la destruction de la forêt humide de la Haute Guinée. Au contraire, alors qu'on coupe le reste de forêt humide en Haute Guinee, on prévoit que le nombre d' E buettikoferi va augmenter.

On a observé un dimorphisme sexuel au niveau de la ceinture pelvienne dont la palpation a permis une détermination liable du sexe (100% de certitude) pour les individus de toute âge. Ceci s'est révélé utile sur le terrain pour distinguer des femelles les mâles immatures qui n'ont pas encore de pénis visible ni d'épaulettes.

Au centre du Liberia, les femelles &E. buettikoferi ont un cycle de reproduction bimodal, avec deux jeunes qui naissent chaque année à six mois d'intervalle.

Les deux naissances se passent en février‐mars (fin de saison sèche‐début de saison des pluies) et en août‐mars (fin de saison sèche‐début de saison des pluies) et en août‐septembre (pendant les plus fortes pluies de la seconde moitié de saison des pluies). La mise‐bas est suivie de l'oestrus, avec développement embryonnaire immédiat et une durée de gestation qui va de cinq à six mois. La reproduction est programér de façon à ce que les périodes de lactation tombent pendant les saisons des pluies.
Tsama melons, Citrullus lanatus, a supplementary water supply for wildlife in the southern Kalahari
Authors: KNIGHT M. H.
Published: April 2008

The use of water‐rich tsama melons, Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae), by the indigenous wildlife in the southern Kalahari was investigated. The melons were found to mature in the cold‐dry season, a period devoid of natural drinking water. Their distribution and densities varied greatly between years. Although the melons were fed on by a wide range of animals ‐ divided into small (rodents, birds) and large (ungulates, carnivores) animal categories in this paper ‐ the melons were noted to be used to a greater extent by the larger animals in the absence of artificial water supplies. The importance of these melons as a supplementary water supply in the dry seasons is stressed.

On a analysé l'utilisation des melons tsama, Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitacées), riches en eau, par la faune indigène du sud du Kalahari. On a trouvé que les melons mûrissent pendant la saison sèche et froide, période où l'eau potable naturelle est inexistante. Leur distribution et leur abondance varient beaucoup d'une année à l'autre. Bien que les melons servent de nourriture à toute une gamme d'animaux – divisés en petits (rongeurs, oiseaux) et grands (ongulés, carnivores) dans cet article – on a remarqué que les melons servaient plutôt aux plus grands animaux en l'absence de tout apport d'eau artificiel. On souligne l'importance de ces melons comme source d'eau supplémentaire au cours des saisons.
Population dynamics, pollination ecology and the significance of plant height in Aloe candelabrum
Authors: STOKES C. J. , YEATON R. I.
Published: April 2008

Pollinator exclusion experiments showed that insect pollination of Aloe candelabrum Berger is negligible and that birds are the only effective pollinator guild. Bird activity is greatest where flowering aloes are most dense. Also fruit set is lower in those aloes that bloom later in the season after most of the population has already flowered. Thus the reproductive fitness of aloes is dependent on the density of flowering plants and there is selection for limited seed dispersal. As a result, spatial distributions show clumping in young populations. These clumps act as nuclei from which plants spread slowly over time with mature individuals forming the centres of the densest stands.

As a further consequence of limited seed dispersal, intraspecific competition is intense, resulting in self‐thinning of the population. The height of A. candelabrum does not enhance pollinator attraction. In closed environments, aloe height serves only to allow the persistence of those plants that establish before the development of a tree canopy. Under the constraint of limited seed dispersal capabilities, selected for by pollinator activity, the height of A. candelabrum serves as an adaptation to spread seeds away from the parent plant and from each other. Variability in seed morphology enhances the latter effect.

Des expériences sur l'exclusion des pollinisateurs ont montré que la pollinisation par les insectes est négligeable chez Aloe candelabrum Berger et que les oiseaux sont les seuls pollinisateurs réellement efficaces. L'activité des oiseaux est maximale quand la floraison des aloès est la plus intense, et la fructification est plus faible chez les aloès qui fleurissent plus tard dans la saison, lorsque la plus grande partie de la population a déjà fleuri. Donc, l'aptitude reproductrice des aloès dépend de la densité des plantes en fleurs et il y a une sélection dans la dispersion limitée des semences. Par conséquent, la distribution spatiale présente des agglomérats de jeunes populations. Ces groupes forment un noyau à partir duquel les plants se répandent lentement au cours du temps, avec des individus adultes qui forment le centre des peuplements les plus denses.

