bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals of extended erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters
Authors: Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L. , van den Broek Nicole M.A. , Curvers Joyce
Published: May 2012

Optical analysis of erythrocytes can provide information on the hemoglobin concentration and content of reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes. Such parameters have proven clinical utility in anemia diagnosis and therapy monitoring. For interpretation, reliable reference ranges are needed. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for extended erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters as measured with the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire hematology analyzer. Secondary aims were to study sample stability and to investigate gender- and age dependency of the reference ranges.

Extended RBC parameters were measured in routine samples of a primary health care laboratory. The study cohort included 8161 samples of unique individuals, which were analyzed using Bhattacharya statistics. As a comparison, reference intervals were calculated in a subset of individuals without iron depletion.

The majority of erythrocyte and reticulocyte para\xadmeters were normally distributed, allowing calculation of reference intervals. Only for hypo- and hyperchromic erythrocytes non-parametric statistics had to be used. The reference range for mean cellular hemoglobin content of reticulocytes (MCHr) was 28.5–34.5 pg (1.77–2.14 fmol) in the entire study group and 26.0–35.1 pg (1.60–2.17 fmol) in the non iron-depleted subgroup. No differences between sexes were found. Most parameters showed significant age effects in children and adolescents.

Reference intervals have been established for extended RBC and reticulocyte parameters for the CELL-DYN Sapphire. Gender effects could not be demonstrated and age effects were of limited size, except for individuals younger than 18 years. Extended RBC parameters are stable for at least 6 h after blood collection.
Age-related changes in serum amino acids concentrations in healthy individuals
Authors: Kouchiwa Takanori , Wada Keiko , Uchiyama Mari , Kasezawa Nobuhiko , Niisato Mitsuko , Murakami Hiromi , Fukuyama Kazue , Yokogoshi Hidehiko
Published: May 2012

Serum amino acids, part of a pool of free amino acids, are influenced by metabolism and disease. Few reports exist describing their function and concentrations in serum. Our study aimed to determine age- and gender-related differences in serum amino acid concentrations in healthy Japanese patients, focusing on their inclusion in body proteins.

Healthy patients with normal liver and kidney function were selected based on biochemical variables. Serum amino acid concentrations in 23–88-year-old patients (312 males, 252 females; 52.1±15.0 years) were evaluated to determine the normal values and to clarify the differences in concentration. The patients were divided into 11 groups according to their gender and age (in 5-year increments), and serum amino acid concentrations were determined as the normal values for each group.

Some amino acids increased or decreased with age. Values of leucine, threonine, methionine, histidine, glycine, serine and taurine decreased with age in males, whereas, those of threonine and serine decreased with age in females (p<0.05). In contrast, values of phenylalanine, aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, alanine, citrulline, ornithine, arginine and tyrosine increased with age in males, whereas, values of phenylalanine, lysine, asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, alanine, citrulline, ornithine, arginine, tyrosine and proline increased with age in females (p<0.05).

We clarified basic trends of age- and gender-related amino acid concentrations in serum. In normal healthy Japanese people who ate normally and lived an independent life, there are significant age- and gender-related differences.
A pragmatic proposal for permissible limits in external quality assessment schemes with a compromise between biological variation and the state of the art
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Kratochvila Josef , Carobene Anna
Published: May 2012

Permissible limits for internal and external quality assurance are either based on biological variation or on the state of the art (technical feasibility). The former approach has a scientific basis, but, in some cases, leads to limits which are either not achievable under the present technology, or which are not stringent enough. If proficiency testing is mandatory, stringent limits which cannot be fulfilled by the majority of laboratories could lead to juristic consequences. Therefore, most national guidelines were based on the state of the art, however, without providing the underlying reasoning. A simple algorithm for permissible limits in external quality assessment schemes (EQAS) is proposed based on biological variation, technical feasibility and correlated to the rate of false positive results. The proposed limits are compared with some limits from several EQAS (RiliBÄK, SEKK, RCPA, CLIA, PROLARIT). The suggested limits are slightly more stringent than the German RiliBÄK, less stringent than the Australasian guidelines and agreed best with the Czech SEKK and the Italian PROLARIT scheme. The graphical presentation of permissible limits strictly derived of biological variation with the proposed limits led to straight lines with different slopes and a cross-over at the limits for quantities with a medium biological variation (e.g., trijodthyronine). The greatest discordance between the various recommendations was observed for calcium, chloride, hemoglobin A
Reference change values for lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive α-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Kanke Futoshi , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Satomura Shinji
Published: May 2012

Ten patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and without HCC were enrolled in the study. Serum samples were collected at 14-day intervals, and 10 samples in total were obtained for each patient. AFP-L3 and DCP levels were measured by microchip capillary electrophoresis and liquid-phase binding assay. Intra-individual (CV

The CV

Increases in values for AFP-L3 and DCP within 68.3% and 58.5% may be biological variations. Clinician should take these variations into consideration for the management of patients with HCV infection under surveillance of HCC.
Reference intervals and biological variation for kallikrein 6: influence of age and renal failure
Authors: Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Diamandis Anastasia , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2012

Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is a serine protease involved in numerous cellular processes, up-regulated in many cancers and associated with some neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to establish a reference interval and estimate the biological variation of KLK6 in serum samples of adults. Furthermore, levels of this protein in patients with renal failure were also studied.

