bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience with a new hydrolysed feed in a paediatric gastroenterology clinic
Authors: Flack S. , Lawson M. , Milla P.
Published: October 2003

Introduction: There are a limited number of hydrolysed feeds on the market designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of children (Macdonald, 2001). Adult feeds are unsuitable for children as the protein content is too high and exceeds requirements (Department of Health, 1991). The energy density of hydrolysed infant formulas is inadequate for this age group: 66 kcal/100 ml vs 100 kcal/100 ml in the trial feed. Currently the only paediatric hydrolysed feed available in the UK is pork‐based and is contraindicated for some ethnic groups. This study has evaluated the use of a new feed for children based on whey hydrolysate.

Method: Fifteen subjects, mean age 4.3 years (range 2.7–10.5 years), were recruited. All required a supplementary feed because they were unable to maintain good nutritional status from food alone. Ten subjects were already established on a hydrolysed or elemental feed and five had previously taken a normal diet. Eight had a diagnosis of eosinophilic enteropathy whereas others had food intolerance of unknown aetiology. Subjects were established on the new feed over 4 days and were reviewed after a 28‐day period. Weight and symptom data were recorded at the beginning and end of the trial period. One‐third of the patients were followed up for 2–5 months after completion of the trial.

Results: The mean standard deviation score (SDS) for initial weight was −1.5 (range −3.92 to +0.29). After 28 days, SDS mean was −1.5 (range −4.0 to +0.17). The mean change in weight was +0.01 SDS (range −0.61 to +0.73). For children already established on hydrolysed/elemental feeds, mean SDS weight change was +0.01, whereas for patients new to an exclusion diet supplemented with trial feed the change was zero. Of eight children seven (88%) with diarrhoea improved, of three children three (100%) with vomiting improved and five of six children (83%) with abdominal pain improved during the 28‐day trial period. Nine of 15 subjects (or parents) considered that their symptoms improved and they chose to continue with the trial feed. Five of these had been receiving a hydrolysed/elemental feed and four had previously taken a normal diet. At follow‐up 2–5 months later, four of nine children remaining on the trial feed showed positive changes in weight SDS since starting the feed, one child showed a negative change and no weight data were available for the remaining four subjects.

Conclusion: This new paediatric feed based on whey hydrolysate is suitable for most ethnic groups, is well accepted and tolerated and provides a more suitable nutrient profile than existing products designed for adults or infants. Objective reporting using standard symptom charts showed that symptoms had markedly improved during the trial period. The results suggest that a trial period of 1 month may not be long enough to establish the efficacy of a new feed using catch‐up growth or improvement in weight SDS as the main outcome measure.

This work was supported by Nestlé Clinical Nutrition
Nutrient intake of children consuming breakfast at school clubs in London
Authors: Waddington S. , Rees G. , Frost G.
Published: October 2003

Introduction: Research into the effectiveness of breakfast clubs has most commonly focused on social benefits to the child and school, such as improved attendance at school, punctuality and improved concentration levels in the classroom (UEA, 2002). Limited research has been undertaken to investigate the nutritional value of the breakfast foods on offer, or the nutritional content of foods consumed by the child. The aim of this study was to find out what children eat and drink at school breakfast clubs in London.

Method: The sample population consisted of 98 children (39 boys and 59 girls) aged 5–11 years attending four primary schools in London. Data were collected about the food on offer and the pricing of different food items, demographic data about the children attending the school club, qualitative data on food preferences and a weighed food intake on two different occasions for each child. Statistical tests (anova and chi‐squared tests) and nutrient analysis using Comp‐Eat were carried out.

Results: The average nutrient content of the breakfast meal consumed was 330 kcal, 12 g protein, 11 g fat and 49 g carbohydrate. Variation was seen between schools. Generally intakes of vitamin C, calcium and sodium were high and intakes of iron were average. anova between schools showed statistically significant results for a number of nutrients – protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, calcium and sodium. Boys were consuming statistically significantly more fat, saturated fat and calcium than girls. One in five children did not have a drink at breakfast. Menu options and pricing of food items varied between the schools and it was noted to influence children's food choice and consumption. Mean energy intakes equated to 18% of the estimated average requirement for boys and 20% for girls, with girls consuming more carbohydrate and sugar, and boys consumed more fat and protein.

Discussion: The findings suggest that careful planning of menus should be undertaken with cereal‐based options being offered daily and cooked options only occasionally, and that healthier eating messages can be incorporated effectively into school clubs when supported by the whole school approach to healthy eating.

Conclusion: Food offered at school breakfast clubs can contribute substantial nutrients to a child's daily intake and therefore a varied menu, and guided food choices, should be developed incorporating healthier nutrient rich options.

