bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite markers of the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis
Authors: HUI MIN , BAO ZHENMIN , ZHAN AIBIN , HU XIAOLI , LU WEI , CHANG DAN , HU JINGJIE
Published: May 2006

The primers flanking 22 microsatellites isolated from a genomic library enriched for (CA)n and (GA)n were designed in the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis. Ten primer pairs provided clear and polymorphic amplification products. Based on characterization with 48 individuals, the number of alleles ranged from three to six. The values of observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 0.88 and from 0.29 to 0.76, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found and six of 10 loci conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These markers are therefore potentially useful for studies of the population structure of the species.
ISOLATED GRAPTOLITES FROM THE TELYCHIAN (UPPER LLANDOVERY, SILURIAN) OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA
Authors: LOYDELL DAVID K. , NESTOR VIIU
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Isolated material of 21 graptolite species from the upper Telychian of Latvia and Estonia is described. New thecal structures are recognized in Streptograptus, for example enrolment of the disto‐lateral margin of the flange in distal S. nodifer thecae, possession of proximal lobes in S. wimani and elongated proximal lobes in S. sp. 3. S. spp. 1 and 2 both possess a nozzle, but do not have coiled metathecae. Thecal asymmetry in Oktavites falx is shown to be the reverse of that in O. spiralis. Several new Streptograptus and Monoclimacis species remain to be described. The absence of many of the taxa described herein from Silurian equatorial regions strengthens the case for a distinct equatorial graptolite province.
A TOURNAISIAN BRACHIOPOD FAUNA FROM SOUTH‐EAST WALES
Authors: BASSETT MICHAEL G. , BRYANT CATHERINE
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  An exceptionally preserved fauna within dolomites of the Friars Point Limestone Formation includes the most diverse brachiopod assemblage yet described from the Tournaisian of the British Isles, and the first from Wales. Each of the 16 brachiopod genera includes a single species, of which four are new (Schellwienella cheuma, Schuchertella subcrona, Composita ptygmation, Fusella extrata). Associated fossils are corals (one species), bryozoans (two species) and crinoids (one species). Spiriferoideans and schizophorides are numerically dominant, indicative of level‐bottom, inner mid‐ramp biotopes. Biogeographical comparisons reflect the cosmopolitanism of early Carboniferous brachiopod generic assemblages. Taxonomic comparisons involve selection of lectotypes for Syringothyris exoleta North, 1920, Syringothyris cyrtorhyncha North, 1920, Tylothyris laminosa beta North, 1920, and Tylothyris laminosa gamma North, 1920.
PHRAGMOTEUTHIDA (CEPHALOPODA: COLEOIDEA) FROM THE LOWER JURASSIC OF DORSET, ENGLAND
Authors: DONOVAN DESMOND T.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Phragmoteuthida from the Lower Jurassic (Upper Sinemurian) of Dorset, England, are fully described for the first time. Two species are recognized and described: Phragmoteuthis montefiorei (J. Buckman) and P. huxleyi sp. nov. Phragmocones have an apical angle of between 20 and 30 degrees, and relatively few chambers compared with belemnoids. The conotheca is multi‐layered. The siphuncle is thick‐walled. The pro‐ostracum is long and three‐lobed as in the Triassic species. Arms are short and bear pairs of slightly curved hooks. Shell and siphuncle structure do not indicate a close relationship with other coleoids.
SYNCARID CRUSTACEANS FROM THE MONTCEAU LAGERSTÄTTE (UPPER CARBONIFEROUS; FRANCE)
Authors: PERRIER VINCENT , VANNIER JEAN , RACHEBOEUF PATRICK R. , CHARBONNIER SYLVAIN , CHABARD DOMINIQUE , SOTTY DANIEL
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Key aspects of the morphology, autecology, systematics and taphonomy of the crustacean syncarids from the Montceau Lagerstätte (Upper Carboniferous, Stephanian B; France) are presented. Palaeocaris secretanae is the most abundant faunal element of the Montceau biota and shows striking morphological similarities with Palaeocaris typus from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte (Westphalian D; Illinois, USA). Palaeocaris secretanae was a shrimp‐like animal with a short head (no head shield), large mandibles, 14 trunk segments (the first one being reduced) and a fan‐like caudal termination. Both the body and the appendage design indicate abilities for crawling on the substratum (slender endopods) and for escape reaction (uropodal fan, pleonal flexibility), although swimming activities may have been reduced (trunk appendages with small flap‐like exopods). Details of the appendages involved in feeding, e.g. mandibles and maxillipeds, indicate poor ability for predation but point to an omnivorous detritus feeding mode. Poorly developed respiratory organs (small cylindrical epipods) suggest a relatively low level of locomotory activity. The field of vision may have been large and panoramic (stalked eyes). Rows of pores on 12 trunk segments are interpreted as possible sensory organs used for current detection. Females were brooding eggs (clusters of eggs preserved along anteroventral trunk). Microprobe analysis indicates that siderite is the major component of the nodules. Four events played a key‐role in the three‐dimensional preservation of syncarids: (1) rapid burial, (2) minimal decomposition, (3) phosphatic mineralization shortly after the animal's death and (4) nodule formation around the carcass. Palaeocaris secretanae is morphologically close to Recent syncarids such Anaspides tasmaniae (freshwater streams, Australia) in its general body plan and detailed anatomy, e.g. mouth parts, indicating morphological stasis in syncarids over more than 200 million years.
