bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of acrylic acid grafted chains introduced into polyethylene film by simultaneous radiation grafting with water and ethanol as solvents
Authors: Hou Zhengchi , Chen Shuang , Sheng Kanglong
Published: November 2006

The graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto low‐density polyethylene films by simultaneous γ‐ray irradiation was carried out. The effect of water and ethanol as grafting solvents on the distribution of grafted poly (acrylic acid) in the low‐density polyethylene films was studied with optical microscopy observations of dyed and sliced samples and attenuated total reflection/Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis. When no vigorous homopolymerization occurred, both polyethylene and poly(acrylic acid) existed in the grafted layer, and the thickness of the grafted layer and the poly(acrylic acid) concentration in the grafted layer increased with an increasing degree of grafting, regardless of the grafting conditions, the former increasing faster than the latter. In comparison with water as the solvent, in the absence of the inhibitor, homopolymerization could be suppressed to a certain degree in the ethanol solvent system, whereas in the presence of the inhibitor, obvious homopolymerization occurred at a lower monomer concentration, and both the degree of grafting and the thickness of the grafted layer were lower. Such differences could be explained by the chain transfer and the relatively low solubility of poly(acrylic acid) in ethanol. In addition, an experimental scheme using optical microscopy to observe the dyed and sliced polymers was optimized. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1570–1577, 2007
Characterization of polyurethane foam prepared by using starch as polyol
Authors: Kwon Oh‐Jin , Yang Seong‐Ryul , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Park Jong‐Shin
Published: November 2006

Polyurethane foams were prepared using starch as a main component of polyols and their structural, mechanical, and absorbing properties for organic solvents were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that urethane linkage was formed by the reactions between NCO of diisocyanates and OH of polyols. When polyurethane foams were prepared at high molar ratio of NCO/OH, the unreacted NCO groups were detected. Also, urea linkage was formed by the reaction between diisocyanate and water, which was used as the foaming agent. The micrographs showed that the polyurethane foams had closed‐cell structure, of which the cell size increased with NCO/OH molar ratio. The density of polyurethane foams increased with molecular weight of polyethylene glycol. The compressive moduli of polyurethane foams increased with NCO/OH molar ratio. Polyurethane foams prepared using toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate as diisocyanate had the highest modulus, while those prepared using hexamethylene diisocyanate had the lowest modulus. In case of the absorbency for the organic solvents, the polyurethane foams prepared at NCO/OH molar ratio of 0.8 had the maximum absorbency. Among several organic solvents, the absorbency for dimethyl sulfoxide was the highest, while the absorbency for tetrahydrofuran was the lowest. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1544–1553, 2007
Growth and characterization of LiF single crystal fibers
Authors: Alshourbagy M. , Parisi D. , Toncelli A. , Tonelli M. , Marchetti F.
Published: November 2006

Single crystal LiF fibers have been grown by the micro‐pulling‐down (µ‐PD) technique. The fibers are 0.6 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length and of good optical quality. We describe the experimental apparatus for growth and analyze the sample structure and its spectroscopic characteristics. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of substrate temperature on microcrystalline structure and optical properties of ZnTe thin films
Authors: Amutha R. , Subbarayan A. , Sathyamoorthy R.
Published: November 2006

ZnTe thin films were deposited onto well‐cleaned glass substrates kept at different temperatures (Ts = 303, 373 and 423 K), by vacuum evaporation method under the pressure of 10–5 Torr. The thickness of the film was measured by quartz crystal monitor and verified by the multiple beam interferometer method. The structural characterization was made using X‐ray diffractometer with filtered CuKα radiation. The grain sizes of the microcrystallines in films increases with increase in substrate temperature. The strain (ε), grain size (D) and dislocation density (δ) was calculated and results are discussed based on substrate temperature. Optical behaviour of the film was analyzed from transmittance spectra in the visible region (400–800 nm). The optical transition in ZnTe films is direct and allowed type. The optical band gap energy shows an inverse dependence on substrate temperature and thickness. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of substrate temperature and oxygen/argon flow ratio on the electrical and optical properties of Ga‐doped ZnO thin films prepared by rf magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kim Sookjoo , Jeon Jinho , Kim Hyoun Woo , Lee Jae Gab , Lee Chongmu
Published: November 2006