Conséquence ultérieure d'une dispersion limitée des semences, la compétition intraspécifique est intense et aboutit à un affaiblissement de la popuation. La hauteur de A. candelabrum n'augmente pas l'attraction sur les pollinisateurs. Dans des environnements fermés, la hauteur des aloès sert seulement à permettre le maintien des plantes qui s'installent avant le développement d'une canopée. Face aux contraintes d'une dispersion limitée des semences, déterminée par l'activité des pollinisateurs, la hauteur d' A. candelabrum est une sorte d'adaptation pour disperser les semences loin de la plante mère et des autres plantes. La variabilité de la morphologie des semences accentue ce dernier effet.
Leaf attributes of South African forest species
Authors: MIDGLEY J. J. , WYK G. R. VAN , EVERARD D. A.
Published: April 2008

Data on specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration and whether leaves are entire or simple are presented for over 100 species covering a range of forest types in South Africa. Variation in mean values of forests of tree morphological characters did not follow a simple environmental gradient of rainfall. In contrast SLA and leaf N were (inversely) related to rainfall. Variation in mean leaf size was small, despite a fairly large rainfall gradient. Members of the Podocarpaceae tend to have lowest SLA and members of Fabaceae the highest values. At the scale of whole forests, there appears to be two main groups; coastal forests on sands with relatively high SLA and southern or montane forests with low SLA. This is matched by similar values in dominant understorey species in these forests. These data provide a framework for hypotheses for the life histories of various species.

On présente des données sur les surfaces spécifiques des feuilles (SSF) les surfaces des feuilles, les concentrations des feuilles en azote et si les feilles sont entières ou simples, pour plus de cent espèces couvrant toute une gamme de types forestiers en Afrique du Sud. Les variations des valeurs moyennes des forêts morphologiquement différentes ne suivent pas une simple gradation environnementale enfonction des chutes de pluie. Au contraire, la SSF et l'azote des feuilles étaient (inversément) liés aux chutes de pluie. La variation de la taille moyenne des feuilles était faible malgré une variation nette de la quantité de pluie. Les membres de la famille des Podocarpaceae tendent à avoir la SSF la plus petite, et deux de la famille des Fabaceae, la plus grande. A l'Cchelle de forêts entières, il semble qu'il y ait deux groupes principaux: les forêts côtières sur le sable, avec une SSF relativement grande, et les forêts du sud ou de montagne avec une SSF réduite Ceci correspond aux valeurs comparables des espèces dominantes dans les étages bas de ces forêts. Ces données fournissent un cadre pour poser des hypothèses sur l'historique de la vie des différentes espèces.
Variation in use of green flushes following burns among African ungulate species: the importance of body size
Authors: WILSEY BRIAN J.
Published: April 2008

In order to determine if use of green flushes following fire varied among ungulate species, six common species of the Serengeti Ecosystem were censused on burned and in adjacent unburned sites. Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii Günther), impala (Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein)), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti Brooke) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Thomas) were more abundant in green flush sites compared to unburned controls. No significant difference was found in topi (Damaliscus korrigum (Matschie)) and zebra (Equus burchelli Gray) between burned and unburned sites. Preference (differential use) for burned sites was negatively related to average ungulate body size across species. It is hypothesized that larger species (e.g. topi and zebra) try to maximize their energy and nutrient intake by feeding on both burned sites where there is a low quantity of high‐quality forage, and unburned sites where forage quantity is high but forage quality is low. Smaller species (e.g. gazelles and impala) feed exclusively in burned sites (where there is higher quality forage) to fulfil the high metabolic requirements associated with small body‐sized animals.

Pour déterminer si l'utilization de la verdure rase qui repousse après les feux varie selon les espèces d'ongulés, on a relevé six espèces communes de l'écosystème du Serengeti dans les endroits brûlés et dans les zones adjacentes. La gazelle de Thomson (Gazella thomsoni Günther), l'impala (Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein)), la gazelle de Grant (Gazell granti Brooke) et le gnou (Connochaetes taurinus Thomas) étaient plus abondants aux endroits de repousse qu'à ceux qui n'avaient pas brûlé. On ne trouvait pas de différence significative pour le topi (Damaliscus korrigum (Matschie)), ni pour le zèbre (Equus burchelli Gray), entre les endroits brûlés ou non. La préférence (la différence d'utilisation) pour les sites brûlés était inversément liés à la taille corporelle moyenne de l'espèce. On émet l'hypothèse que les plus grandes espèces (par ex. le topi et le zèbre) essaient de maximaliser leur prise d'énergie et de nutriments en se nourrissant aux endroits brûlés, où il y une quantité réduite de fourrage de haute qualité, et aux endroits non brûlés, où la quantité de fourrage est plus grande mais de moinsbonne qualité. Les plus petites espèces (par ex. les gazelles et l'impala) se nourrissent exclusivement sur les sites brûlés (où le fourrage est de meilleure qualité) pour satisfaire les exigences métaboliques élevées associées aux animaux de petite taille.
Cluster immunotherapy with a glutaraldehyde‐modified mixture of grasses results in an improvement in specific nasal provocation tests in less than 2.5 months of treatment
Authors: Subiza J. , Feliú A. , Subiza J. L. , Uhlig J. , Fernández‐Caldas E.
Published: April 2008

Background
Cluster immunotherapy is becoming increasingly used. It allows for a rapid build up phase and the administration of higher doses of allergen in a shorter period of time.