A NEW ELASMOSAURID PLESIOSAUR FROM THE UPPER CRETACEOUS OF FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN
Authors: SATO TAMAKI , HASEGAWA YOSHIKAZU , MANABE MAKOTO
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  A new genus and species of an elasmosaurid plesiosaur, Futabasaurus suzukii, is described based on a partial skeleton from the Inoceramus amakusensis Zone (Lower Santonian, Upper Cretaceous) of the Irimazawa Member of the Tamayama Formation, Futaba Group, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The new taxon is characterized by a number of characters such as the wide space between the orbit and external naris, posterior extension of the interclavicle, relatively long humerus and prominent femoral muscle scar. The holotype includes a partial skull and mandible, posterior cervicals to sacrals, ribs, clavicular arch, pelvic girdle and four limbs. The remains are mostly in articulation, and exhibit evidence of predation/scavenging by sharks. The distribution of elasmosaurid species in the circum‐Pacific region remains unclear due to the lack of diagnostic materials. The occurrence of F. suzukii is geographically and stratigraphically significant, because it allows species‐level comparison; as a diagnosable elasmosaurid specimen, F. suzukii is the first and the oldest from the northern Pacific.
REVISION OF THE ARCHOSAUROMORPH REPTILE TRILOPHOSAURUS, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST SKULL OF TRILOPHOSAURUS JACOBSI, FROM THE UPPER TRIASSIC CHINLE GROUP, WEST TEXAS, USA
Authors: HECKERT ANDREW B. , LUCAS SPENCER G. , RINEHART LARRY F. , SPIELMANN JUSTIN A. , HUNT ADRIAN P. , KAHLE ROBERT
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The first abundant, well‐preserved fossils of the unusual archosauromorph reptile Trilophosaurus jacobsi Murry are from an Upper Triassic bonebed in the lowermost Trujillo Formation of the Chinle Group in Borden County, Texas. A nearly complete left side of the skull and incomplete but articulated mandible of a juvenile individual demonstrate that Trilophosaurus jacobsi Murry is referable to Trilophosaurus, so the putative procolophonid genus Chinleogomphius is a junior objective synonym of Trilophosaurus. Features of T. jacobsi that diagnose it from T. buettneri include asymmetrical, tricuspate teeth in which the central cusp is taller than the marginal cusp, polygonal in cross‐section and displaced slightly lingually; the lingual cusp is low, transversely broadened and anteroposteriorly compressed; teeth with prominent cingula along the mesial and distal margins; and paired sagittal (parasagittal) crests composed of portions of the postfrontals and the parietals, as well as a relatively broad skull roof between the supratemporal fenestrae. We also re‐illustrate and re‐describe the holotypes of both Trilophosaurus buettneri Case and T. jacobsi Murry. T. jacobsi is primarily Adamanian in age, and the lowest occurrence of T. jacobsi is stratigraphically above that of T. buettneri. Therefore, T. buettneri is an Otischalkian–Adamanian index taxon, and T. jacobsi is an Adamanian–?earliest Revueltian index taxon. Trilophosaurus teeth are readily identifiable to species and therefore identifiable as isolated fossils.
A NESTING SITE AND EGG MORPHOLOGY OF A MIOCENE TURTLE FROM URUMACO, VENEZUELA: EVIDENCE OF MARINE ADAPTATIONS IN PELOMEDUSOIDES
Authors: WINKLER JASMIN D. , SÁNCHEZ‐VILLAGRA MARCELO R.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Fossil eggshells from the Late Miocene Urumaco Formation of north‐western Venezuela are reported. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine shell gross morphology and ultrastructure, respectively. Diagnostic turtle features in the eggshells include a distinct pattern of crystal aggregations within the shell units. The eggs had an elliptical shape with a maximum diameter of c. 56·5 mm and width of c. 43·5 mm, as measured in a specimen preserving the egg's outline. Scattered clutches of broken eggshells were found embedded in one horizon of a coarse, sandy sediment, with grains not well sorted containing foraminifera and fragments of bivalve shells. The sediments are rich in ichnofossils and the reddish colour of the sandstone indicates an oxidizing environment. These facts suggest that the eggs were deposited in a beach directly facing the sea or brackish waters, perhaps near a river delta or lagoon, as is typical of the Urumaco sequence. In the same stratigraphical layer and next to one of the egg clusters, a carapace assignable to the pelomedusoid Bairdemys venezuelensis was found, suggesting that this species was a colonial nester that laid its eggs in beaches and lived in a marine or nearshore marine environment.
Macbeth and Hercules
Authors: Zimmermann Heiner
Published: May 2006