Serum samples from healthy volunteers (n=136) were collected. Between 15 and 18 additional samples from four of these subjects were obtained over a period of 2 months. Samples from individuals (n=1043) who visited the University Health Network for a routine check-up were collected to study the association between KLK6 with age and gender. Samples from patients with renal failure (n=106) were also obtained and KLK6 and creatinine concentrations were analyzed by ELISA and an automated enzymatic method, respectively.

The reference interval was established to be 1.04–3.93 ng/mL. The index of individuality was 0.43 and the reference change value was 35%. Only two serum samples would be required to estimate the homeostatic setting point of an individual. There is a weak but highly significant positive correlation between KLK6 and age (p<0.0001). Furthermore, there is a significant positive correlation between serum concentrations of KLK6 and creatinine (p<0.0001), in patients with renal failure.

The established reference interval for KLK6 and the estimation of its biological variation will further aid in the clinical use of this protein as a serum marker of malignancy and other diseases.
Die Verjährung im Strafrecht
Authors: Satzger Helmut
Published: May 2012

Zumindest im Zivilrecht dürfte wohl jedem Studierenden das
Rechtsinstitut der Verjährung (§§ 194 ff. BGB) bereits in den ersten Semestern einmal begegnet sein. Die Existenz und Anwendung
der Verjährungsregeln im Strafrecht sind den Meisten weit weniger bekannt, in Klausuren und Hausarbeiten wird diese Problematik nur selten thematisiert. Gleichwohl gehört die Kenntnis der Grundlagen des Verjährungsrechts, die Unterscheidung in Verfolgungs- und Vollstreckungsverjährung, die Verjährungsfristen und ihre Berechnung, insbes. auch das Ruhen und die Unterbrechung der Verjährung zum Rüstzeug eines jeden Strafjuristen. Einen Überblick über die in §§ 78 ff. StGB geregelte Materie und über die wesentliche Probleme enthält der folgende Beitrag.
Die Rechtsprechung des BGH zur wirtschaftlichen Neugründung auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Walla Fabian
Published: May 2012

Die Haftung der Gründer einer Kapitalgesellschaft im Zuge
einer sog. wirtschaftlichen Neugründung steht nach zwei
obergerichtlichen Entscheidungen aus jüngerer Zeit wieder
im Blickpunkt der gesellschaftsrechtlichen Diskussion. Der
BGH hat sich im März 2012 erneut zu seinem Haftungsmodell
geäußert (Az: II ZR 56/10); die Entscheidungsgründe
lagen bei Drucklegung dieses Beitrags noch nicht vor. Der Problemkreis der Haftung bei einer wirtschaftlichen Neugründung berührt zahlreiche grundlegende Fragestellungen des Kapitalgesellschaftsrechts und ist daher für entsprechend ausgerichtete Schwerpunktbereiche als in hohem Maße examensrelevant anzusehen.
Equine wound healing: influence of low level laser therapy on an equine metacarpal wound healing model
Authors: Jann Henry W. , Bartels Kenneth , Ritchey Jerry W. , Payton Mark , Bennett John M.
Published: May 2012

To evaluate the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on healing of full thickness symmetrical skin wounds in horses. LLLT is a therapeutic modality using the application of light, usually a low power laser or light emitting diode in the power range of 1 mW to 12 W that, in practical terms, promotes tissue regeneration as well as reducing inflammation and pain.

Experimental study.

Healthy horses (n=8).

Full thickness, 2.5 cm square skin wounds were created in the mid-metacarpal region on one leg of eight normal horses. LLLT was used on limbs assigned to the experimental group and limbs assigned to the control group were allowed to heal without treatment. LLLT was administered using a line generated optical scanner with a dual diode laser system (model EML; Erchonia Laser Healthcare, McKinney, TX, USA) at a wavelength of 635 nm and an energy output of 17 mW per diode. Wound size was measured for an 80-day period post operatively. Eighty days after surgery incisional biopsies were examined histologically.