Effects of substrate temperature and atmosphere on the electrical and optical properties of Ga‐doped ZnO thin films deposited by rf magnetron sputtering were investigated. The electrical resistivity of Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) films decreases as the substrate temperature increases from room temperature to 300°C. A minimum resistivity of 3.3 × 10–4 Ω cm is obtained at 300°C and then the resistivity increases with a further increase in the substrate temperature to 400°C. This change in resistivity with the substrate temperature is related to the crystallinity of the GZO film. The resistivity nearly does not change with the O2/Ar flow ratio, R for R < 0.25 but increases rapidly with R for R > 0.25. This change in resistivity with R is also related to crystallinity. The crystallinity is enhanced as R increases, but if the oxygen partial pressure is higher than a certain level (R = 0.25 ± 0.10) gallium oxides precipitate at grain boundaries, which decrease both carrier concentration and mobility. Optical transmittance increases as R increases for R < 0.75. This change in transmittance with R is related to changes in oxygen vacancy concentration and surface roughness with R. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of semiorganic NLO crystals of LAHClBr
Authors: Thomas P. C. , Aruna S. , Anuradha A. , Packiam Julius J. , Arul Pragasam A. Joseph , Sagayaraj P.
Published: November 2006

Single crystals of non‐linear optical (NLO) LAHClBr were grown by slow evaporation technique from its aqueous solution. Good optical quality crystals having dimensions up to 12 × 9 × 7 mm3 were obtained. The lattice parameters and morphology for the grown crystals were determined using single crystal XRD. The crystals were characterized by FT‐Raman, optical absorption, thermal (DTA and TGA) and dielectric studies. LAHClBr was found to be thermally stable up to 124.3°C. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Refinement, comparisonal study and EPR measurements on the molecular structure of NN‐diethyldithiocarbamate of Zn(II) and Cd(II)
Authors: Pokhrel S. , Nagaraja K. S.
Published: November 2006

The accidental formation of Zn(II) bis(N,N‐diethyldithiocarbamate) (1) and Cd(II) bis(N,N diethyldithiocarbamate) (2) during the synthesis of the target heterobinuclear Mo‐Cd‐dithiocarbamate or Mo‐Zn‐dithiocarbamtes were crystallized and the molecular structures were determined. As the dispute over the presence of Mo with Zn‐dithiocarbamate existed, single crystal EPR measurement was performed. Interestingly the doublet EPR signals of 63Cu and 65Cu patterns were observed. Single crystals of Zn2(Et2dtc)4 containing approximately 2% of Cu2+ in the host lattice showed the doublet spectral characteristic of the Cu2+ ions (S = 1/2, I = 3/2). Both the molecular structures 1 and 2 were identical dimers. The cell parameters of the crystals were refined with low residual factor compared to those of the reported structures. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coulometry on the Voltammetric Timescale: Microdisk Potential‐Step Chronoamperometry in Aprotic Solvents Reliably Measures the Number of Electrons Transferred in an Electrode Process Simultaneously with the Diffusion Coefficients of the Electroactive Species
Authors: Paddon Christopher A. , Silvester Debbie S. , Bhatti Farrah L. , Donohoe Timothy J. , Compton Richard G.
Published: November 2006

Microdisk, single potential‐step chronoamperometry, is applied to a range of organic substrates in the aprotic solvents tetrahydrofuran, propylene carbonate, acetonitrile and the room temperature ionic liquid [C4dmim][N(Tf)2]. Fitting of the chronoamperometric transients was achieved using the Shoup and Szabo method [3]. Accurate values for the diffusion coefficients, D, and the number of electron(s) transferred, n, in the electrode process have been simultaneously and consistently obtained. This method is shown to be generally applicable and reliable for the determination of the number of electrons transferred in faradaic processes uncomplicated by relatively slow coupled homogeneous kinetics. Since the experiment is conducted essentially on typical voltammetric timescales it can be commended as a complementary technique for classical coulometry which is only possible on much longer timescales. The chronoamperometric method is therefore likely to be of greater relevance to the interpretation of voltammetric data.
Simplified seismic analysis of one‐way asymmetric elastic systems with supplemental damping
Authors: Lin Jui‐Liang , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan
Published: November 2006