This paper draws upon an iconographical topos and a political debate for its historical appreciation of Macbeth. It shows that Shakespeare sets up two opposing heroic ideals in this tragedy; the chivalric warrior hero and the humanist intellectual paragon of reason and virtue. Both are personified by two contrasting Renaissance adaptations of the mythical Hercules: the model of physical strength and victor of all battles, and the Hercules whose heroism resides in his superior intellectual strength and will power. At the crossroads of life he chooses the path of virtue and rejects vice and pleasure. At the beginning of the tragedy Macbeth is identified with Hercules, the invincible fighter. He fails, however, the test of Hercules in bivio, when he meets the weird sisters. His tragedy implies a radical critique of the heroic ideal of manliness and the conviction that fortitude and valour are the best way to assure justice and peace. Macbeth takes sides in the controversy between King James and a faction at Prince Henry's Court, which contested the King's policy of conciliation and peace and glorified the chivalrous ideal of martial strength.
Tuscan concerns and Spanish heritage in the decoration of Duchess Eleonora's apartment in the Palazzo Vecchio1
Authors: Gáldy Andrea M.
Published: May 2006

After Eleonora di Toledo's marriage to Cosimo de’ Medici in 1539 the ducal couple moved to the former Palazzo della Signoria. There a new court had to be created, appropriate models for which were found in Spain and Spanish Naples. Court artists decorated ducal apartments in the palazzo's old wing; in particular Eleonora's rooms received much attention. Their decorative programme of famous women is still in situ on the second floor of the Palazzo Vecchio. Eleonora was brought up as a Spanish noblewoman and introduced Spanish customs and devotional practices in Florence. She was praised as a worthy follower of Queen Isabel the Catholic by Domenico Bruni and may well have regarded herself as a ‘new Isabel’. Eleonora seems to have taken considerable interest in the decoration of her apartment and chapel, which can be seen as a synthesis of her Spanish cultural heritage and the political concerns she shared with her husband.
The legacy of John Frampton: Elizabethan trader and translator
Authors: Beecher Donald
Published: May 2006

John Frampton was one of the Bristol merchants in the Spanish trade who suffered the confiscation of his goods and imprisonment by the Inquisition in Seville on trumped up charges, largely in compensation for the piracy practiced by the English on the high seas. A striking account of his experiences as a prisoner who was later condemned to ‘house‐arrest’ in Spain for the rest of his days, and of his eventual escape, can be pieced together from the records of his own quest for compensation before the English Admiralty Court. During his sojourn in Spain, Frampton achieved a very real competence in Spanish, which enabled him to turn to translation in his later years. His choice of works included most notably the Spanish version of the travels of Marco Polo and the treatise by Nicholas Monardes of Seville on the medical simples and medicinal herbs brought back by the conquistadors. He also translated books on the exploration of the Far East, and on the arts of navigation. Frampton's motives for making this effort are open to interpretation, whether he was merely exploiting a talent in search of success through the English book trade, or whether he was seeking, as well, to make known vital information that would strengthen England's mercantile aspirations on a global basis.
Refractive issues in pregnancy
Authors: SHARMA Sushma , REKHA Wuntakal , SHARMA Tarun , DOWNEY Gabrielle
Published: May 2006

Pregnancy is known to cause refractive changes as a result of various hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy. These changes may persist for a few weeks post‐partum and during lactation. In this article we discuss various refractive issues in pregnancy that have an effect on contact lens use, myopia and the outcome of refractive surgery.
Recent impact of anal sphincter injury on overall Caesarean section incidence
Authors: MAHONY Rhona , O’HERLIHY Colm
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Because of increasing recognition of obstetric anal sphincter injury and faecal incontinence, we examined the recent impact of these indications on our institutional Caesarean section incidence.

Methods:  Retrospective review of the indications for multiparous Caesarean section was performed at the National Maternity Hospital for the 4 years 2000–2003, inclusive, to identify women in whom previous anal sphincter injury was an indication. Individual charts were reviewed and data regarding the nature and extent of previous anal sphincter injury were obtained.

Results:  Among 17 586 consecutive multiparous deliveries, previous anal sphincter trauma constituted the indication for Caesarean delivery in 67 women, representing 0.4% of all multiparae, 2.9% of multiparous Caesarean sections and 1.3% of all Caesarean sections performed. Fifty (85%) of the 67 women who opted for prelabour Caesarean delivery following previous obstetric anal sphincter injury had symptoms of faecal incontinence (mean continence score 5, range 1–17).