This work was supported by Brooke Bond working in partnership with the BDA Community Nutrition Group.
Local immune responses in sensitized sheep following challenge infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: Balic A. , Bowles V. M. , Liu Y. S. , Meeusen E. N. T.
Published: October 2003

Sheep were sensitized by weekly infections with Teladorsagia circumcincta over a 9‐week period. After a 12‐week rest, sheep were divided into four groups and killed without challenge or 3, 5 and 10 days post challenge (DPC) with 50 000 L3. Recovery of challenge larvae from abomasal scrapings was highest at 3 DPC while no parasites were recovered by 10 DPC. Abomasal lymph nodes (ALN) of challenged sheep were significantly larger at 5 DPC, coinciding with an increase in the proportion of CD4 T cells and a decrease in CD21+ cells, probably reflecting the loss of CD21 from terminally differentiated antibody secreting cells. A significant increase was observed in γδ‐TCR+ cells at 3 DPC in the ALN, while their number slightly decreased in the abomasal tissues throughout the challenge period. The number of tissue eosinophils was dramatically increased after challenge compared with the unchallenged controls, with a peak at 3 DPC, coinciding with the peak in larval recovery. CD4+ cells significantly increased in the abomasal tissues at 5 DPC, while no changes in globule leucocytes were observed until 10 DPC. Antibody‐secreting cell probes (ASC‐probes) generated from the ALN showed highest reactivity against larval antigens at 5 DPC. This reactivity was predominantly directed against regions between 90 and 100 kDa and 30–35 kDa in the L3 preparation and lower molecular weight antigens in the L4. No reactivity was observed against the adult extract. The 30–35 kDa antigen seemed to exist as a high molecular weight complex in L3 homogenate and was not susceptible to protease K treatment, suggesting it may be non‐protein in nature.
Fire‐related cues break seed dormancy of six legumes of tropical eucalypt savannas in north‐eastern Australia
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL R. , CONGDON ROBERT A. , GRICE ANTHONY C. , CLARKE PETER J.
Published: October 2003

Abstract This paper describes an assessment of the effect of exposure to fire‐related cues (heat shock, smoke and nitrate) and the interactions between the cues on seed dormancy release of tropical savanna legumes in north‐eastern Australia. Ten legume species were tested, comprising both native and exotic species. The ten species responded variously to the treatments. Brief exposure to temperatures between 80 and 100°C was found to break the seed dormancy of the native ephemeral herbs Chamaecrista mimosoides, Crotalaria calycina, Crotalaria montana, Indigofera hirsuta and Tephrosia juncea, as well as the exotic ephemeral herb Crotalaria lanceolata. Exposure to 80°C combined with treatment with a nitrate solution produced an additive effect on the germination of Chamaecrista mimosoides and Crotalaria lanceolata. However, the four species with the heaviest seeds, two exotic ephemeral herbs (Chamaecrista absus and Crotalaria pallida) and two native perennials (Galactia tenuiflora and Glycine tomentella) displayed no significant increase in germination with exposure to fire‐related cues. Exposure to 120°C for 5 min produced seed mortality in all species tested. Two of the largest seeded species, Crotalaria pallida and Galactia tenuiflora, displayed the lowest tolerance to heat shock, with seed mortality after exposure to 100°C for 5 min. These data indicate that fire can promote the germination of some tropical savanna legumes. As a proportion of seeds of each species displayed no innate dormancy, some germination may occur in the absence of fire, especially of exotic species.
Ant community succession within eucalypt plantations on used pasture and implications for taxonomic sufficiency in biomonitoring
Authors: SCHNELL M. R. , PIK A. J. , DANGERFIELD J. M.
Published: October 2003

AbstractGround‐active ants were sampled from three habitats: (i) a 10‐year‐oldEucalyptus punctataplantation, (ii) native woodland regrowth, and (iii) the surrounding pasture, at a study site in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. A previous study, undertaken 6 years earlier at the same study sites, revealed no difference in species richness or composition between the eucalypt plantation and pasture. The aims of the present study were: (i) to investigate the successional change in ant community structure within the plantations; and (ii) to evaluate what levels of taxonomic identification were sufficient to indicate a change had taken place. Univariate statistics (anova) were used to compare estimates of assemblage richness between habitats using data classified at five levels of taxonomic resolution: species, morphospecies, easily recognisable taxonomic units, genus and functional group. Multivariate statistics (anosimand non‐metric multidimensional scaling) were used to compare ant assemblages between habitats and between sampling events at a range of taxonomic resolutions from species to functional group. This study found: (i) a significant temporal change in community composition was evident using species, genus and functional group level data, but no change was detected in the pasture or woodland; (ii) mean ant species, morphospecies and easily recognisable taxonomic units richness were significantly greater within the plantations than the pasture; (iii) compositional differences between the plantation and pasture assemblages were evident at all levels of taxonomic resolution; (iv) mean ant species and genus richness were significantly higher in the woodland than in the plantation, and these two habitats were compositionally distinct at all levels of taxonomic resolution. This is the first case study to have documented a successional response from ants to the revegetation of agricultural land with eucalypt plantations. Reasons for the temporal and interhabitat differences in community structure are discussed, as well as the implications for taxonomic sufficiency in monitoring ant community successions.
Abnormality of the Left Ventricular Sympathetic Nervous Function Assessed by I‐123 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Imaging in Pediatric Patients with Neurocardiogenic Syncope
Authors: OLGUNTÜRK RANA , TURAN L. , TUNAOǦLU F.S. , KULA S. , GÖKÇORA N. , KARABACAK N.I. , AZIZOǦLU F.
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the left ventricular sympathetic nervous system function in the patients with neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) using I‐123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging of the heart, and to compare the plasma noradrenaline (NA) and MIBG results of tilt positive and tilt negative patients following a head‐up tilt test (HUT). The study included 30 patients. Their physical and laboratory examinations did not show a pathology that may be the cause of their syncope. HUT test was positive in 13 patients and negative in 17 patients. Plasma NA concentrations were higher in the HUT positive than the HUT negative group at the beginning and at the 10th minute of the test. Specific I‐123 MIBG uptake assessed as the cardiac to mediastinal activity ratio in the delayed image was significantly higher in HUT positive group. The higher levels of MIBG uptake and plasma NA observed in HUT positive patients may reflect the greater capacity of NA storage in cardiac adrenergic neuronal tissue in patients with NCS. The results of this study support the critical role of autonomic nervous system in the pathophysiology of NCS and the excessive sympathetic nervous stimulation as the trigger of paradox reflex. (PACE 2003; 26:1926–1930)
Inadvertent Positioning of Pacemaker Leads in the Pericardium
Authors: BERENJI KAMBEEZ , NERHEIM PAMELA , OLSHANSKY BRIAN
Published: October 2003