Wounds treated with LLLT healed faster than the control wounds (

LLLT increased the rate of wound healing.
From the editors
Authors: Bartels Kenneth E. , Auer Jörg A.
Published: May 2012

No abstract available.
Rhetoric in the Light of Plato's Epistemological Criticisms
Authors: Miller Dana
Published: May 2012

Plato's chief argument against rhetoric is epistemological. Plato claims that rhetoric accomplishes what it does on the basis of experience, not knowledge. In this article I examine Plato's criticisms of rhetoric in the Gorgias and the Phaedrus. I argue that Plato is right to identify rhetoric's empirical basis, but that having this epistemic basis does not constitute an argument against rhetoric. On the contrary, Plato's criticism of rhetoric serves to give us an epistemological explanation of rhetoric's success.
The μῦθος of Pernicious Rhetoric: The Platonic Possibilities of λογός in Aristotle's Rhetoric
Authors: Reames Robin
Published: May 2012

This essay argues that Plato's use of narrative conceals within Socrates' explicit rejection of rhetoric an implicit authorial endorsement, manifested in the dialectical and rhetorical failures surrounding Socrates' deliberations over logos. I suggest that Aristotle's Rhetoric is consonant with Plato's view in its general affirmation of rhetoric's power, utility, and necessity as well as in its specific recommendations regarding logos. I employ Martin Heidegger's explication of logos in Aristotle to illuminate how the term conforms to Plato's implicit position regarding logos and rhetoric. This interpretation entails an expanded meaning of logos as it is found in Rhetoric, assigning it a more primary, pre-logical, oral content.
Burke's Vehemence and the Rhetoric of Historical Exaggeration
Authors: Stryer Steven
Published: May 2012

This article seeks to explain Edmund Burke's notorious verbal vehemence as the consequence of a deliberate rhetorical strategy. I argue that over the course of a thirty-year parliamentary career, Burke relied on sharply formulated historical contrasts in order to express his opposition to the policies of successive ministries and warn of threats to the nation's defining achievements. Through the use of four distinct syntactical patterns, Burke cultivated a style of hyperbole which exaggerated both the failings of the present and the virtues of the national past, focusing on two periods in particular: the High Middle Ages and the early eighteenth-century era of Whig Oligarchy.
Estrogen inhibits D2S receptor-regulated Gi3 and Gs protein interactions to stimulate prolactin production and cell proliferation in lactotropic cells
Authors: Sengupta A , Sarkar D K
Published: May 2012

The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is known to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion and the proliferation of lactotropes in the pituitary gland. Dopamine-2 (D2) receptor short (D2S) isoform is expressed in a reduced level while the D2 receptor long (D2L) isoform is expressed in an elevated level during estradiol (E2)-induced PRL production and cell proliferation in lactotropes. To evaluate the role of these D2 receptor isoforms in E2-regulated lactotropic cell function, we compared E2effects on the level of PRL, cell proliferation, and G proteins in enriched lactotropes and lactotrope-derived PR1 cells containing only D2S isoform (D2S cells), D2L isoform (D2L cells), or no D2 receptor (V cells). Additionally, we determined the effects of G protein blockade on the E2-induced PRL production and cell proliferation in these cells. We here show that E2actions on G proteins, PRL production, and cell proliferation were maximally achieved in D2S cells, oppositely or marginally achieved in D2L cells, and absent in V cells. We also show that the DA and pertussis toxin modulations of E2actions on PRL, G proteins, and cell proliferation were maximally achieved in D2S cells compared with in D2L or V cells. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the existence of an inhibitory action of Gi3 on Gs that is under the control of the D2S receptor and is inhibited by E2. These results suggest that the suppression of D2S-regulated Gi3 inhibition of Gs protein may be one of the mechanisms controlling E2-activated PRL synthesis and cell proliferation in lactotropes.
Register and the features of translated language
Authors: Kruger Haidee , Rooy Bertus
Published: May 2012

Against the background of current corpus-based research on the features of translated language, this study investigates two research questions that emerge as “gaps” in existing research: (1) What are the occurrence patterns for the different hypothesised features of translated language, investigated together? (2) What is the relationship between register and the features of translated language? Utilising a comparable corpus of translated and original English produced in South Africa, the study tests two hypotheses based on the above questions. The first hypothesis is that the occurrence of linguistic realisations associated with particular features of translated language will demonstrate significant differences in a corpus of translated English texts and a comparable corpus of non-translated English texts, reflecting overall more explicit, more conservative, and simplified language use in the translation corpus than in the corpus of original writing. As a starting point for factoring in the variable of register, it was further hypothesised that the frequency of these features in the translation corpus will show no significant effect for the relationship between corpus and register — in other words, the translation-related features would not be strongly linked to register variation. This has the collateral effect of suggesting a broader hypothesis that in the translation corpus less register variation, or sensitivity to register, will occur, specifically as a consequence of translation-specific effects. The findings from the investigation provide limited support for the first hypothesis, with statistically significant differences between the two corpora for only two of the features investigated: the use of the optionalthatcomplementiser, and lexical variety. The second hypothesis, that the interference of the translation process will lead to a “levelling out” of registers, is not supported by the findings.
Indicators of difficulty in translation — Correlating product and process data
Authors: Dragsted Barbara
Published: May 2012