Conclusion:  Notwithstanding recent increased awareness and documentation, anal sphincter problems represent a small influence on total Caesarean incidence.
Invasive Haemophilus parainfluenzae maternal–infant infections: An Australasian perspective and case report
Authors: RELE Mhisti , GILES Michelle , DALEY Andrew J.
Published: May 2006

Maternal and neonatal infection with Haemophilus parainfluenzae is an unusual but potentially life‐threatening occurrence. We present a case of H. parainfluenzae complicating pregnancy in the second trimester. Predisposing factors for infection with Haemophilus species and Australasian data on invasive neonatal Haemophilus infections are presented.
The role of activins during decidualisation of human endometrium
Authors: JONES Rebecca L. , FINDLAY Jock K. , SALAMONSEN Lois A.
Published: May 2006

Decidualisation of the endometrial stroma is critical to create a specialised environment for embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion; however, the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We have established that activin A is an important regulator of decidualisation of endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Here we describe studies that verify the physiological significance of these findings. We demonstrate that high concentrations of activin A are produced by decidualising cells in excess of the antagonists, inhibin and follistatin, thus confirming its bioavailability within the decidual environment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that all components of the activin signalling pathway (activin receptors and Smads) are expressed in decidualised cells, and identify a downstream mechanism for activin in the endometrium, through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This new knowledge is important for understanding the roles for activins and inhibins in regulating fertility.
The genetic basis of premature ovarian failure
Authors: WOAD Kathryn J. , WATKINS Wendy J. , PRENDERGAST Deborah , SHELLING Andrew N.
Published: May 2006

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common condition, affecting approximately 1:100 women. It is characterised by amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism, and elevated gonadotrophin levels in women under the age of 40. It is often an unexpected and distressing diagnosis, which coincides with infertility and menopausal symptoms. There is a well recognised genetic basis to the development of POF. Our laboratory has identified several candidate genes associated with POF.
Credit Ratings and Capital Structure
Authors: KISGEN DARREN J.
Published: May 2006

This paper examines to what extent credit ratings directly affect capital structure decisions. The paper outlines discrete costs (benefits) associated with firm credit rating level differences and tests whether concerns for these costs (benefits) directly affect debt and equity financing decisions. Firms near a credit rating upgrade or downgrade issue less debt relative to equity than firms not near a change in rating. This behavior is consistent with discrete costs (benefits) of rating changes but is not explained by traditional capital structure theories. The results persist within previous empirical tests of the pecking order and tradeoff capital structure theories.
Investor Sentiment and Pre‐IPO Markets
Authors: CORNELLI FRANCESCA , GOLDREICH DAVID , LJUNGQVIST ALEXANDER
Published: May 2006

We examine whether irrational behavior among small (retail) investors drives post‐IPO prices. We use prices from the grey market (the when‐issued market that precedes European IPOs) to proxy for small investors' valuations. High grey market prices (indicating overoptimism) are a very good predictor of first‐day aftermarket prices, while low grey market prices (indicating excessive pessimism) are not. Moreover, we find long‐run price reversal only following high grey market prices. This asymmetry occurs because larger (institutional) investors can choose between keeping the shares they are allocated in the IPO, and reselling them when small investors are overoptimistic.
Do Dividend Clienteles Exist? Evidence on Dividend Preferences of Retail Investors
Authors: GRAHAM JOHN R. , KUMAR ALOK
Published: May 2006

We study stock holdings and trading behavior of more than 60,000 households and find evidence consistent with dividend clienteles. Retail investor stock holdings indicate a preference for dividend yield that increases with age and decreases with income, consistent with age and tax clienteles, respectively. Trading patterns reinforce this evidence: Older, low‐income investors disproportionally purchase stocks before the ex‐dividend day. Furthermore, among small stocks, the ex‐day price drop decreases with age and increases with income, consistent with clientele effects. Finally, consistent with the behavioral “attention” hypothesis, we document that older and low‐income investors purchase stocks following dividend announcements.
Secondary Trading Costs in the Municipal Bond Market
Authors: HARRIS LAWRENCE E. , PIWOWAR MICHAEL S.
Published: May 2006

Using new econometric methods, we separately estimate average transaction costs for over 167,000 bonds from a 1‐year sample of all U.S. municipal bond trades. Municipal bond transaction costs decrease with trade size and do not depend significantly on trade frequency. Also, municipal bond trades are substantially more expensive than similar‐sized equity trades. We attribute these results to the lack of bond market price transparency. Additional cross‐sectional analyses show that bond trading costs increase with credit risk, instrument complexity, time to maturity, and time since issuance. Investors, and perhaps ultimately issuers, might benefit if issuers issued simpler bonds.
Uncovering the Risk–Return Relation in the Stock Market
Authors: GUO HUI , WHITELAW ROBERT F.
Published: May 2006

There is ongoing debate about the apparent weak or negative relation between risk (conditional variance) and expected returns in the aggregate stock market. We develop and estimate an empirical model based on the intertemporal capital asset pricing model (ICAPM) that separately identifies the two components of expected returns, namely, the risk component and the component due to the desire to hedge changes in investment opportunities. The estimated coefficient of relative risk aversion is positive, statistically significant, and reasonable in magnitude. However, expected returns are driven primarily by the hedge component. The omission of this component is partly responsible for the existing contradictory results.
Which Investors Fear Expropriation? Evidence from Investors' Portfolio Choices
Authors: GIANNETTI MARIASSUNTA , SIMONOV ANDREI
Published: May 2006