A patient had a dual chamber pacemaker with endocardial leads implanted chronically. The lead position on chest X ray and the ECG pattern indicated lead malposition, but a CT scan and transesophageal echocardiography were nondiagnostic. Venography indicated that both leads were in the mediastinal and pericardial space. (PACE 2003; 26:2039–2041)
Ventricular Tachycardia Associated with Bidirectional Reentrant Circuit Around the Tricuspid Annulus in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
Authors: NODA TAKASHI , SUYAMA KAZUHIRO , SHIMIZU WATARU , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , OTOMO KIYOSHI , NAKAGAWA EIICHIRO , KURITA TAKASHI , AIHARA NAOHIKO , KAMAKURA SHIRO
Published: October 2003

This case report describes two distinct morphological ventricular tachycardias (VTs) associated with bidirectional reentrant circuit around the tricuspid annulus in a 32‐year‐old patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. Multiple radiofrequency linear ablation could abolish both VTs, and this patient has been clinically free from symptoms of VTs at 1‐year follow‐up. (PACE 2003; 26:2050–2051)
Expression of BDNF mRNA in substantia nigra is dependent on target integrity and independent of neuronal activation
Authors: Rite Inmaculada , Venero José L. , Tomás‐Camardiel Mayka , Machado Alberto , Cano Josefina
Published: October 2003

We have analyzed the regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the nigrostriatal system following neurotoxin ablation of striatal targets by means of kainate (KA) or quinolinic acid (QA) injections. Loss of nigral target cells in the striatum was accompanied by significant induction of BDNF mRNA levels in the ipsilateral substantia nigra (SN) at 12 and 24 h post lesion. Dual tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and BDNF mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) confirmed the dopaminergic nature of the BDNF mRNA expressing cells. Analysis of neuronal activity in terms of cFos mRNA expression demonstrated intense induction of this marker in the ipsilateral SN pars reticulata (SNPR), but not in SN pars compacta. Dual glutamic acid decarboxylse (GAD) and cFos mRNA ISH confirmed this view. Colchicine injections into the medial forebrain bundle to specifically disrupt neuronal trafficking between SN and striatum induced BDNF mRNA levels in the ipsilateral SNPC, thus demonstrating that nigral expression of BDNF mRNA is dependent of striatal target tissue. In addition, we found significant elevations of BDNF in the subthalamic nucleus following striatal excitotoxic lesion, which may bring novel roles of BDNF in the basal ganglia complex.
Summer diet and body condition of Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos in stable and declining farmland populations
Authors: Gruar Derek , Peach Will , Taylor Roy
Published: October 2003

Summer diet and body condition were compared in two farmland Song Thrush Turdus philomelos populations in south‐east England. One population on mixed farmland was stable and the other on arable farmland was rapidly declining. Summer diet was dominated by earthworms, snails, beetles and insect larvae (mainly Coleoptera and Lepidoptera). In both populations there was a pronounced seasonal decline in the quality of the diet, with preferred earthworms dominating prey items during March–April and snails dominating during June and July. Dry weather during late summer was associated with reduced proportions of earthworms and snails, and increased proportions of spiders in the diet, and dry soil conditions had a weak negative influence on the body weights of chicks (in the arable population) and adults. Despite a tendency for earthworms to constitute a higher proportion of the diet in the stable population, and for snails to constitute a higher proportion of the diet in the declining population, the body condition of chicks and adults appeared to be unrelated to diet composition and did not differ between study populations. Changes in agricultural practices have probably caused a major reduction in the availability of key summer food resources for Song Thrushes on lowland farmland, and we speculate that breeding thrushes mitigate the impacts of food shortage on chicks by confining their nesting attempts to localities and periods where invertebrate food resources are adequate to raise a brood of young.
The effect of parent sex on prey deliveries to fledgling Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus
Authors: Eldegard Katrine , Selås Vidar , Sonerud Geir A. , Steel Christian , Rafoss Trond
Published: October 2003