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of short‐term pre‐seasonal immunotherapy using a glutaraldeyde‐modified allergen vaccine in reducing specific nasal hyperreactivity in nasal challenge tests.

Materials and Methods
Thirty‐three patients were selected. All patients had a positive history of allergic rhinitis and skin tests to grass pollen, although most of them (72.7%) were sensitized to other allergens as well. The study was conducted outside of the pollen season and the patients did not receive any pharmacological treatment during this period of time. Two randomized groups of patients were established; Group A: 22 patients (13 females and nine males) and Group B, 11 control patients (seven females and four males). Patients in Group A received immunotherapy with a vaccine containing 50% of the wild grasses Trisetum paniceum and Dactylis glomerata. All patients underwent titrated nasal provocation tests (NPT) before and after completion of the study (2.3 and 2.8 months for Groups A and B, respectively). The administration schedule consisted of 0.1 and 0.2 mL at day 1, followed by 0.3 and 0.5 mL at day 7, 0.5 mL after 2 weeks followed by 0.5 mL monthly. A single vial was used containing an allergen concentration of 10 000 TU/mL (105 μg of total protein and 24.6 μg of Group 1 plus 5 allergens/mL). A mean of 6.5 injections were administered to Group A patients between NPTs.

Results
There were no significant differences between both groups at the beginning of the study (P=0.48). At the end, only Group A patients needed significant greater threshold concentrations for a positive NPT than at the beginning (P=0.002).

Conclusions
A short‐term cluster pre‐seasonal inmunotherapy with a modified vaccine containing a mixture of grass pollen is effective as determined by an objective measure after only a mean 2.3 months of treatment.
The novel Cladosporium fulvum lysin motif effector Ecp6 is a virulence factor with orthologues in other fungal species
Authors: Bolton Melvin D. , Van Esse H. Peter , Vossen Jack H. , De Jonge Ronnie , Stergiopoulos Ioannis , Stulemeijer Iris J. E. , Van Den Berg Grardy C. M. , Borrás‐Hidalgo Orlando , Dekker Henk L. , De Koster Chris G. , De Wit Pierre J. G. M. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J. , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: April 2008

During tomato leaf colonization, the biotrophic fungus Cladosporium fulvum secretes several effector proteins into the apoplast. Eight effectors have previously been characterized and show no significant homology to each other or to other fungal genes. To discover novel C. fulvum effectors that might play a role in virulence, we utilized two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) to visualize proteins secreted during C. fulvum–tomato interactions. Three novel C. fulvum proteins were identified: CfPhiA, Ecp6 and Ecp7. CfPhiA shows homology to proteins found on fungal sporogenous cells called phialides. Ecp6 contains lysin motifs (LysM domains) that are recognized as carbohydrate‐binding modules. Ecp7 encodes a small, cysteine‐rich protein with no homology to known proteins. Heterologous expression of Ecp6 significantly increased the virulence of the vascular pathogen Fusarium oxysporum on tomato. Furthermore, by RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing we demonstrate that Ecp6 is instrumental for C. fulvum virulence on tomato. Hardly any allelic variation was observed in the Ecp6 coding region of a worldwide collection of C. fulvum strains. Although none of the C. fulvum effectors identified so far have obvious orthologues in other organisms, conserved Ecp6 orthologues were identified in various fungal species. Homology‐based modelling suggests that the LysM domains of C. fulvum Ecp6 may be involved in chitin binding.
The impact of past pregnancy experience on subsequent perinatal outcomes
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Platt Robert W.
Published: April 2008

In perinatal epidemiology, the basic unit of analysis has traditionally been the individual pregnancy. In this study, we sought to explore the idea of a ‘reproductive life’‐based approach to modelling the effects of reproductive exposures and outcomes, where the basic unit of analysis is a woman's entire reproductive experience. Our objective was to explore whether a first pregnancy risk factor, excess gestational weight gain, has a direct effect on the birthweight outcomes of a subsequent pregnancy, independent of the weight gain and other risk factors of the second pregnancy. A study population was created by linking the obstetric records of 1220 women who delivered their first and second offspring at a McGill University teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to model the effects of gestational weight gain above recommendation on the birthweight Z‐score and risk of large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) subsequent offspring.

After adjusting for the risk factors of the second pregnancy, an independent effect from the first pregnancy was seen on the birthweight Z‐score, (effect size OR 0.17 [95% CI 0.05, 0.28] but not risk of LGA of the second pregnancy 1.30 [95% CI 0.89, 1.89]). We concluded that a pregnancy‐centred approach to research that conceptualises pregnancies as self‐contained and interchangeable events may not always be appropriate, and propose that analytical methods for some perinatal research questions may need to consider a given pregnancy in the context of a woman's past reproductive experiences.
Pathophysiology of asthma
Authors: Howarth P. H. , Redington A. E. , Montefort S.
Published: April 2008