Using a data set that provides unprecedented detail on investors' stockholdings, we analyze whether investors take the quality of corporate governance into account when selecting stocks. We find that all categories of investors (domestic and foreign, institutional and small individual) who generally enjoy only security benefits are reluctant to invest in companies with weak corporate governance. In contrast, individuals connected with company insiders are more likely to invest in weak corporate governance companies. These findings suggest that it is important to distinguish between investors who enjoy private benefits or access private information, and investors who enjoy only security benefits.
State Poverty Rates: Do the New Welfare Policies Make a Difference?
Authors: Rodgers Harrell R. , Payne Lee , Chervachidze Serguei
Published: May 2006

This article uses four models to identify the best predictors of state poverty levels and changes in state poverty rates since the implementation of welfare reform. The policy decisions based on the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) by the states are tested along with more traditional variables identified in the literature. Using several measures of state poverty, the analysis finds that those states with the lowest poverty rates are those with the healthiest economies, and the most generous state spending on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). States with the highest percentage of their TANF rolls made up of black citizens tend to have the highest rates of poverty. Initial poverty rates are found to be important in that states with higher initial poverty levels are capable of generating a larger reduction in poverty than states with lower initial rates. With the exception of limited evidence on sanctions, none of the PRWORA–based policies were found to have any effect on poverty rates.
Differential predation by the generalist predator Orius insidiosus on congeneric species of thrips that vary in size and behavior
Authors: Reitz Stuart R. , Funderburk Joe E. , Waring Scot M.
Published: May 2006

We investigated interactions between the generalist predator Orius insidiosus (Say) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) and two species of thrips prey, Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and interspecific differences in morphology and behavior between these prey species that could contribute to differences in predation by O. insidiosus. Frankliniella occidentalis is significantly larger than F. bispinosa. Frankliniella bispinosa has greater mobility compared with F. occidentalis. When O. insidiosus was offered either F. bispinosa or F. occidentalis as prey in single species trials, there were no significant differences in the number of prey captured. However, O. insidiosus had significantly more encounters with F. bispinosa than with F. occidentalis. In arenas with equal numbers of both species, O. insidiosus encountered and captured F. occidentalis more than F. bispinosa. In large arenas with two pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.), O. insidiosus preyed on more F. occidentalis than on F. bispinosa. These results indicate that O. insidiosus can prey on both thrips species, but that it preferentially captures F. occidentalis. The greater locomotion and movement of F. bispinosa, perhaps combined with its smaller size, allow it to evade predation by O. insidiosus better than F. occidentalis. Consequently, the observed preference of O. insidiosus for F. occidentalis is not exclusively a function of active selection by the predator but also could arise from inherent differences among prey. We propose this differential predation as a mechanism contributing to observed differences in the temporal dynamics of these species in pepper fields.
Leaf surface wax and plant morphology of peas influence insect density
Authors: Chang Gary C. , Neufeld Jeffrey , Eigenbrode Sanford D.
Published: May 2006

Insect predators and parasitoids adhere better, forage more effectively, and take more aphid prey on pea plants (Pisum sativumL.) (Leguminosae) with mutations that reduce the crystalline wax bloom on the plant surface. To assess the agronomic potential of this trait for pest management, abundance of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisumL.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) and coccinellid predators, and percent parasitism of the aphids were evaluated on pea lines differing in wax bloom and plant architecture over two field seasons. Three pairs of pea lines were evaluated, each pair with a different architecture and differing within the pair in the amount of surface wax bloom (reduced or normal). The trials included plots treated with a narrow spectrum insecticide (pymetrozine) to reduce aphid populations and untreated controls. Reduced wax peas had significantly fewer aphids per plant in 2002 but not in 2003. Total natural enemy abundance was greater on reduced wax than on normal wax pea lines in both years of the study. Pymetrozine reduced aphid densities significantly in both years. Among the four pea lines evaluated for yield, seed yield per plant was affected by plant morphology and insecticide treatment. Yield was greatest on semileafless plants and on pymetrozine sprayed plots in both years. Yield of the reduced wax line in the semileafless background was similar to or exceeded yield in its normal wax sister line, suggesting that this morphological type was best for an agronomically viable reduced wax phenotype. Pea weevil (Bruchus pisorumL.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) damage to seed was overall more frequent on seeds from reduced wax varieties than from normal wax varieties. The results illustrate the trade‐offs associated with a reduced wax trait in peas but also show that certain combinations of reduced wax and gross morphology lead to reduced pea aphid populations and yields similar to those of normal wax peas.
Temperature effects on egg development of the rosy apple aphid and forecasting of egg hatch
Authors: Graf B. , Höpli H.U. , Höhn H. , Samietz J.
Published: May 2006