The relative contribution of each parent when providing for the fledglings has been recorded in only a few raptor species. We studied prey deliveries by Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus parents to fledglings at seven nests in southern Norway. Parents and young were fitted with radio‐transmitters. Males delivered a larger number of prey to the young than did females throughout the post‐fledging period (on average c. 80% of the deliveries). Two females were never observed to deliver food to the offspring, and their mates apparently raised the young to independence alone. The duration of the post‐fledging period was positively related to per‐capita delivery rate in the late stage.
Distribution and abundance patterns of a newly colonizing species in Tunisian oases: the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula
Authors: Selmi Slaheddine , Boulinier Thierry , Faivre Bruno
Published: October 2003

We investigated distribution and abundance patterns of a recently arrived species in the oases of southern Tunisia: the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula. In this system, we expected that the vegetation structure and geographical locations of oases would have played an important part in shaping the patterns of oasis occupancy and local abundance. Using data collected at 53 oases during two breeding seasons, we found that Blackbird occurrence in a given oasis depended mainly on its presence at neighbouring oases. However, vegetation structure did not prove to be a relevant predictor of Blackbird occurrence. Within occupied oases, local abundance was associated with vegetation structure, namely with the diversity and abundance of the two lowest vegetation layers: fruit trees and herbaceous plants. The presence of Blackbirds at neighbouring oases was not found to account for local abundance. Overall, our results suggest that the distribution and abundance of this newly colonizing species in the southern Tunisian oasis system are influenced by processes acting at two different spatial scales. Landscape‐scale processes (i.e. dispersal and colonization from nearby occupied oases) are likely to play an important role in shaping the pattern of oasis occupancy, whereas local‐scale factors seem to be more relevant in determining the abundance of locally established populations.
Comparison of Electrocardiographic Repolarization Patterns between Hypogonad Males and Normal Subjects
Authors: Kirilmaz Ata , Bolu Erol , Kilicaslan Fethi , Erinc Kursad , Uzun Mehmet , Isik Ersoy , Ozata Metin , Ozdemir Caglayan , Demirtas Ertan
Published: October 2003

Background: There is a significant difference in repolarization on the surface ECG between men and women. The effect of testosterone on repolarization of myocardium may provide a basis for the physiological and pathophysiological importance of these distinctions between sexes. The purpose of this study is to compare the repolarization characteristics of surface ECG in patients with secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to those of healthy men and women.

Methods: The study consisted of 45 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (study group) and age‐, weight‐ and height‐matched normal healthy men (n = 35) and women (n = 39) (control group). 12‐lead ECG recordings were obtained and electronic calipers were used for measurements of ECG repolarization variables. ECG variables were compared with those of control groups.

Results: J point amplitude (0.12 ± 0.07 vs 0.05 ± 0.05 mV, respectively), T max (0.74 ± 0.28 vs 0.60 ± 0.27 mV, respectively), T wave area (81 ± 36 vs 60 ± 29 mVms, respectively) and T wave descending time (93 ± 16 vs 85 ± 15 ms, respectively) were significantly higher in healthy subjects than hypogonadal men. In comparison with those of healthy women, hypogonad males have higher J point (0.05 ± 0.05 vs 0.02 ± 0.02 mV), taller T wave (0.60 ± 0.27 vs 0.34 ± 0.13 mV), consequently less T wave area (60 ± 29 vs 34 ± 16 mVms), ascending (62 ± 18 vs 53 ± 11) and descending angle (67 ± 17 vs 55 ± 12). Corrected QT was not different among groups.

Conclusions: Testosterone deprivation in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism attenuates J point, T wave peak, T wave area, and T wave descending time, but does not reach to the level of those in healthy women. Testosterone has no effect on QT interval in this group of age. Hormone replacement therapy of these patients will provide informative contribution.
Variations of Intrathoracic Amount of Blood as a Reason of ECG Voltage Changes
Authors: Saltykova Marina , Capderou Andre , Atkov Oleg , Gusakov Victor , Konovalov Gennagiy , Voronin Leonid , Kaspranskiy Rustem , Morgun Valeriy , Bailliart Olivier , Cermack Milan , Vaïda Pierre
Published: October 2003

Background: It is known that electroconduction of intrathoracic organs and tissues significantly influences the ECG voltage. It changes during therapy or exercise test due to redistribution and/or volume variations of blood and body fluids and their electroconductivity variations. This fact must be taken into consideration during interpretation of corresponding ECG. But there are no quantitative estimations of this influence on human ECG. The goals of this study were to estimate the influence of variations of thoracic electroconduction, and heart volume on QRS voltage in humans, due to gravity change.