The increased knowledge of mucosal cellular events and their regulation within the airways in asthma has been made possible both by the feasibility of direct airway sampling in this disorder by endobronchial biopsy and lavage, and on account of the major advances that have been made in the understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in inflammation. The appreciation that cell damage and remodelling can arise as a consequence of this inflammation has provided a mechanism whereby the structural abnormalities in asthma may arise. Eosinophil products, such as MBP and ECP, have been shown to be cytotoxic and their release within the epithelium could contribute to damage to this cell population. In addition, collagenases from activated eosinophils, will damage the basement membrane and mast cell derived proteases may loosen intercellular adhesion, both factors which could contribute to epithelial fragility. This epithelial disruption is likely to contribute to bronchial hyperresponsiveness as several reports exist relating epithelial damage to the level of bronchial responsiveness in asthma (53–55) and the epithelium, in addition to generating cytokines, can synthesize bronchodilator substances such as PGE2 and NO, has the capacity to metabolize the bronchoconstrictor SP, through generation of neutral endopeptidases, and contains afferent sensory neurones whose stimulation may be increased in the presence of a disrupted epithelial layer. The deposition of collagen (types III and IV) associated with an increase in tissue myofibroblasts, may reflect an attempt at a repair process (56, 57). This will lead to an increase in airway bulk as will smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy, both factors which through geometric considerations are likely to contribute to bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Growth factors associated with mast cell, eosinophil and macrophage activation can all be theoretically linked with fibroblast proliferation and activation and smooth muscle mutagenesis. The reduction in mucosal inflammation with corticosteroid therapy in association with improvements in spirometry and bronchial responsiveness (58) provides further support for the inflammatory pathogenesis of the asthma disease.
Kinetics of 14carbon dioxide excretion from 14C‐urea by oral commensal flora
Authors: Pathak Chander M , Avti Pramod K , Bunger Deepak , Khanduja Krishan L
Published: April 2008

Background and Aim:  Previous studies have shown that while performing the 14C‐urea breath test (14C‐UBT) for the detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), there is possibility of false‐positive results due to the other urease producing bacteria present in oropharynx, if breath samples are obtained within 30 min after administration of non‐capsulated 14C‐urea. Therefore, we have exclusively evaluated the kinetics of 14carbon dioxide (14CO2) excretion by oral commensal flora to theoretically propose optimum breath collection timings for 14C‐UBT.

Methods:  Multiple breath samples up to 15 min were collected in 0.25 mmol benzethonium hydroxide from 25 healthy volunteers after they withheld 37 kBq (1 μCi) of 14C‐urea in their mouths for 15 s and then expectorated the tracer. The test was repeated on the same subjects without and with mouth cleansing protocols. Breath 14CO2 content was measured by the Liquid Scintillation Counter (1409; Wallac, Turku, Finland) and results were expressed as 14CO2 excretion per mmol breath CO2 (% administered dose).

Results:  Peak breath radioactivity at 1 min in the former protocol was 3.53 times higher than the latter which declined subsequently with a half time of 1 min and 2.5 min, and reached baseline levels by 15 and 10 min, respectively. The peak radioactivity (100%) at 1 min declined by 94% and 97.8% in the former and later protocols, respectively, at 15 min. Although magnitude of the peak varied in different subjects, the shape of curve remained almost similar in all cases.

Conclusions:  Without mouth cleansing, oral micro flora excreted more 14CO2 up to 15 min after administration of non‐capsulated 14C‐urea. Therefore, it is proposed that two breath samples may be obtained either at 15 and 20 min without or at 10 and 15 min with mouth cleansing protocols for reliable analysis of 14C‐UBT data for H. pylori detection.
Artemisia asiatica extracts protect against ethanol‐induced injury in gastric mucosa of rats
Authors: Park Sang Woon , Oh Tae Young , Kim Yong Seok , Sim Hyejin , Park Sang Jong , Jang Eun Jung , Park Joo Sang , Baik Hyun Wook , Hahm Ki Baik
Published: April 2008

Background and Aim:  Based on our previous studies that Artemisia asiatica extracts exert either antioxidative or cytoprotective actions against non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric mucosal injury, or imposes qualified ulcer healing in an acetic acid‐induced gastric ulcer model, we investigated the protective effects of Artemisia asiatica extracts against ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injury.

Methods:  Sprague–Dawley rats received 4 g/kg body weight (BW) of absolute ethanol intragastrically, which produced visible hemorrhagic gastric lesions 60 min later.

Results:  In this animal setting, the pretreatment of Artemisia extracts (30 or 100 mg/kg BW), 1 h before ethanol administration, significantly attenuated the source of gastric injury, which was assessed with gross and microscopic analysis (P < 0.01). Protection from alcohol‐induced damage with Artemisia pretreatment was associated with significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, protecting gastric mucosa from glutathione depletion, as well as the inhibition of the cytochrome 2E1 ethanol‐metabolizing enzyme. It attenuated the expressions of ethanol‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1β and interferon‐γ, a weak activation of IL‐10, the inhibition of the alcohol‐induced overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and the considerable induction of heat shock protein‐72 expression in gastric mucosal homogenates.