This article sets out to investigate the correlation between indicators of difficulty observable in translation product and translation process data respectively. It has been claimed that the number of alternative renditions in the target text across a group of subjects translating the same source text item indicates the degree of cognitive effort. We identified words with high versus low target text variability across eight subjects and related these to various indicators of difficulty observable in process data from eye-tracking and keystroke logging: number of fixations, gaze time, pauses and self-corrections. We found highly significant correlations between product and process data: high target text variability across subjects correlated with high fixation counts, long gaze time and long pauses. High variability in the target text was also associated with more self-corrections, but we found few traces of tentative solutions being produced and considered, and subsequently replaced by other solutions.
Anodic Hydrogen Oxidation at Bare and Pt-modified Ru(0001) in Flowing Electrolyte – Theory versus Experiment
Authors: Hoster Harry E.
Published: May 2012

This paper reports on electrochemical hydrogen oxidation at atomically smooth single crystal surfaces. These surfaces are considered as planar models for (bi)metallic nanoparticles that are commonly used as catalytically active electrode materials in low-temperature fuel cells. These samples are prepared in ultrahigh vacuum but are characterized under conditions of enhanced mass transport in hydrogen saturated electrolyte. The two examples shown in this paper are Ru(0001) with or without an atomically thin layer of Pt. The Pt thin layer turns out to be more active than pure Ru(0001) by three orders of magnitude and also more active than bulk Pt electrodes. We show that those findings agree very well with predictions based on density functional theory in combination with a simple kinetic model.
Room temperature ferromagnetism of Fe-doped ZnO and MgO thin films prepared by ink-jet printing
Authors: Fang Mei , Voit Wolfgang , Kyndiah Adrica , Wu Yan , Belova Lyubov , Rao K. V.
Published: May 2012

Room temperature magnetic properties of un-doped, as well as 10 at.% Fe-doped ZnO and MgO single-pass layer of ink-jet printed thin films have been investigated to obtain insight into the role of the band gaps and mechanisms for the origin of ferromagnetic order in these materials. It is found that on doping with Fe, the saturation magnetization is enhanced by several-fold in both systems when compared with the respective un-doped thin films. For a “28 nm thick film of Fe-doped ZnO (Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor, DMS) we observe an enhanced moment of 0.465μB /Fe atom while it is around 0.111μB/Fe atom for the doped MgO (Diluted Magnetic Insulator, DMI) film of comparable thickness. Also, the pure ZnO is far more ferromagnetic than pure MgO at comparable low film thicknesses which can be attributed to defect induced magnetism originating from cat-ion vacancies. However, the film thickness dependence of the magnetization and the defect concentrations are found to be significantly different in the two systems so that a comparison of the magnetism becomes more complex for thicker films.
Culturing Cells on Flexible Substrates of High Refractive Indexes
Authors: Liu You-Ren , Kuo Po-Ling
Published: May 2012

Mechanical cues in cellular microenvironment are central in directing a class of cellular behaviors such as the dynamic of cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Several advanced optical techniques, such as structured-illumination nano-profilometry (SINAP), have been developed for a better resolution of these dynamic processes. These techniques however require culturing cells on materials of refractive index close to that of glass, while most studies regarding the effects of mechanical cues on cellular dynamics were conducted on hydrogel-based substrates. Here we report the development of culturing substrates of tunable rigidity and refractive index suitable for SINAP studies. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based substrates were mixed with a softener called Di(isononyl) Cyclohexane-1,2-Dicarboxylate (DINCH) and cured by heating. The volume ratios of PVC to DINCH were varied from 1:1 to 3:1. The Young’s modulus of the resulting substrates ranged from 18 kPa to 40 kPa. The yielded refractive indices of the composite substrates as measured by phase contrast tomography ranged from 1.47 to 1.53. Human lung adenocarcinoma cells CL1-5 were cultured on the composite substrates and cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. The dynamics of cell adhesion and filopodia activities were examined using SINAP. Preliminary results suggest that PVC based culturing substrates have a great potential in the application of SINAP based studies.
Interface Orientation Distribution during Grain Growth in Bulk SrTiO3 Measured by Means of 3D X-Ray Diffraction Contrast Tomography
Authors: Syha Melanie , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Bäurer Michael , Lauridsen Erik M. , Ludwig Wolfgang , Weygand Daniel , Gumbsch Peter
Published: May 2012

3D x-ray diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) is a non-destructive technique for the determination of grain shape and crystallography in polycrystalline bulk materials. Using this technique, a strontium titanate specimen was repeatedly measured between annealing steps.. A systematic analysis of the growth history of selected grains before and after the ex-situ annealing step allows to extract the topological and morphological changes during grain growth. Furthermore, misorientation as well as interface orientation information of the microstructure reconstructions have been determined. The interface normal distribution clearly shows a preference for (100) oriented interfaces in the selected grains when annealed at 1600°C. This observation can be connected to existent interfacial energy estimations resulting from capillarity vector reconstructions.
O papel da avaliação para a tomada de decisão na gestão de serviços de saúde
Authors: Tanaka Oswaldo Yoshimi , Tamaki Edson Mamoru
Published: May 2012