Methods: ECGs of 26 healthy volunteers were analyzed in upright and supine position. Experimental conditions—acute change of gravity—are created in a special aircraft flying on Kepler's parabola trajectory. Each parabola includes phases of normo‐, hypergravity (blood shifts in caudal direction), and microgravity (blood redistributes in cranial direction). Amplitude of QRS in Frank leads in all phases has been analyzed. 2‐D echo studies for six subjects were used for estimation of heart volume change.

Results: In an upright position during hypergravity the amplitude of R wave in Z increases in 95% of cases (mean 0.19 mV). During microgravity amplitude of R wave in Z decreases in 95% (mean 0.24 mV). In supine position changes of QRS voltage are not significantly.

Conclusion: Blood redistribution during gravity change leads to changes of QRS voltage, which is more expressed and steady on R in Z lead: an average near 0.2 mV. It is due to the balance between two factors: (a) changes of degree of short circuiting by variations in the amount of blood in thorax (b) changes of distance between heart and electrodes as a result of change in the position, form, and volume of the heart.
Multiparasitism of Choristoneura fumiferana by the ichneumonid Tranosema rostrale and the tachinid Actia interrupta: occurrence in the field and outcome of competition under laboratory conditions
Authors: Cusson Michel , Laforge Marlène , Régnière Jacques , Béliveau Catherine , Trudel Diane , Thireau J.‐Claude , Bellemare Guy , Keirstead Natalie , Stolz Don
Published: October 2003

Tranosema rostrale (Brishke) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and Actia interrupta Curran (Hymenoptera: Tachinidae) are the two endoparasitoids most frequently encountered in low‐density populations of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), in the Quebec City region. Monitoring of attack rates of implanted C. fumiferana larvae at two different study sites suggested the possible existence of competition between the two parasitoids, with A. interrupta seemingly displacing T. rostrale. Here, we show that multiparasitism involving these two species does occur in the field, but at a frequency too low to explain the seasonal pattern of decline in apparent parasitism by T. rostrale that accompanies the rise of A. interrupta attack rates. We also provide preliminary evidence, from laboratory experiments, that A. interrupta has a competitive advantage over T. rostrale and that the success of parasitism by A. interrupta may be enhanced by prior parasitism by T. rostrale under certain conditions, possibly due to the presence of the latter species' polydnavirus. In addition, we describe a PCR‐based method that we developed to help detect the presence of T. rostrale eggs which often escape detection by simple visual examination of the dissected host larvae; DNA sequences specific to the polydnavirus injected by the female wasp at the time of oviposition can be readily amplified from whole host larvae.
Clutch size, development and wing morph differentiation of Melittobia digitata
Authors: Cônsoli Fernando L. , Vinson S.Bradleigh
Published: October 2003

Melittobia digitata Dahms (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) is a wing polymorphic, gregarious ectoparasitoid of bees and wasps. In nature, females of this wasp start to produce their progeny after feeding on the host. The first adults to develop will emerge as short wing morphs (SWM). Mother and daughters will lay eggs in the same hosts, and the following females to develop will emerge as long wing morphs (LWM). We evaluated the effects of the clutch size on the development, egg load, and wing morph differentiation of M. digitata. Developmental time was shorter when insects developed in small clutches, and immature survivorship was reduced in the largest clutch (400 eggs/host). Morph differentiation was also affected by the clutch size. SWMs developed in small clutches (5 and 25 eggs/host) while LWMs in large clutches (200 and 400 eggs/host). However, both morphs developed in intermediate clutches (50 and 100 eggs/clutch), with a decreasing number of SWMs developing with the increase in the clutch. The size and egg load of each morph was affected with the increase in the clutch size, although the forewing length/hind‐tibia length ratio was kept constant for each morph developing from different clutch sizes. Egg load of LWMs was also reduced when compared to the SWMs that developed from the same clutch, although LWMs females were larger (longer tibia length). We discuss the possible mechanisms inducing the morph differentiation in M. digitata, as well as the physiological, behavioral, and ecological changes facing each morph.
Morphology of putative female sex pheromone glands and mating behaviour in Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Authors: van Lenteren Joop C. , Schettino Mauro , Isidoro Nunzio , Romani Roberto , van Schelt Jeroen
Published: October 2003

Adult emergence period, sex ratio, female calling behaviour, and the risky mating behaviour of A. aphidimyza in spider webs are described. We provide evidence that A. aphidimyza females produce a sex pheromone and attract males, and we give a description of the location and structure of the supposed pheromone producing glands of A. aphidimyza based on scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This is the first demonstration of occurrence of sex pheromones for a zoophagous species of Cecidomyiidae. The question is discussed why A. aphidimyza is using spider webs for mating.
Ancestral feeding and survival of offspring in European corn borer
Authors: Andow D.A.
Published: October 2003