This study investigates the effectiveness of the modal analysis using two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2DOF) modal stick to deal with the seismic analysis of one‐way asymmetric elastic systems with supplemental damping. The 2DOF modal stick possessing the non‐proportional damping property enables the modal translation and rotation to not be proportional even at elastic state. The analytical results of one‐storey and three‐storey buildings obtained by the proposed method are compared with those obtained by direct integration of the equation of motion and conventional approximate method, which neglects the off‐diagonal elements in the transformed damping matrix. It is found that the proposed simplified method, compared to conventional approximate methods, can significantly improve the accuracy of the analytical results and, at the same time, without obviously increasing computational efforts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy functions for FACTS devices with an energy‐storage system
Authors: Azbe V. , Mihalic R.
Published: November 2006

An energy‐storage system (ESS) can provide additional capabilities for FACTS devices in dynamic power‐flow control, and in this way improve electric‐power system stability. In order to assess their influence on the system's dynamic behavior or to determinate the device's control strategy using direct methods, proper energy functions for these devices are needed. In this paper the energy functions for the whole spectrum of FACTS devices with an ESS have been developed. For each of the devices various energy functions were proposed according to the control strategy applied. The energy functions were constructed as additional terms that can be added to any existing structure‐preserving energy function (SPEF). Tests within a single‐machine infinite‐bus system proved the correctness of the proposed energy functions. The application of new energy functions was demonstrated on the problem of transient‐stability assessment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene expression analysis of TFII‐I modulated genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Chimge Nyam‐Osor , Mungunsukh Ognoon , Ruddle Frank , Bayarsaihan Dashzeveg
Published: November 2006

TFII‐I is a founding member of a family of helix–loop–helix transcription factors involved in modulation of genes through interaction with various nuclear factors and chromatin remodeling complexes. Recent studies indicate that TFII‐I performs important function in cell physiology and mouse embryogenesis. In order to understand its molecular role, TFII‐I was overexpressed in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and alterations in gene expression were monitored with a mouse 16 K oligonucleotide microarray. These studies allowed us to identify genes that lie downstream of TFII‐I‐dependent pathways. Among the modulated candidates were genes involved in the immunity response, catalytic activity, signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation. Expression of several candidates including those for the interferon‐stimulated protein (G1p2), small inducible cytokine A7 (Ccl7), ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 8 (Ube2l6), cysteine‐rich protein (Csrp2) and Drosophila delta‐like 1 homolog (Dlk1) were confirmed by real‐time PCR. The obtained results suggest that TFII‐I participates in multiple signaling and regulatory pathways in MEFs. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 308B:225–235, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microreactor Array Assembly, Designed for Diversity Oriented Synthesis Using a Multiple Core Structure Library on Solid Support
Authors: Groß G. Alexander , Wurziger Hanns , Schlingloff Gregor , Schober Andreas
Published: November 2006

The application of spatially encoded principles in solid phase combinatorial synthesis requires no chemical or physical coding strategies. The resulting products are encoded by their position inside the array and their synthesis history. The advantages of microreactor arrays for solid phase synthesis as one of the embodiments in the field of microreaction technology are discussed. Here, we review the reactor design, necessary process steps, and a strategy for the diversity oriented array synthesis. In particular, the glass‐made microreactor and its assembly for 1563 parallel solid phase reactions, which can be performed at temperatures up to 120 °C, are described. Bead loading and liquid handling steps were adapted to this array. The production of large libraries demands suitable synthesis protocols and building blocks. The optimization of appropriate synthesis conditions is a time‐consuming process. A multiple core structure library approach for the efficient synthesis of diverse heterocyclic libraries is described. The aim of this work was to prove the feasibility of the glass‐microreaction array for massive parallel library synthesis.
Temporal/spatial structure and the dynamical property of laboratory host‐parasitoid systems
Authors: Tuda Midori
Published: November 2006