The development of Dysaphis plantaginea (Pass.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) winter eggs was studied at six different constant temperatures ranging from 7.5 to 16.5 °C in order to improve the basis for phenological forecasts in early spring. The mortality was generally low at temperatures below 13.5 °C but increased considerably at 16.5 °C. The effect of temperature on development rates could be described with linear regression within the temperature range under study. The lower temperature threshold for development was estimated to be 4.0 °C and the thermal constant 140 day‐degrees. A time‐varying distributed delay approach was used to establish a temperature driven phenology model for winter egg hatch of D. plantaginea considering the intrinsic variability in development time. The model parameters such as temperature‐dependent development times and corresponding variances were quantified based on the experimental data. When compared with independent observations on egg hatch under semifield conditions, the model gave satisfactory validation results. It can be used as forecasting tool for the optimal timing of monitoring and control measures for D. plantaginea in early spring.
Potential host affinities for the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica: behavioral responses to host odors and pheromones and reproductive ability on non‐grain hosts
Authors: Edde Peter A. , Phillips Thomas W.
Published: May 2006

Behavioral responses of male and female Rhyzopertha dominica L. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to odors from pulverized wheat seeds, peanuts, cowpeas, potato tubers, acorns, and twigs from cedar and pine were compared in dual‐choice, still‐air bioassays. We investigated the reproductive success of R. dominica on five of the seven plant tissues (wheat, peanuts, cowpeas, dried potato tubers, and acorns). A field experiment was also conducted to investigate responses of dispersing R. dominica to semiochemicals emitted by live males placed on different plant species. Results showed that both sexes of R. dominica responded to plant volatiles, but responses were strongest to seeds of wheat, a plant species judged to be most suitable for beetle development due to the number of progeny produced on the plant species. Similarly, insects reared on wheat were heavier than those reared on less suitable materials. In general, behavioral responses by males to plant volatiles were faster than responses by females. Responses of conspecifics to aggregation pheromones produced by males feeding on different host materials were skewed toward females although both sexes were attracted. Male R. dominica feeding on wheat recruited more conspecifics than beetles feeding on less suitable hosts (acorns, cowpeas, peanut, and potato tubers).
The use of peribulbar anaesthesia in paediatric cataract surgery (age 7–15 years) in a mobile eye camp in China
Authors: Fan Dorothy S. P. , Tang Emily W. H. , Rao Srinivas K. , Xiu‐Qin Zhao , Lam Dennis S. C.
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the use of peribulbar anaesthesia (PA) in paediatric cataract surgery in rural areas in China, where there are limitations in expertise and equipment for general anaesthesia (GA).

Methods:  We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of carrying out paediatric cataract surgery under PA in children aged 7−15 years. Informed consent was obtained from the subjects and their parents. Children were assessed for their suitability for PA. Peribulbar anaesthesia was given as a peribulbar block using a 2% lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine‐hyaluronidase mixture administered before lens aspiration with intraocular lens implantation. The acceptability of the PA was evaluated by questionnaire.

Results:  A total of 19 patients were recruited. Their mean age was 12 ± 2 years (range 7–15 years). None required conversion to GA. All subjects regarded PA as either totally acceptable (63.2%) or acceptable (36.8%). The mean pain scores (from 0 to 100) during the injection and surgery were 28 ± 26 and 6 ± 8, respectively. Seventeen patients (89.5%) said they would prefer PA if choices in anaesthesia were offered again.

Conclusions:  Peribulbar anaesthesia can be considered as a viable option in selected children undergoing cataract surgery when facilities for safe and optimal general anaesthesia are unavailable.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Schäfer Elke , Weger Martin , Birgül Tolga , Renner Wilfried , Stanger Olaf , Steinbrugger Iris , Schmut Otto , Temmel Werner , Haas Anton
Published: May 2006

Purpose:  An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the gene for angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) is associated with higher ACE plasma levels and activity. This enzyme is known to play an important role in blood pressure regulation and the ACE I/D gene polymorphism has been suggested as a risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a hypothesized association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Methods:  A total of 159 patients with RAO and 304 control subjects were enrolled in the present retrospective case‐control study. ACE I/D genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Allelic frequencies and genotype distribution of the ACE I/D polymorphism did not significantly differ between patients and control subjects (ACE DD 25.8% versus 28.0%; p = 0.36). A logistic regression analysis predicted the presence of RAO by arterial hypertension and current smoking status, but not by ACE I/D genotypes.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is not a major risk factor for RAO.
Corneal transplantation in a developing country: problems associated with technology transfer from rich to poor societies
Authors: Vieira Silva Jailton , Júlio de Faria e Sousa Sidney , Mafalda Ferrante Ângela
Published: May 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate the results of penetrating corneal transplantation at a university hospital in Brazil.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study was conducted on 146 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants were followed postoperatively for 36 months or until graft failure.

Results:  In this period, 49% of the grafts lost transparency. All the corneal diseases analysed were present in about the same proportions, except for keratoconus and bullous keratopathy, which showed 3% and 73% rates of graft oedema, respectively. Only 8% of the failures could be attributed to rejection. Other variables such as age, multiple surgeries and previous eye conditions could not explain the high rate of graft failure. Non‐adherence to postoperative care increased with age, with a significant association between this behaviour and the rate of graft failure in the older age group. Keratoconus seems to be much less demanding and bullous keratopathy seems to be more exigent in terms of corneal transplantation than other corneal diseases.