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of ancestral adult feeding by European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), on larval survival in the field and neonate movement behavior in laboratory. Larval survival was higher when either the grandparental or parental generation had fed, but the feeding sites of the surviving larvae were not affected by ancestral feeding condition. This is the first evidence that grandparental feeding could influence larval survival in the field. Larval movement was observed in the laboratory. Silking speed of neonates was faster when either grandparents or parents had fed, while walking speed was faster only when parents had fed. No broad‐sense genetic correlation was found between silking speed and walking speed. Broad‐sense heritability among feeding histories were not significant for silking speed, but was significantly greater than zero for walking speed when grandparents fed and parents did not. These intergenerational effects could induce complex population dynamics in this species.
Phenological analysis of spring colonisation of apple trees by Anthonomus pomorum
Authors: Toepfer Stefan , Gu Hainan , Dorn Silvia
Published: October 2003

Adult apple blossom weevils, Anthonomus pomorum (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), leave their overwintering sites within and outside orchards to colonise apple trees in early spring. This study was conducted to characterize the temporal pattern of spring colonization of apple trees by overwintered weevils in relation to climatic conditions and apple bud stages, based on multiple mark‐release‐recapture experiments and field observations of foraging activities of weevils. The process of spring colonization of apple trees by overwintered weevils was related to thermal time totals above 0 °C. The dispersal into orchards initiated when the thermal time totals reached 161±27 (s.d.) degree‐days (DD) calculated from January 1, or 117±16 DD from February 1. The daily dispersal speed of individual weevils within orchards was determined primarily by the maximum daily temperature, whereas crawling, feeding, and mating activities of weevils on apple trees were influenced by the mean evening temperature between 18:00 and 22:00 hours. On the other hand, the spring colonization of overwintered weevils was not synchronized with any specific apple bud stage, though the level of female foraging and reproductive activities on apple trees was related to apple bud stages. The overwintered weevils initiated dispersal into orchards over a wide range of bud developmental stages from little silver greenish tip B (51) to the mouse‐ear stage C3 (54). These findings are discussed in relation to the ecology and pest management of this insect.
Whorl and pollen‐shed stage application of Beauveria bassiana for suppression of adult western corn rootworm
Authors: Bruck Denny J. , Lewis Leslie C.
Published: October 2003

The corn rootworm complex is the most damaging insect pest of corn (Zea mays L.). This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of whorl and pollen‐shed stage applications of a granular formulation of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin for control of adult western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte). The effect of application time (whorl‐stage, pollen‐shed) and plant surface exposed (leaves and leaf collars; silks; leaves, leaf collars, and silks) on level of beetle fungal infection were investigated. In addition, the number of colony forming units of B. bassiana in the corn leaf collar area was quantified. In the three years (1998–2000) of the study, application of B. bassiana at whorl‐stage did not significantly increase beetle fungal infection. Beauveria bassiana applied to plants at pollen‐shed in 1998 resulted in a significant increase in beetle infection with 51% of beetles from treated plants infected and 6.0% from control plants. Similar applications at pollen‐shed in 1999 and 2000 resulted in very low infection levels. Beauveria bassiana application at pollen‐shed stage significantly increased the number of colony forming units per leaf collar during all years of the study. Beetle infection with B. bassiana did not differ consistently among plant surface to which beetles were exposed for either application. Increased fungal load in leaf collars was not correlated with increased levels of adult infection. Increased rates of B. bassiana and application when beetles are present on the plants are likely needed to significantly increase infection rates.
Prior encounters modulate subsequent choices in host acceptance behavior by the bark beetle Ips pini
Authors: Wallin Kimberly F. , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: October 2003

Laboratory bioassays indicate that the bark beetle Ips pini employs flexible, rather than absolute, responses to phytochemicals in its host acceptance behavior. Each beetle's decision to enter substrate was influenced by the types and concentrations of monoterpenes present. However, previous rejection of a simulated host containing a moderate concentration of monoterpenes increased the likelihood that the same concentration would be accepted upon a second or third encounter. This flexibility more than offsets any loss of vigor due to starvation and age that accompanies a process of trial and error. Starvation decreased beetles' total lipid content, but beetles can recover some energetic losses by a small amount of feeding during each trial. In addition to its adaptive value, a flexible host acceptance strategy may yield population level consequences. That is, bark beetles preferentially enter trees having low concentrations of monoterpenes, but may modify their acceptance thresholds when cues associated with stressed trees are not available. This could partially explain how some tree‐killing bark beetles colonize a broader physiological range of trees during outbreaks. The adaptive value of relating individual decisions to population density may arise from two ecological relationships: first, as populations rise, the pool of stressed trees is rapidly depleted; secondly, healthy trees are attainable through pheromone – mediated mass attacks when adequate numbers of beetles are present. Flexible host acceptance behaviors may also reduce the advantage of relying exclusively on pre‐landing cues to distinguish between susceptible and non‐susceptible trees.
Effects of age, sex, and dietary history on response to cucurbitacin in Acalymma vittatum
Authors: Smyth Rebecca R. , Tallamy Douglas W. , Renwick J. Alan A. , Hoffmann Michael P.
Published: October 2003