The effects of spatial structure in terms of local capacity, or the maximum number of larvae surviving competition at resource patches, and temporal structure in terms of the period vulnerable to parasitoid attack in host populations on the persistence of host‐parasitoid systems were quantitatively evaluated by laboratory experiments and well‐parameterized model analyses. One of two bruchid beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus and C. phaseoli, were used as a host with Heterospilus prosopidis used as the parasitoid. C. maculatus, in which few larvae survive competition to become adults in each bean, and C. phaseoli, in which many larvae become adults in each bean, along with two kinds of beans, the mung and the azuki, were combined to construct four (2×2) resource‐herbivorous host‐parasitoid systems that differed in local capacity and vulnerable period. The mung‐C. maculatus system with the parasitoid was the most persistent, i.e., took the longest time for extinction of either the host or parasitoid to occur. Since this resource‐herbivorous host combination exhibited the lowest local capacity and the shortest vulnerable period, these two conditions possibly promoted the persistence of the system. A model incorporating the host population structure supported the observed persistence. Furthermore, the possible contribution of the timing of density‐dependent competition of the host on the host‐parasitoid persistence is predicted.
Evolution and population dynamics in stochastic environments
Authors: Yoshimura Jin , Jansen Vincent A. A.
Published: November 2006

Inter‐generational temporal variability of the environment is important in the evolution and adaptation of phenotypic traits. We discuss a population‐dynamic approach which plays a central role in the analysis of evolutionary processes. The basic principle is that the phenotypes with the greatest long‐term average growth rate will dominate the entire population. The calculation of longterm average growth rates for populations under temporal stochasticity can be highly cumbersome. However, for a discrete non‐overlapping population, it is identical to the geometric mean of the growth rates (geometric mean fitness), which is usually different from the simple arithmetic mean of growth rates. Evolutionary outcomes based on geometric mean fitness are often very different from the predictions based on the usual arithmetic mean fitness. In this paper we illustrate the concept of geometric mean fitness in a few simple models. We discuss its implications for the adaptive evolution of phenotypes, e.g. foraging under predation risks and clutch size. Next, we present an application: the risk‐spreading egg‐laying behaviour of the cabbage white butterfly, and develop a two‐patch population dynamic model to show how the optimal solution diverges from the ssual arithmetic mean approach. The dynamics of these stochastic models cannot be predicted from the dynamics of simple deterministic models. Thus the inclusion of stochastic factors in the analyses of populations is essential to the understanding of not only population dynamics, but also their evolutionary dynamics.
Male mating behavior in relation to spermatophore transfer in the white cabbage butterfly
Authors: Kandori Ikuo , Ohsaki Naota
Published: November 2006

The lifetime mating frequency of female butterflies is believed tobe dependent on the reproductive status of the males which they have mated. This report assesses those status using Pieris rapae L. Multiple mating females mated males with a short time interval after the last mating or males with many mating records. Such males, like small ones, produced small spermatophores during copulation, which may have resulted in high mating frequency of those females. The males with short time interval after the last mating or those with many mating records also showed a long mating duration. Alternative interpretations of the adaptive significance of this behavior for males are discussed.
Mathematical model allowing the coexistence of closely related competitors at the initial stage of evolution
Authors: Yomo Tetsuya , Xu Wei‐Zhong , Urabe Itaru
Published: November 2006