Conclusion:  The data suggest that the ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica exerted significant protection from alcohol‐induced gastric mucosal injury through bioregulation, which is essential for cytoprotection and anti‐inflammation.
A new species of Sisyra Burmeister (Insecta: Neuroptera: Sisyridae) from Lake Pedder, Tasmania
Authors: Smithers Courtenay N , Forteath George Nigel , Osborn Andrew
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Sisyra pedderensis sp.n. is described from Lake Pedder, Tasmania, bringing to seven the number of described species of Sisyridae (Spongillaflies) known from Australia.
Control of Penicillium roqueforti (Thom) infection in cultures of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Holleley Clare E , Hocking Ailsa D , Schubert Tracey L , Whitehead Michael R
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Microbial contamination of artificial insect food media can jeopardise the viability, productivity and survival of many insect cultures, including Drosophila melanogaster. Here we investigated and improved upon control methods for one common contaminant, Penicillium roqueforti. We found that the combined effect of methyl p‐hydroxybenzoate (23.7 mM), propionic acid (67.5 mM) and sorbic acid (8.9 mM) (PSNPS treatment) was the most effective of the four candidate treatments, at inhibiting the growth of P. roqueforti. PSNPS treatment inhibited 100% of visible P. roqueforti growth for 21 days (a complete D. melanogaster life cycle) and thus reduced the risk of transmitting infection to the next generation. Although the PSNPS treatment negatively affected the two D. melanogaster fitness components, survivorship (number of adults) and biomass (live weight), it did not prevent successful reproduction and is suitable for short‐term treatment of P. roqueforti infections.
Four new species of the myrmecophile Diplocotes Westwood (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) from Queensland and South Australia
Authors: Bell Karen L , Philips T Keith
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Four new species of the Australian ptinid genus Diplocotes are described. Two of these species are from the dry tropical and subtropical areas of northern and central Queensland, while the other two are from the arid areas of South Australia. While the four new species described here have not been observed with ants in the field, the species of this genus are known to be myrmecophilous, and similar interactions may occur between the new species and their host ants. Additionally, many characters are shared with other unrelated myrmecophilous species, and may be convergent adaptations to the ant‐associated lifestyle.
Revision of the genusMenippusClark in Australia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Reid Chris A M , Nally Simon C
Published: April 2008

Abstract The genusMenippusis revised for Australia, with six species, three of which are new:M. cynicusClark,M. darcyisp. nov.,M. ewanisp. nov.,M. fugitivus(Lea),M. sufisp. nov.andM. yulensis(Jacoby)comb. nov.(fromDiorhabdaWeise).Menippus yulensiswas described from New Guinea. This species andM. darcyiwere formerly confused in Australia withM. fugitivus, which is now considered endemic to Lord Howe Island. The species formerly consideredM. fugitivusand protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, New South Wales, is now namedM. darcyi. A key is provided for the Australian species ofMenippusand a lectotype designated forM. yulensis. The composition ofMenippusis discussed and three non‐Australian species are transferred to this genus:M. inconspicua(Jacoby)comb. nov.(fromDiorhabdaWeise);M. laterimaculata(Jacoby)comb. nov.; andM. marginipennis(Jacoby)comb. nov.(fromGalerucellaCrotch). A revised checklist ofMenippusspecies is given. The recorded foodplants ofMenippusare species ofCeltis(Ulmaceae).
A new species of spider mite, Oligonychus palus sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), from tropical Australia
Authors: Beard Jenny J
Published: April 2008

Abstract  A new spider mite, Oligonychus palus sp. nov., is described from banana in northern Australia. Comments are made about the validity of the subgenera within Oligonychus Berlese and the new species is compared with a similar Indian species O. sapienticolus Gupta.
A key to the genera of Ricaniidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) recorded in Australia with notes on the Australian fauna, including a new species of Epithalamium Kirkaldy
Authors: Fletcher Murray J
Published: April 2008