The chrysomelid Acalymma vittatum is stenophagous, subsisting almost entirely on plants in the Cucurbitaceae, which generally contain cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins are extremely bitter tetracyclic triterpenoids that are toxic to most organisms. As do other diabroticite beetles, A. vittatum sequester cucurbitacins, which have been shown to act as phagostimulants and arrestants. Our results reveal, however, that for A. vittatum the response to cucurbitacin diminishes with continued sequestration. Colony‐reared A. vittatum were fed only roots (as larvae) and foliage of either ‘Marketmore 76’ (which contains a normal amount of cucurbitacin, ‘bitter’) or ‘Marketmore 80’ (a near isogenic line that contains no cucurbitacin, ‘non‐bitter’) cucumber. Over 1200 individual beetles from the day of adult emergence to 15 days following emergence were placed in choice and no‐choice arenas containing potted cotyledons of the two cucumber varieties for 24 h. In choice tests, overall preference for the bitter cucumber cultivar was maintained, but degree of preference changed with age and became significantly less for beetles reared on bitter diets. Furthermore, in no‐choice tests, age, sex, dietary history, and interactions among these variables all significantly affected the feeding response to cucurbitacin. For A. vittatum reared without cucurbitacin, total consumption of the bitter cultivar increased over time. For beetles reared with cucurbitacin, total foliage consumption of the bitter cultivar declined, within nine days, to equal that of the non‐bitter cultivar. Feral A. vittatum, unexpectedly, consumed more of the non‐bitter than the bitter cultivar in no‐choice tests. Ecological and applied implications of this variation in response to cucurbitacin are discussed.
Interactive effects of leaf maturation and phenolics on consumption and growth of a geometrid moth
Authors: Haukioja Erkki , Ossipov Vladimir , Lempa Kyösti
Published: October 2003

Phenolic compounds are commonly regarded as the main chemical defenses of deciduous woody plants against insects. To examine how indices of leaf maturation (water content, toughness, and sugar/protein ratio) modified larval consumption and growth relative to phenolics and phenolic‐related leaf traits, we measured consumption and growth of fourth‐instar Epirrita autumnata (Bkh.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) larvae on three different days on young, normal, and mature leaves, respectively, from the same mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii (Orlova) Hämet‐Ahti) trees. The larvae achieved the same growth rates on young and normal leaves, but had to consume 40% more on the latter. On more mature leaves, larval growth was poorer and was positively correlated with sugar/protein ratios (although the ratio peaked at that time). Indices of leaf maturation correlated with several phenolics in data pooled over the three study days, but poorly in any individual day. Similarly, in the pooled data, larval consumption and growth correlated with several leaf traits, but correlations between leaf and insect traits were few on any of the three days, and no trait was significant on each of the three days.

We next examined whether variation in the maturation indices modified the associations of phenolics with insect consumption and growth. When interactions between phenolics and leaf maturation indices were taken into account, the number of phenolic compounds displaying significant associations with insect traits more than doubled. The relative importance of interactive versus direct associations increased with leaf maturation: on young leaves five phenolics showed direct and eleven interactive associations with insect traits, while in mature leaves we found two phenolics to display direct and thirteen phenolics interactive associations. Leaf water content, either alone or together with toughness and sugar/protein ratio, generally explained more of the variance in Epirrita growth (up to 59%) than any phenolic or phenolic‐related trait alone (highest value 20%). Including interactive effects between phenolics and indices of leaf maturation in the model increased the proportion explained of variance in larval growth between 49 and 73%. Maturation indices explained 0 to 23% of variance in consumption, and the phenolic compound with the highest (positive!) correlation alone up to 28%, but taking into account interactions between phenolics and maturation indices raised the degree of explanation much (namely, 32 to 53%) over that explained by indices of leaf maturation alone. This indicates strong interactive effects on consumption between phenolics and indices of leaf maturation.
The effect of ozone fumigation and different Brassica rapa lines on the feeding behaviour of Pieris brassicae larvae
Authors: Jøndrup Pernille M. , Barnes Jeremy D. , Port Gordon R.
Published: October 2003

Elevated levels of tropospheric ozone and their effects on plants have been studied for a great number of years. Ozone is a gaseous pollutant and acts as a phytotoxin. Even though ozone is known to change the physiology of plants, little attention has been given to the indirect effects of ozone on plant‐insect interactions. This paper addresses this question by investigating the interactive effects of ozone and plant genotype on insects. Lines of rapid‐cycling Brassica rapa (L.) selected for their contrasting sensitivity to ozone and Pieris brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) were used as a model system. The effect of differences in ozone sensitivity and ozone fumigation on the plant's carbon and nitrogen pools, the feeding preference, and behaviour of P. brassicae larvae were investigated. The results show that the plant's susceptibility to ozone interacts in a complex way with ozone induced alterations in the suitability of the plant for the insect. Only the larval performance on the sensitive line was affected by ozone exposure. Biochemical changes in the resistant B. rapa line made the plant a better food source for the insects, since the digestibility of this plant was significantly higher than that of the sensitive line, and the larvae pupated more quickly and were heavier.
Larval feeding experience influences adult predator acceptance of chemically defended prey
Authors: Rayor Linda S. , Munson Steven
Published: October 2003