The mathematical model presented here aims to elucidate the essential mechanisms of coexistence of species, especially those of closely related forms, as a result of competition in the same environment. It describes a system where the fate of the competitors or mutants is observed at the initial stage of evolution. The model encompasses both the external variables and the internal state of the competitors, which differ only in one of the metabolic rate constants. Results of simulations, even with the simplified form of the model, show that stable coexistence of closely related forms in a uniform environment is possible. In addition, the model allows the analysis of the limitations on the level of differences and similarities among the competitors for achieving a state of coexistence. The essential mechanisms for the coexistence of closely related competitors are proposed to be the involvement of the metabolic network in allowing the same growth rate of competitors which have different internal states, and the interplay between the internal states of the competitors and the external variables of their environment.
Preference and performance linkage in a Phyllocolpa sawfly on the willow, Salix miyabeana, on Hokkaido
Authors: Price Peter W. , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: November 2006

A leaf‐folding sawfly in the genus Phyllocolpa (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) attacking Salix miyabeana (Salicaceae) was studied near Sapporo, Hokkaido, along the Ishikari River in 1993. Host plant individuals were young trees 4–7 years old which were growing rapidly, producing some long shoots with large leaves. On a gradient of shoot length classes from 0–5 cm long to over 80 cm long, shoots were much more abundant in the shorter shoot length classes. However, attacks by ovipositing females increased as shoot length increase from 0 attacks on the shortest shoots to 5.17 attacks per shoot on the longest shoots. The frequency of attack per leaf increased from 0 to 0.13 over the same range of shoot lengths. This pattern of attack resulted in a high frequency of larval establishment in feeding sites, between 0.96 and 1.00, in all attacked shoot length categories. However, probability of survival to a late instar larva increased with shoot length and corresponded to the attack pattern, indicating a preference‐performance linkage between female ovipositional decisions and larval survival. The patterns found for this Phyllocolpa species are similar for galling sawflies in North America and Europe, especially in the genus Euura, members of which make stem, bud and leaf midrib galls. Extending the pattern to a Phyllocolpa species broadens identification of pattern and ultimately the generality of the emerging theory on populations of galling sawflies.
Ant reproductive strategies
Authors: Heinze Jürgen , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: November 2006

In contrast to what is generally believed, the reproductive strategies of ants are remarkably diverse and include such different phenomena, as wingless female and male sexuals, reproduction by mated workers, thelytokous parthenogenesis, and complete workerlessness. We review the various reproductive life histories and investigate them in the light of recent models on the evolution of dispersal strategies and multiple‐queening. It appears that most deviations from “normal” colony propagation can be explained by a decreased success of dispersal and solitary founding by solitary queens in certain types of habitats. Consequently, alternative reproductive strategies are found especially in those species, in which environmental conditions or a highly specialized way of life are thought to make solitary founding costly. Among the key factors, which determine the success of reproductive strategies, appear to be spatial and temporal distribution of habitats and the availability of nest sites.
Variations in carambola infestation rates by Bactrocera carambolae drew and hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae) with fruit availability in a carambola orchard
Authors: Chua T. H. , Khoo S. G.
Published: November 2006

The relationship between the infestation rate of carambola fruits by Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock was investigated in a carambola orchard. Phenology of the fruits was found to influence percentage infestation of fruits by B. carambolae. The proportion of unbagged or susceptible fruits infested varied with time of year and tended to decrease with the increase of unbagged fruits available on the tree. The number of ovipunctures per fruit varied with fruit size and was also found to be indicative of the number of adult insects (B. carambolae and parasitoids) that will emerge from each fruit. Higher number of susceptible fruits available on each tree also decreased both the number of ovipunctures per fruit and the number of eggs laid per fruit, which could possibly be due to the strategy of spreading the risk adopted by the female B. carambolae or a result of random selection with more hosts available. The main parasitoids recorded were Biosteres vandenboschi (Fullaway) and B. arisanus (Sonan). The mean percentage of parasitism was 38.3% and it followed roughly that of infestation of fruits.
Population dynamics of a phytophagous lady‐beetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius), living in spatio‐temporally heterogeneous habitats. III. Effects of habitat structure on population dynamics
Authors: Hirano Kohji
Published: November 2006