Abstract  A key to the genera of Ricaniidae occurring in Australia is provided along with an annotated checklist of the described species in each genus. Taxonomic changes include transfer of Privesa pronotalis Distant to Aprivesa Melichar as Aprivesa pronotalis (Distant) comb. nov.and transfer of Busas Jacobi to the Tropiduchidae: Gaetuliini. Ricania fusconebulosa Lallemand and R. pedicellata Jacobi are both transferred to the genus Euricania Melichar as Euricania fusconebulosa (Lallemand) comb. nov. and Euricania pedicellata (Jacobi) comb. nov. Epithalamium moirae sp. nov. is described from Western Australia. The known Australian Ricaniidae fauna includes 29 species in 10 genera.
Attraction of Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and Culex annulirostris Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) to simulated visual and chemical stimuli from cattle
Authors: Bishop Alan L , McKenzie Harry J , Spohr Lorraine J
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Different host‐seeking responses to cattle by Culicoides brevitarsis and Culex annulirostris were found using two‐dimensional cattle‐shapes and simulated stimuli. Culicoides brevitarsis was attracted to the respiratory chemicals CO2 and CO2 + octenol but not to octenol alone. It was attracted to cattle‐shape when CO2 + octenol was also present and when the shape was enhanced with visible and infrared light. Culex annulirostris was attracted to each chemical treatment but not to any visual stimuli. Orientation of the host, possibly in relation to wind direction, may also be important but requires further consideration. The detection of behavioural differences between the species was dependent on the positioning of attractants and traps in relation to the host image. Responses by C. brevitarsis to CO2 + octenol and the basic shape were only recorded in sticky traps. Contact with the shape was recorded initially on the shape head but preference was shown later to be for the ridge‐line of the back. The response by Cx. annulirostris to CO2 + octenol was only recorded in light traps placed centrally and above the shape. It is proposed that the initial location of hosts by C. brevitarsis is by visual stimuli. Attraction to CO2 + octenol is secondary and probably only occurs close to the host. The chemicals help the midge to recognise and come to the potential host where landing is induced visually near the interface between the backline of the host and the background. The primary response by Cx. annulirostris is to CO2 and octenol although these did not appear to bring this insect on to the host. Covers could be used to protect cattle from C. brevitarsis (but not Cx. annulirostris) by blocking the visual stimuli.
Remote identification of exotic mosquito specimens using digital photography
Authors: Disbury Mark , Cane Rachel P , Russell Richard C
Published: April 2008

Abstract  A method using digital photography to enable confirmation of taxonomic identifications of mosquito specimens is presented. Portfolio documents containing up to 20 photographs of various taxonomic features of exotic mosquito species were taken through the microscope, reformatted and sent via email for confirmation of the identifications. Examples of the photographs produced are provided in this paper. The method has advantages in situations requiring rapid turnaround times, such as biosecurity responses.
Evaluation of dyes for marking painted apple moths (Teia anartoides Walker, Lep. Lymantriidae) used in a sterile insect release program
Authors: Stephens Andréa E A , Barrington Anne M , Bush Vicky A , Fletcher Nadine M , Mitchell Vanessa J , Suckling D Max
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Two methods of marking painted apple moth (Teia anartoides Walker, Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), internal and external dyes, were investigated for use with the sterile insect technique, to ensure that wild and released moths could be distinguished absolutely during the eradication program. Calco Red dye was used to mark all moths internally. It was added to artificial diet and was detectable in the adults. Dye was incorporated into the larval diet at four rates. No differences were observed in mortality of the larvae, fertility of the adult female or response of male moths to virgin females in a flight tunnel. Fluorescent powder dyes were used throughout the sterile insect program to identify irradiated moths, as well as their release location and colony. However, the powdered dyes reduced the ability of male moths to detect a component of the sex pheromone in electro‐antennogram tests and to respond to a calling virgin female in flight tunnel trials. Field trials suggest that moths may subsequently overcome these negative effects and respond to female moths, as moths heavily coated in dye were recaptured.
Possible effect of genetically modified cotton on foraging habits of early instar Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae
Authors: Yang Yizhong , Johnson Marie‐Louise , Zalucki Myron P
Published: April 2008

Abstract  We estimated survival and final location of neonate Helicoverpa armigera after 72 h on both genetically modified (GM) and conventional cotton at the squaring stage. On average, about 2.5% out of a total of 1620 initial larvae survived on two gene GM cotton (CS × 450, 289BGII®) compared with 39.5% out of a total of 810 initial larvae on Sicot 189, a conventional cotton variety. A disproportionate number of larvae were collected on squares of GM cotton, assuming they behave the same way on GM plants as on conventional plants but suffer higher rates of mortality. Our results imply that the behaviour of neonates on GM plants in terms of finding squares (and/or better survival on squares) may be contributing to the continued pest status of Helicoverpa on GM cotton from time to time. Experiments to determine if selection for changed behaviour in the field has or is occurring are urgently required.
Definition of productive Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae) habitats in western Brisbane, and a strategy for their control
Authors: Kay Brian H , Watson Tonya M , Ryan Peter A
Published: April 2008