Generalist predatory paper wasps, Polistes dominulus, experience plant secondary defensive compounds as developing larvae through their herbivorous lepidopteran caterpillar prey and as adults through attacking caterpillars while foraging. We evaluated the role that larval and early adult experience with unpalatable prey plays in subsequent foraging choices by adult wasps. For periods of two or four weeks, caged wasps were raised exclusively on caterpillars of either unpalatable Buckeye, Junonia coenia, that sequester substantial levels of iridoid glycosides (IG) or on Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui, that contain very low levels of IG. Wasps were then allowed to forage on both caterpillar species simultaneously. Patterns of prey capture differed significantly based on previous prey experience. Regardless of previous feeding experience, adult wasps overwhelmingly preferred to take Vanessa. Yet Junonia‐experienced wasps continued to attack and take back to the nest over 50% more Junonia than did Vanessa‐experienced wasps. The longer the wasps' larval experience with Junonia, the more likely they were to capture Junonia caterpillars. However, the life stage at which the wasps experienced Junonia was also influential as young adult experience with the unpalatable prey was more of a deterrent than was experience strictly as larvae for Junonia‐experienced wasps. The results demonstrate that, in these predators, previous experience with deterrent chemicals during their larval development alters patterns of prey acceptability to the adult insects.
Host plant use of Phyllotreta nemorum: do coadapted gene complexes play a role?
Authors: de Jong Peter W. , Nielsen Jens Kvist
Published: October 2003

The view of (insect) populations as assemblages of local subpopulations connected by gene flow is gaining ground. In such structured populations, local adaptation may occur. In phytophagous insects, one way in which local adaptation has been demonstrated is by performing reciprocal transplant experiments where performance of insects on native and novel host plants are compared. Trade‐offs are assumed to be responsible for a negative correlation in performance on alternative host plants. Due to mixed results of these experiments, the importance of trade‐offs in host plant use of phytophagous insects has been under discussion. Here we propose that another genetic mechanism, the evolution of coadapted gene complexes, might also be associated with local adaptation. In this case, however, transplant experiments might not reveal any local adaptation until hybridization takes place. We review the results we have obtained in our work on the host plant use of the flea beetle Phyllotreta nemorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), and propose a hypothesis involving coadapted genes to explain the distribution of genes that render P. nemorum resistant to defences of one of its host plants, Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. (Cruciferae).
Overwintering of the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoidis
Authors: Wade F.A. , Leather S.R.
Published: October 2003

Spatial and temporal aspects of overwintering in the holocyclic sycamore aphid Drepanosiphum platanoidis (Schrank) (Homoptera: Callaphididae) were investigated. Eggs of D. platanoidis were principally laid on trunks and branches of Acer pseudoplatanus L., at considerable distances from the buds. Trunks with rough bark, followed by branches with moderate roughness supported more overwintering eggs than the relatively exposed smooth surfaces of twigs and terminal buds. Eggs were aggregated on rough bark. Aspect had no effect on the number of eggs laid. Experimental manipulations varying ovipara densities showed intra‐specific competition among oviparae for optimal oviposition sites. Overwintering egg mortality was a function of time, with the greatest mortality rate occurring in late winter. Egg mortality varied from 80.4% to 76.9% on trunks and 83.0% to 65.9% on branches in 1996 and 1997.
Effect of physiological state of young Ceratitis capitata females, on resource foraging behavior
Authors: Cohen Hadass , Voet Hillary
Published: October 2003

We investigated the influence of the physiological state of young female Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on resource foraging behavior and mating propensity in field cage studies. Three kinds of diets were supplied prior to release on host plants: (1) 2% sucrose, (2) 20% sucrose, and (3) protein hydrolysate. Laboratory‐cultured C. capitata females of different ages, ranging between 3–9 days old, were released in field cages containing two potted citrus tree seedlings, each consisting of either proteinacous or carbohydrate sources. Flies 3–7 days old, exposed to 2% sucrose, showed no preference for either source, while other groups, at the same age, displayed a significant influence of diet. Conversely, the behavior of flies within the age 8–9 days old was governed only by their reproductive needs, all three groups being significantly attracted to protein. In additional field‐cage studies, mating propensity of similar groups was observed. Copulation was significantly higher among immature flies fed on proteinacous diet than those exposed to carbohydrate sources prior to their release.
Kinks, rings, and rackets in filamentous structures
Authors: Cohen Adam E. , Mahadevan L.
Published: October 2003

Carbon nanotubes and biological filaments each spontaneously assemble into kinked helices, rings, and “tennis racket” shapes due to competition between elastic and interfacial effects. We show that the slender geometry is a more important determinant of the morphology than any molecular details. Our mesoscopic continuum theory is capable of quantifying observations of these structures and is suggestive of their occurrence in other filamentous assemblies as well.