Conclusion:  Although it involves an apparently simple surgical procedure, corneal transplantation is a demanding enterprise that can lead to very poor results under unfavourable conditions.
Implantation of single‐piece foldable acrylic IOLs in small children in the Ukraine
Authors: Kugelberg Maria , Kugelberg Ulla , Bobrova Nadiya , Tronina Svetlana , Zetterström Charlotta
Published: May 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of implantation of a single‐piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) in children younger than 2 years in the Ukraine.

Methods:  A total of 31 children from all over the Ukraine with a median age of 11 months (range 2–28 months) underwent cataract surgery with anterior and posterior capsulorhexis, implantation of a single‐piece AcrySof® SA30AL IOL and anterior dry vitrectomy. Of these, 22 patients attended the last follow‐up. Ten patients had follow‐up periods of 12 months; 12 had follow‐up periods of 18 months. At the postoperative visits, we investigated visual acuity (VA), whether or not the subject had strabismus, lens epithelial cell migration and signs of secondary glaucoma.

Results:  The single‐piece IOL remained clinically centred in all eyes. No secondary glaucoma was detected. Eleven patients needed surgery for after‐cataract. All but two patients achieved better VA after surgery. Many patients suffered from deprivation amblyopia as quite a few cataracts were probably congenital; however, the improvement in VA shows that cataract surgery was worth performing despite the late intervention.

Conclusion:  The foldable single‐piece acrylic IOL seems to be well tolerated by children aged 0–2 years. No serious complications were seen and no patient developed secondary glaucoma within the follow‐up time. However, lens epithelial cells are very lively in this age group.
pyewacket, a new zebrafish fin pigment pattern mutant
Authors: Mellgren Eve M. , Johnson Stephen L.
Published: May 2006

Many mutants that disrupt zebrafish embryonic pigment pattern have been isolated, and subsequent cloning of the mutated genes causing these phenotypes has contributed to our understanding of pigment cell development. However, few mutants have been identified that specifically affect development of the adult pigment pattern. Through a mutant screen for adult pigment pattern phenotypes, we identified pyewacket (pye), a novel zebrafish mutant in which development of the adult caudal fin pigment pattern is aberrant. Specifically, pye mutants have fin melanocyte pigment pattern defects and fewer xanthophores than wild‐type fins. We mapped pye to an interval where a single gene, the zebrafish ortholog of the human gene DHRSX, is present. pye will be an informative mutant for understanding how xanthophores and melanocytes interact to form the pigment pattern of the adult zebrafish fin.
Nitric oxide and cell proliferation
Authors: Villalobo Antonio
Published: May 2006

Nitric oxide (NO•) has been proposed to be a physiological modulator of cell proliferation, able to promote in most cases cell cycle arrest. In this review I explore the molecular basis of this mechanism of action. The modulatory action of NO•on the intracellular concentration of cGMP and the machinery directly involved in the control of cell cycle progression, including the expression and activity of diverse cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases, their physiological inhibitors, and the master transcriptional regulator retinoblastoma protein, will be discussed. The role of NO•in proliferation mediated by tyrosine kinase receptors such as the epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream signalling pathways will also be considered. Finally, the involvement of NO•in proliferative processes relevant for normal development will be outlined.
Variants of β2‐microglobulin cleaved at lysine‐58 retain the main conformational features of the native protein but are more conformationally heterogeneous and unstable at physiological temperature
Authors: Mimmi Maria C. , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Pettirossi Fabio , Corazza Alessandra , Viglino Paolo , Esposito Gennaro , De Lorenzi Ersilia , Giorgetti Sofia , Pries Mette , Corlin Dorthe B. , Nissen Mogens H. , Heegaard Niels H. H.
Published: May 2006

Cleavage of the small amyloidogenic protein β2‐microglobulin after lysine‐58 renders it more prone to unfolding and aggregation. This is important for dialysis‐related β2‐microglobulin amyloidosis, since elevated levels of cleaved β2‐microglobulin may be found in the circulation of dialysis patients. However, the solution structures of these cleaved β2‐microglobulin variants have not yet been assessed using single‐residue techniques. We here use such methods to examine β2‐microglobulin cleaved after lysine‐58 and the further processed variant (found in vivo) from which lysine‐58 is removed. We find that the solution stability of both variants, especially of β2‐microglobulin from which lysine‐58 is removed, is much reduced compared to wild‐type β2‐microglobulin and is strongly dependent on temperature and protein concentration. 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and amide hydrogen (1H/2H) exchange monitored by MS show that the overall three‐dimensional structure of the variants is similar to that of wild‐type β2‐microglobulin at subphysiological temperatures. However, deviations do occur, especially in the arrangement of the B, D and E β‐strands close to the D–E loop cleavage site at lysine‐58, and the experiments suggest conformational heterogeneity of the two variants. Two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy indicates that this heterogeneity involves an equilibrium between the native‐like fold and at least one conformational intermediate resembling intermediates found in other structurally altered β2‐microglobulin molecules. This is the first single‐residue resolution study of a specific β2‐microglobulin variant that has been found circulating in dialysis patients. The instability and conformational heterogeneity of this variant suggest its involvement in β2‐microglobulin amyloidogenicity in vivo.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with Amitriptyline Overdose
Authors: Kiyan Selahattin , Aksay Ersin , Yanturali Sedat , Atilla Ridvan , Ersel Murat
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Tricyclic antidepressant overdose is known to cause cardiopulmonary and central nervous system complications. As with other cardiovascular complications, amitriptyline toxicity may cause acute myocardial infarction. This paper reports the case of a young female with acute myocardial infarction as a novel consequence of tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Growth duration and root length density of Solanum sisymbriifolium (Lam.) as determinants of hatching of Globodera pallida (Stone)
Authors: Timmermans B.G.H. , Vos J. , Stomph T.J. , Van Nieuwburg J. , Van der Putten P.E.L.
Published: May 2006