Abstract  From 1995 to 1997, the larval habitats, seasonal abundance and behaviour of Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) were studied in five western suburbs of Brisbane, south‐east Queensland. At one suburb, Ae. notoscriptus immatures were found in 61.1% and 47.3% of premises, during winter and summer, respectively. Natural habitats, mainly bromeliad axils, garden accoutrements and discarded items accounted for 86% and 81% of infested containers in summer and winter, respectively. However, when larval productivity was accounted for, discarded household items and garden accoutrements were the most important container types. The Premise Condition Index (house condition, garden condition, shade cover) did not positively relate to the presence of Ae. notoscriptus larvae, nor to numbers of infested containers per premise. Similarly, the presence of inbuilt garden sprinkler systems could not be used as an indicator to predict premises that would be positive for Ae. notoscriptus immatures. The number of adult Ae. notoscriptus (21.3% of total) collected using light traps was second to the number of Culex annulirostris (Skuse) (48.9%) collected. These traps were unsuitable for monitoring Ae. notoscriptus during autumn and winter when Ae. notoscriptis activity shifted to the afternoon, and when traps were not operating. In terms of targeted approaches to control Ae. notoscriptus immatures, rubbish collection campaigns undertaken before the wet season should be focused on the removal of discarded household items, rubbish and tyres. Specific health education messages should be used to inform householders of the need to regularly clean or remove pot plant bases and bird baths. If effective, these methods could reduce Ae. notoscriptus larval densities by 70% and 80% during summer and winter months, respectively.
Diverse cuticular hydrocarbons from Australian canebeetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Fletcher Mary T , Allsopp Peter G , McGrath Matthew J , Chow Sharon , Gallagher Oliver P , Hull Craig , Cribb Bronwen W , Moore Christopher J , Kitching William
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Cuticular hydrocarbon components in beetles of six Australian melolonthines whose larvae damage sugarcane, Antitrogus parvulus (Britton), A. consanguineus (Blackburn), Lepidiota negatoria (Blackburn), L. picticollis (Lea), L. noxia (Britton) and Dermolepida alborhirtum (Arrow), are identified and compared. These species demonstrate species‐specific cuticular hydrocarbon profiles with a number of unprecedented structures. Major components have been identified as polymethylated hydrocarbons, 3‐methyl substituted n‐alkanes, 9,10‐allenes and the corresponding C9 alkenes. The similarity of these compounds shows some correlation with the phylogeny of the beetles, but two polymethylated C22 hydrocarbons are unique to A. parvulus. One C25 allene is shown to have a potential role in mate recognition in A. consanguineus.
Collection of Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from tropical northern Australia: a survey of egg parasitoids for potential pest insect biological control in regions of proposed agricultural expansion
Authors: Davies Andrew P , Zalucki Myron P
Published: April 2008

Abstract  Trichogramma limit pest damage to crops by killing the developing embryo of their insect host at the egg stage. Their impact on the potentially insecticide resistant species, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is considered integral to the resistance management plan for transgenic cotton production in the Ord River Irrigation Area in northern Western Australia. The dominant species of egg parasitoid in Ord River Irrigation Area cotton crops is the introduced Trichogramma pretiosum (Riley). Surveys of similar northern Australian regions earmarked for agricultural expansion revealed that T. pretiosum has been introduced, or has adventitiously dispersed, to all developing agricultural regions of northern Australia. Several previously unsequenced species were collected during surveys in more pristine habitats. Trichogramma pretiosum demonstrates an apparent ability to supersede native Trichogramma species and is perhaps favoured by agricultural expansion.
Coexistence of malakoplakia and multifocal diffuse large B cell lymphoma of colorectum
Authors: Al Hawashim N. , Al Akwaa A.
Published: April 2008

We report a case of concurrent multifocal diffuse large B cell lymphoma and malakoplakia of colorectum in a 36‐year‐old man presenting with recurrent bloody diarrhoea. Malakoplakia has been described in association with a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third report of coexistence or association of malignant non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and malakoplakia in the literature, and the first report ever in the colorectum.
Defunctioning stomas in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer prior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Parnaby C. N. , Jenkins J. T. , Weston V. , Wright D. M. , Sunderland G. T.
Published: April 2008

Objective  A literature search did not produce any evidence‐based objective criteria to determine which patients with locally advanced rectal cancer would benefit from a defunctioning stoma prior to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Our criteria for formation of a defunctioning stoma are: faecal incontinence and inability to cannulate the tumour at colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to examine whether these current criteria are appropriate.

Method  Forty‐nine consecutive locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated from February 2003 to November 2006 were identified from our colorectal database. All received long‐course chemoradiotherapy (Bossett regimen) and definitive surgery was performed 6–8 weeks later.

Results  Of the 49 patients, 31 presented with diarrhoea and two with faecal incontinence; nine patients were defunctioned by trephine stoma prior to treatment [cannulation impossible at colonoscopy (n = 8); faecal incontinence (n = 1)]. One patient with faecal incontinence refused early defunctioning stoma. Median hospital stay was 12 days (interquartile range: 7–30), and complications included pneumonia (n = 1) and peristomal cellulitis (n = 2). Of the 40 patients who went directly to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, two subsequently required a defunctioning stoma for severe diarrhoeal symptoms during therapy. Eight patients had worsening diarrhoeal symptoms but tolerated treatment. Three patients, who had stoma formation, did not proceed to definitive surgery following neoadjuvant therapy: poor operative fitness (n = 2) and disease progression (n = 1).

Conclusion  Stenosis causing inability to cannulate the tumour at colonoscopy and faecal incontinence were the only objective indications for an early defunctioning stoma. Worsening diarrhoea during therapy (unless severe) did not appear to be a good indication for a defunctioning stoma.
Management by the (new) book
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2008

Henry Stewart credits an atypical management book with having a profound impact on his attitudes and philosophy of management.