A gestão de serviços de saúde é uma prática administrativa complexa em função da amplitude desse campo e da necessidade de conciliar interesses individuais, corporativos e coletivos nem sempre convergentes. Nesse contexto, a avaliação necessita ter características particulares para poder cumprir com o seu papel. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de estabelecer as características que a avaliação para a gestão de serviços de saúde deve possuir para contribuir para a tomada de decisão. Utilidade, oportunidade, factibilidade, confiabilidade, objetividade e direcionalidade constituem o conjunto de princípios que deve ancorar essa avaliação. Uma avaliação que conduza a decisões que garantam não somente a sua eficiência e eficácia, mas também a sua implementação. O processo avaliativo deve buscar que as decisões tomadas levem em consideração as necessidades de saúde da população, as metas definidas pelos serviços e que envolvam todos os interessados de forma a tornar viável a implementação das decisões tomadas. O presente artigo tem o propósito de desencadear um debate entre os distintos interessados em avaliação na expectativa de que possam contribuir na reflexão quanto à real utilidade da avaliação em que o componente político na gestão tem sido cada vez mais predominante.
Subsídios sobre práticas de monitoramento e avaliação sobre gestão governamental em Secretarias Municipais de Saúde
Authors: Miranda Alcides Silva de , Carvalho André Luis Bonifácio de , Cavalcante Caio Garcia Correia Sá
Published: May 2012

O que os dirigentes de Secretarias Municipais de Saúde (SMS) referem e relatam acerca do monitoramento e avaliação sistemática da própria gestão governamental? O propósito desta publicação é apresentar subsídios para a formulação de hipóteses plausíveis acerca de tais processos e práticas institucionais, a partir de informações produzidas em estudo exploratório. Trata-se de estudo de casos múltiplos, com análise quanti-qualitativa sobre respostas a um questionário semiestruturado aplicado a dirigentes governamentais de uma amostra sistemática de 577 Secretarias Municipais de Saúde (10,4 % do total no Brasil), selecionadas e estratificadas por distribuição proporcional nas unidades federativas e por portes populacionais de municípios. De um modo geral, denota-se que aproximadamente metade dos respondentes utiliza informações de Monitoramento Avaliação em Saúde para subsidiar processos decisórios, planejamento e outros enfoques de gestão. Esta proporção tende a diminuir em municípios de menores portes populacionais. Há lacunas específicas e significativas nos gerenciamento financeiro, de pessoal e de situações de crises. A consubstanciação de hipóteses reforça a constatação de que estes processos encontram-se ainda em fase incipiente.
Comparative Evaluation of Nasopharyngeal Airways of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Using Three-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Methods
Authors: Aras Isil , Olmez Sultan , Dogan Servet
Published: May 2012

Aim

Comparison of nasopharyngeal airway dimensions among UCLP patients and the control group.

Materials and Methods

Computed tomography imaging data and cephalometric films of 20 patients with UCLP and 20 controls were acquired prior to treatment. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of nasal, superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal airways were carried out from dicom data, and volumes of these compartments were calculated. Nasal width and superior, middle, and inferior nasopharyngeal areas were calculated from cephalometric films.

Results

The only statistically significant difference among the cleft and noncleft patients was detected in nasal volume ( p < .01). Upper and middle pharyngeal airway areas were found to display significant larger areas in the noncleft group on cephalometric appraisal. Nonsignificantly larger nasal widths were measured in the cleft group.

Discussion and Conclusion

Evaluation of the nasopharyngeal airways of cleft and noncleft patients was done, resulting in only the nasal region showing statistically significant difference. Our results showed significantly lower nasal volume measurements of cleft patients when compared with the healthy individuals (p < .01). This inadequacy can be interpreted as an outcome of the deficiency. The controversy among results of cephalometric appraisal and 3D imaging can be associated with superimpositions, density, and contrast inadequacies and obscured landmarks. When 2D data are compared with 3D data, the former can be insufficient and therefore deceiving. Consequently, although the radiation dose of 3D imaging systems is greater, they have the advantage of superior diagnostic outputs.
Eastern Palaearctic Cynipid Inquilines — The Genus Ceroptres Hartig, 1840 with Descriptions of Two New Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipinae)
Authors: Wang Yiping , Liu Zhiwei , Chen Xuexin
Published: May 2012

As part of a study on the inquilinous cynipids belonging to the tribe Synergini (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipinae) in the Chinese fauna, we report in the present paper three species of the genus Ceroptres Hartig from that country, including C. masudaiAbe, 1997 and two new species, C. distinctus sp. nov. and C. setosus sp. nov. In addition to detailed descriptions of the new species, we also provide an illustrated key to the species of the genus known from the Palaearctic region and a brief comparison between the Palaearctic and Nearctic Ceroptres species. Type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Parasitic Hymenoptera Collection, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (ZJUH).
Review and Key to the World Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) ofAphis ruborum(Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Its Role as a Host Reservoir
Authors: Havelka Jan , Tomanović Željko , Kavallieratos Nickolas G , Rakhshani Ehsan , Pons Xavier , Petrović Andjeljko , Pike Keith S , Starý Petr
Published: May 2012