Solanum sisymbriifolium is a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes (PCN). In this study, we quantified the effect of different periods of growth of S. sisymbriifolium and root length density on hatching of Globodera pallida, using potato and fallow treatments as references. One‐year‐old and 2‐year‐old G. pallida cysts were used in greenhouse experiments carried out in containers over 2 years. Two methods were used in study hatching. In the first method, 7.5‐cm‐diameter soil cores were removed and backfilled with infested soil. In the second method, cysts were buried in nylon bags. The soil cores infested with cysts used in the first method had very poor root colonisation as compared to surrounding bulk soil. Therefore, the effect of S. sisymbriifolium was strongly underestimated by the soil core method. Hatching of PCN juveniles from cysts, measured with the nylon bag method, increased with the duration of growth of S. sisymbriifolium from 47% after 6 weeks of crop growth up to 75% after 21 weeks of crop growth. Reductions per depth layer were also correlated with root length density and varied between 42.6% at 0.26 cm cm−3 and 85.3% at 5.8 cm cm−3. Based on a single exponential decay function, a general method is presented to estimate for any PCN management measure the average reduction in the number of years needed to ensure that the PCN population falls below a given density. Calculated reductions in the number of years ranged from 2.3 years for 59% hatching (equivalent to 90 days of S. sisymbriifolium) to 4.4 years for 75% of hatching (equivalent to 150 days of S. sisymbriifolium). These reductions were independent of initial and final population density. Our results corroborate the hatch‐inducing effect of S. sisymbriifolium, underline the importance of growth duration and root length density as determinants of the reduction in PCN population that can be achieved and draw attention to the pitfall in methodology that can arise in the study of hatch stimulation.
Patterns of accumulation of Bean common mosaic virus in Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes nearly isogenic for the I locus
Authors: Cadle‐Davidson M.M. , Jahn M.M.
Published: May 2006

The I locus of Phaseolus vulgaris is genetically and phenotypically well described, conferring incompletely dominant, temperature‐dependent resistance against viruses currently assigned to at least four Potyvirus species. Despite the fact that the resistance allele at this locus, the I gene, has been incorporated into nearly all bean germplasm worldwide, little is known regarding its resistance mechanism. In the present study, P. vulgaris lines nearly isogenic for I were challenged with Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV; genus Potyvirus) in order to investigate at the cellular level the temperature‐dependent resistance reaction. Immunolocalisation and confocal laser scanning microscopy were employed to visualise the virus and to identify patterns of BCMV accumulation in resistant, susceptible and heterozygous genotypes. Virus was detected in all three genotypes regardless of temperature, supporting previous findings that BCMV accumulates in protoplasts containing the I allele. Genotype‐specific and temperature‐specific patterns of virus accumulation suggested a resistance mechanism that depends on host recognition of viral replication and/or local movement.
Simulation/Optimization Modeling for Robust Pumping Strategy Design
Authors: Kalwij Ineke M. , Peralta Richard C.
Published: May 2006

A new simulation/optimization modeling approach is presented for addressing uncertain knowledge of aquifer parameters. The Robustness Enhancing Optimizer (REO) couples genetic algorithm and tabu search as optimizers and incorporates aquifer parameter sensitivity analysis to guide multiple‐realization optimization. The REO maximizes strategy robustness for a pumping strategy that is optimal for a primary objective function (OF), such as cost. The more robust a strategy, the more likely it is to achieve management goals in the field, even if the physical system differs from the model. The REO is applied to trinitrotoluene and Royal Demolition Explosive plumes at Umatilla Chemical Depot in Oregon to develop robust least cost strategies. The REO efficiently develops robust pumping strategies while maintaining the optimal value of the primary OF—differing from the common situation in which a primary OF value degrades as strategy reliability increases. The REO is especially valuable where data to develop realistic probability density functions (PDFs) or statistically derived realizations are unavailable. Because they require much less field data, REO‐developed strategies might not achieve as high a mathematical reliability as strategies developed using many realizations based upon real aquifer parameter PDFs. REO‐developed strategies might or might not yield a better OF value in the field.