He talks with Julian Birkinshaw and Stuart Crainer about the changes he made as a result of his reading and their benefits to his company.
Riding the value cycle
Authors: Cohan Peter
Published: April 2008

We all know that sustained superior performances is no accident. How do the best companies keep their value high?Peter Cohan believes it's all tied to managing a cycle.
IT agility: striking the right balance
Authors: Sengupta Kishore , Masini Andrea
Published: April 2008

Information technology has revolutionized the way companies manage and compete. Yet, the evolution of IT is never‐ending. Kishore Sengupta and Andrea Masini have investigated whether and how being technologically agile makes for higher corporate performance and whether an organization can be too agile for its own good.
Digital transformation
Authors: Lanzolla Gianvito , Anderson Jamie
Published: April 2008

Dramatic developments in digital technologies and the diffusion of the Internet protocol as an open and efficient communication standard are wiping out the specialized symbiotic link between content and technology. That's how Gianvito Lanzolla and Jamie Anderson see the digital world, and here they reveal three trends that companies need to prepare for.
Explaining Networks through Mechanisms: Vaccination, Priming and the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease Crisis
Authors: Hindmoor Andrew
Published: April 2008

There is an ongoing debate about whether and how the existence of policy networks can be used to explain policy outcomes. Making use of the concept of priming, it is argued here that network structures create differential opportunities for interest groups to persuade decision makers to act in particular ways. In conditions of uncertainty where there is a pressure to take immediate decisions, priming can help us to understand why some groups are more persuasive than others. This argument is developed against the backdrop of a particular puzzle: the British government's refusal to use emergency vaccination during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001. This decision is routinely accounted for in terms of the bargaining strength of the National Farmers Union. Against this it is argued that farmers' influence over government policy ought to be explained primarily in terms of the way they were able to prime particular arguments and so help persuade the government to act in particular ways.
Reforming China's Stock Market: Institutional Change Chinese Style
Authors: Bell Stephen , Feng Hui
Published: April 2008

In this article we examine the dual-track pricing system in China's stock market since its inauguration, a legacy of its economic transition and a major source of institutional predation in the market. We then examine the share structure reform initiated in 2005 that sought to eliminate the distortion this predation had elicited. We interpret the reform push as a process of institutional change and focus on the drivers and theoretical explanations of such changes in China's stock market. We thus advance a model for understanding institutional change, Chinese style. We argue that, initially, the institutional arrangement was constructed by the dynamics of transition – the juxtaposition of the Leninist state and the emerging stock market. This provided huge incentives for state corruption in the emerging market. As the market transition proceeded, the societal and political costs of corruption and market distortion also grew, which produced a crisis that eventually attracted the attention of powerful leaders of the party state. We argue from this case that the broader political context in which specific examples of institutional change occur needs to be examined. Specifically, we argue that powerful agents who are external to given institutional environments can play an important role in institutional change, thus highlighting the political dynamics of an authoritarian state amid systemic transition and global integration.
Swedish norms for word fluency tests: FAS, animals and verbs
Authors: TALLBERG I. M. , IVACHOVA E. , JONES TINGHAG K. , ÖSTBERG P.
Published: April 2008

Verbal fluency tests are useful measures of acquired language impairment and cognitive decline of various etiologies. The aim of this study was to provide normative data for the Swedish population on the three verbal fluency tests, FAS, Animals and Verbs. A group of 165 healthy participants ranging from 16 to 89 years of age were assessed with the verbal fluency tests and tests of level of intellectual functioning. The sample was stratified by education, age and gender. Level of education had a substantial influence on the performance on verbal fluency, most clearly so in FAS and Verbs. Intellectual level had a positive and significant correlation with all measures of word fluency. Moreover, there was an interaction between age and gender such that women aged between 30 and 64 years outperformed elderly men on FAS and Verbs. Guidelines for instructions and scoring in Swedish are given in the article.
Het monsternemen als probleem in het bedrijf1
Authors: de Jong A. J.
Published: April 2008

Summary  (Sampling as a problem in industry).

The elementary theory of sampling is discussed, especially that of small samples in massproduction. On the basis of some simple and very illustrative examples the various problems are considered and solved. It is shown that the manufacturer has to knout the quality of his products, their uniformity and how to maintain c.q. improve this uniformity. Statistical methods enable to control the production and give security as desired by the manufacturer and the customer as well.
Statistischo aspecten van kleding‐maatnormalisatie
Authors: van der Burg A. R.
Published: April 2008

Summary  (Statistical Aspects of Apparel Sizing).

A description of the statistical principles underlying the design of a sizing system for apparel. The body measurements can be divided in primary and secundary measurements. The primary are independent variables, the secondary are highly correlated with the primary measurements. The choice of the primary measurements depends on the size of the tolerances, permitted in the other measurements and on the residual standard deviations after adaption of the regression equations. People are classified according to their primary measurements. The interval between two successive classes is two times the tolerance. The ideal class system is that in which as many people as possible fall within a limited number of classes.