A review and illustrated key of the aphidiine parasitoids of Aphis ruborum (Börner and Schilder) are presented including their distribution. The parasitoid spectrum of A. ruborum in the West Palaearctic is rich, composed of Aphidius colemani Viereck, Aphidius matricariae Haliday, Binodoxys acalephae (Marshall), Binodoxys angelicae (Haliday), Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, Lipolexis gracilis Förster, Lysiphlebus confusus Tremblay and Eady, Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall), and Praon abjectum (Haliday), and supplemented by the introduction of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson). In the Americas the parasitoid complex of A. ruborum consists of A. colemani, Aphidius ervi Haliday (South America), and L. testaceipes (South and North America). Furthermore, the reservoir role of A. ruborum in various ecosystems was investigated in Europe (France) and South America (Chile). Faunal peculiarities and relationships of the parasitoid taxa are discussed together with a synopsis of their potential as biocontrol agents.
Revision of the Austro-Oriental Planthopper Genus Dictyomorpha with Description of a New Genus Indodictyophara gen. nov. From South India (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Dictyopharidae)
Authors: Liang Ai-Ping , Song Zhi-Shun
Published: May 2012

The Austro-Oriental planthopper genus DictyomorphaMelichar, 1912 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Dictyopharidae) is revised to contain three previously described and four undescribed species: D. elongataMelichar, 1912 (Papua New Guinea, Indonesia); D. furca sp. nov. (China); D. hecticaHaupt, 1926 (Philippines); D. laosensis sp. nov. (Laos); D. moluccana (Kirkaldy, 1913) (from AmboinaKirkaldy, 1913) comb. nov. (Indonesia); D. sulawesiensis sp. nov. (Indonesia); and D. unifasciata Liang, sp. nov. (Vietnam). The monotypic genus AmboinaKirkaldy, 1913 is synonymized with DictyomorphaMelichar, 1912. Descriptions or redescriptions of Dictyomorpha and its included species are provided together with the dorsal habitus of the adults and nymphs and the structural illustrations. Fifth-instar nymph and wax glands of Dictyomorpha species are described for the first time. A diagnostic key is provided for differentiation of the known species in the genus. New data on the ultrastructural morphology of the antennal sensilla, rostral apex, and hind pretarsus of D. moluccana and the wax glands of the nymph of D. hectica are provided for the first time from the scanning electron microscope observations. Autapomorphies are proposed to support the monophyly of Dictyomorpha. A new genus Indodictyophara gen. nov., which is closely related to Dictyomorpha, also is established for a single new species, I. lobosa sp. nov., from southern India.
Review of Dispersal, Survival, and Establishment ofBactrocera tryoni(Diptera: Tephritidae) for Quarantine Purposes
Authors: Dominiak Bernard C
Published: May 2012

The fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a species of significant quarantine concern to many countries. Currently, B. tryoni is found in parts of Australia and on some Pacific islands. Understanding dispersal behavior is important for the development of scientifically justified trade restrictions or quarantine distances for B. tryoni. These distances ensure adequate protection for overseas markets while also ensuring that growers sufficiently distant from the affected area are able to retain unrestricted access to markets. This review considers scientific data on dispersal and uses this information to make recommendations for appropriate quarantine distances. Most studies conclude that the lifetime dispersal distance of this species rarely exceeds 1 km, although three studies indicate that longer dispersal distances of a small number of individuals may occasionally occur. These short dispersal distances are consistent with findings for other fruit fly species. Triggers for long-distance dispersal, the fate of these individual flies, nutritional requirements to support this dispersal, and reasons for discrepancies in the dispersal distances reported in different studies are reviewed. Reasons for the inability of B. tryoni to establish along southern parts of the east coast of Australia before European colonization are postulated. A proposed quarantine distance is based on the scientific basis of the mean and 3 SD, with a 3-fold level of protection based on distance. It is proposed that an area contained by a circle with a radius of 1.2 km is a reasonable quarantine area for B. tryoni outbreaks where flies are contained within 200 m of an epicenter. Where total trappings are contained within 400 m of the epicenter, a quarantine distance of 2.4 km is recommended. Three other quarantine distances are proposed based on the formula by using the mean.
Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Communities of the Southern Cumberland Plateau
Authors: Davis Rex A , Zigler Kirk S
Published: May 2012

The Cumberland Plateau supports diverse plant communities that vary greatly across cove and plateau habitats. Unfortunately, little is known about how terrestrial invertebrate communities vary across cove and plateau habitats and how disturbance affects these communities. To address this deficiency, we used the Ant Leaf Litter protocol to survey ant diversity on the southern Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. We surveyed forested habitats on top of the plateau surface and on the cove slopes, as well as sites that were logged within the past 6 yr. After surveying 14 sites we found 1) 10,130 ants representing 55 species from 21 genera and six subfamilies, including five new records for Tennessee; 2) significant differences in ant communities by habitat type; 3) that south-facing cove slope ant communities more closely resembled the ant community of plateau surface native forest sites than the ant community of north-facing cove slopes; 4) that recently logged sites hosted a distinct ant community (including hybrid imported fire ants) not found in undisturbed habitats; and 5) by resampling three sites surveyed 5 yr earlier, that the ant leaf litter protocol can be used to track ant community change over time. Ants thus proved to be an excellent system for examining invertebrate diversity across habitats on the Cumberland Plateau.
Differential Feeding of Fall Armyworm Lepidoptera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Host Strains on Meridic and Natural Diets
Authors: Meagher Robert L , Nagoshi Rodney N
Published: May 2012

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is composed of two sympatric, morphologically identical host strains (corn and rice) that differ in their distribution on different host plants. This suggests possible strain specificity in the use of host plants. However, although feeding studies published since 1987 have reported such developmental differences, the results were often contradictory, making generalizations about strain-specific physiological traits problematic. Here, we tested whether more consistent results could be obtained using several genetically characterized colonies when assayed in the same laboratory. We also assessed whether a commonly used meridic diet was more favorable to one strain and the potential this might have on altering the behavior of artificially raised colonies. Corn and rice strain colonies were characterized by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) strain markers and were subjected to feeding studies using corn (Zea mays L.), stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst variety nlemfuensis ‘Florona’), and a meridic pinto bean diet. In 2005 bioassays, all colonies developed best on corn, whereas the meridic and stargrass diets were associated with more pronounced strain differences. However, bioassays conducted in 2010 using different colonies showed fewer differences between host strains. The limitations of feeding bioassays and the COI marker to identify host strains and the potential for unintended selection of corn strain traits when using a meridic diet are discussed.
Spermatophore Size in Relation to Body Size and Pairing Duration in Northern Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: French B Wade , Hammack Leslie
Published: May 2012

Female insects may choose to mate with males providing the largest nuptial gift via the spermatophore, which may correlate with fitness related characters such as body size. Here, we examined spermatophore size of northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in relation to body size of males and females and in relation to pairing duration. Virgin males and females of known ages were weighed before and after pairing. Pairs were noted as copulating or not copulating. Copulating males lost significantly more weight than did noncopulating males, whereas copulating females gained significantly more weight than did noncopulating females. For copulating pairs, male and female weight before pairing correlated positively. Spermatophore weight correlated positively with male weight before pairing and was estimated to be 0.37 or 0.38 mg, depending on whether weight change data from males or females were used for estimation. Spermatophore mass accounted for ≈4.4% of male body weight. An effect of pairing duration on spermatophore weight was demonstrable only when weight change data from females were used. Implications of the results for management of rootworm resistance to genetically modified maize are discussed.
Association of HER-2 Copy Number and HER-2/CEP-17 Ratio with Neoadjuvant Taxane-Containing Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Ke-Da , Liu Guang-Yu , Zhou Xiao-Yan , Zhou Ying , Wu Jiong , Chen Can-Ming , Shen Zhen-Zhou , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: May 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to:Compare the clinical value of copy number–based fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) versus HER-2/CEP-17 ratio-based FISH in identifying patients who may benefit from taxane-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Consider the implications of HER-2 copy number and aneusomy 17 when making treatment decisions in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Purpose.

Aneusomy 17 causes inconsistency in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 status assessment using different algorithms (copy number or the HER-2/centromere enumerator probe 17 [CEP-17] ratio). We investigated the effects of FISH-based HER-2 status assessment and aneusomy 17 on responsiveness to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Patients and Methods.

This prospective study recruited 152 patients with locally advanced breast cancer who underwent four-cycle weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin without trastuzumab.

Results.

The pathologic complete remission (pCR) rate in the breast and axilla was 24.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.7%–32.0%). Although HER-2 status, assessed by either HER-2/CEP-17 ratio–based FISH or copy number–based FISH, was a predictor of NAC sensitivity, ratio–assessed HER-2 status had a poorer performance in determining patients' responsiveness to NAC (p = .029). Patients who were not HER-2 amplified when assessed using the HER-2/CEP-17 ratio but were HER-2 amplified when assessed using copy number (∼5%) were eventually proven to be responsive to NAC, with a pCR rate of 57% (95% CI, 18.4%–90.1%). In contrast, patients who were HER-2 amplified when assessed by the ratio but not HER-2 amplified when assessed using copy number (∼3%) were completely irresponsive. Higher HER-2 copy numbers represented increasing chances of a pCR (adjusted odds ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.35–7.08), with an apparent gene–dose effect (p for trend < .001).

Conclusion.

It is likely that HER-2 copy number but not the HER-2/CEP-17 ratio determines NAC sensitivity. Additional studies to validate our findings are warranted.
European Perspective on Multiple Myeloma Treatment Strategies: Update Following Recent Congresses
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Bladé Joan , Boccadoro Mario , Cavenagh Jamie , Cavo Michele , Davies Faith , Rubia Javier , Delimpasi Sosana , Dimopoulos Meletios , Drach Johannes , Einsele Hermann , Facon Thierry , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Hess Urs , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , Moreau Philippe , San-Miguel Jesús , Sondergeld Pia , Sonneveld Pieter , Udvardy Miklos , Palumbo Antonio
Published: May 2012

The management of multiple myeloma has undergone profound changes over the recent past as a result of advances in our understanding of the disease biology as well as improvements in treatment and supportive care strategies. Notably, recent years have seen a surge in studies incorporating the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide into treatment for different disease stages and across different patient groups. This article presents an update to a previous review of European treatment practices and is based on discussions during an expert meeting that was convened to review novel agent data published or presented at medical meetings until the end of 2011 and to assess their impact on treatment strategies.
Design principles for social‐ecological transformation toward sustainability: lessons from New Zealand sense of place
Authors: Chapin F. Stuart , Mark Alan F. , Mitchell Robin A. , Dickinson Katharine J. M.
Published: May 2012

As society seeks to meet the needs of a growing human population and rising aspirations for consumption, many of the ecosystem services on which society depends have declined in the global aggregate. Although some local societies sustainably manage their natural resources for long time periods, the more frequent pattern is overuse of renewable resources and a trajectory toward degradation. How can this degradation be reversed? In this paper we draw on four New Zealand examples and the literature to posit a set of design principles and recommendations to foster transformation from social‐ecological degradation toward more sustainable pathways. These include a strong sense of place, prioritizing long‐term solutions over short‐term benefits, collective engagement of all key stakeholders and willingness to compromise, right to organize and manage, negotiated consensus on sustainability goals, formal and informal monitoring, flexibility to renegotiate goals and adapt, and guidance by a skilled facilitator. We also identify guidelines that foster consensus‐building in the face of contested solutions. Examples from New Zealand and the literature suggest that local social‐ecological systems can self‐organize to shift toward more sustainable trajectories and that society can foster conditions that increase the likelihood of favorable transformations.
An Integrated Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Approach
Identifies New BH3-Only Protein Candidates
Authors: G. Hawley Robert , Chen Yuzhong , Riz Irene , Zeng Chen
Published: May 2012

In this study, we utilized an integrated bioinformatics and computational biology approach in search of new
BH3-only proteins belonging to the BCL2 family of apoptotic regulators. The BH3 (BCL2 homology 3) domain mediates
specific binding interactions among various BCL2 family members. It is composed of an amphipathic α-helical region of
approximately 13 residues that has only a few amino acids that are highly conserved across all members. Using a
generalized motif, we performed a genome-wide search for novel BH3-containing proteins in the NCBI Consensus
Coding Sequence (CCDS) database. In addition to known pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins, 197 proteins were recovered
that satisfied the search criteria. These were categorized according to α-helical content and predictive binding to BCL-xL
(encoded by BCL2L1) and MCL-1, two representative anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members, using position-specific
scoring matrix models. Notably, the list is enriched for proteins associated with autophagy as well as a broad spectrum of
cellular stress responses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, antiviral defense, and the DNA damage
response. Several potential novel BH3-containing proteins are highlighted. In particular, the analysis strongly suggests
that the apoptosis inhibitor and DNA damage response regulator, AVEN, which was originally isolated as a BCL-xLinteracting
protein, is a functional BH3-only protein representing a distinct subclass of BCL2 family members.
Positive Correlation Between Japanese Cedar Pollen Numbers and the Development of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Awaya Akira , Murayama Koji
Published: May 2012

Objective: Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute febrile disease that induces systemic vasculitis in infants, has been
proposed by Awaya and Sahashi in 2003 to be epidemiologically linked with pollen exposure. In this report, seasonal
variation patterns of the monthly development of KD in 5,917 patients (Pt.) in Kanagawa, Japan were compared with the
monthly pollen release numbers (Nos.) from 1991 to 2002. Methodology: A correlation coefficient (c.c.) matrix was generated
using regression analyses of the correlation of KD onset and pollen exposure in each month. The percent of Japanese
cedar pollen Nos. was calculated from the pollen numbers (Po.Nos.) of all the species surveyed in March and April
throughout the years. Results: Significant c.c. associations were revealed between Po.Nos. from all species in March and
KD Pt.Nos. in August (0.88), November (0.72), May (0.68), and April (0.66). Significant c.c. associations were also found
between Po.Nos. from all species in April and KD Pt.Nos. in August (0.70), and between Po.Nos from all species in February
and KD Pt.Nos. in July (0.62). Mean c.c. values of 0.60 in March, 0.47 in October, 0.45 in July, 0.35 in April, and
0.31 in February between Po.Nos. and KD Pt.Nos. were shown. February, March and April contributed 4.7%, 40.6% and
38.8% of the annual Po.Nos., respectively, of which 93.8%, 84.3% and 10.9% were from cedar pollen, respectively.
Conclusions: A positive association was demonstrated between the Po.Nos. from all species, particularly cedar Po.Nos. in
March, and the KD Pt.Nos. in the following several months.