Temporal changes in the population size of a phytophagous lady‐beetle were analyzed to identify mechanisms affecting lady‐beetle population dynamics at different spatial scales. The study area (15 ha) included 18 habitat patches. The major host plants were potato for first generation larvae and eggplant for second generation larvae. The habitat patches were classified into three groups according to the major host plants in each patch: P‐E patches (both host plants available), P patches (potato only), and E patches (eggplant only). The winter disappearance of adults in the whole study area, and larval mortality in E patches were apparently the most important factors disturbing the overall population density. Density‐dependent movement of females appeared to have the greatest stabilizing effect on the yearly fluctuation of population density. Rate of increase of female adults from the first to the second generation, R, was generally higher on eggplants in E patches than in P‐E patches because the adult density of the first generation was much higher in P‐E patches. The yearly fluctuation of adult density in each generation tended to be less in patches with all habitat components necessary for the full life cycle (P‐E patches). However, such patches were not favorable for first generation females, as indicated by the lower rate of increase from the first to the second generation. The density and stability of lady‐beetle populations is discussed in relation to habitat structure.
A likelihood ratio test for equality of deviations from randomness
Authors: Johnson D. L. , Petkau A. J.
Published: November 2006

The use of the sample variance‐to‐mean ratio as a measure of deviation from randomness in spatial pattern is reviewed. The likelihood ratio method of constructing a statistical test for the equality of several population variance‐to‐mean ratios is described, and details are provided for the special case where counts are modelled as arising from a negative binomial distribution. This test is illustrated by application to example data sets in ecology. Likelihood ratio tests represent a general methodology whereby relationships among several indices of aggregation can be systematically investigated, provided one is able to specify a suitable parametric form for the underlying distributions.
Dispersal of adult grasshoppers, Mecostethus magister, under the field condition
Authors: Nakamura Kazuo , Itô Yosiaki , Miyashita Kazuyoshi , Takai Akira
Published: November 2006

Estimation of the number of adult grasshoppers, Mecostethus magister, was made by means of the mark‐and‐recapture method. The birth and death rates are possible to be estimated at the same time, but the immigration and the emigration rate are inevitably involved in these respectively. The immigration and emigration rates must be made clear to know the true birth and death rates. For this purpose the movement of the marked males in 1963 was analyzed.

The grasshoppers dominantly moved in the directions of N, NW and W, and the difference in frequency among the movement directions was not so large. The distribution of the dispersal‐distance relationship of each quadrate on each released day was fitted approximately to normal distribution. It could be concluded that almost all of the grasshoppers moved within the range of about 31–35m. The emigration rate from the quadrate (12×12m2) was about 0.73–0.77 and the difference in the rate among the released days was small. From these values the emigration rate from the station (84×60m2) was estimated as 0.21–0.23.

Subtracting the emigration rate from the death‐and‐emigration rate, the true death rate was calculated. The death rate was very low until the number of males reached to the peak, then increased gradually. Supposing that immigration rate was equal to the emigration rate, the true birth rate was also estimated. But the presumption might not be pertinent, for the value of birth rates became negative.
Natural control of populations of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula
Authors: Kiritani Keizi
Published: November 2006

Based on the results of five‐year study on the Nezara population, it was concluded that the level of abundance of the insect was determined partly by the combination and relative adundance of the host plants and partly by the climatic factors. The endless increase of the population was checked by the deleterious effects associated with the overpopulation which occurred locally. The degree of such overpopulation was determined by the relative abundance of host plants to the current level of the population. Therefore, even when the general level of Nezara population seemed to be low, there still exists the possibility of overpopulation in some areas.

Winter was the critical period which threatened the persistence of Nezara population. The survival of the hibernating adults was partly dependent on the physiological state of adults which was determined in the period of pre‐hibernation. But when the severity of a winter exceeded the tolerance limit of the insect, the only safety‐valve which prevented the elimination of Nezara was the heterogeneity of hibernacula. Therefore,Milne's theory (1957) was closest to the known facts.
Towards a theory of insect epidemiology
Authors: Berryman Alan A.
Published: November 2006

An attempt is made to consolidate and extend some of our current thoughts on insect epidemiology using graphical reproduction models. Starting with a simple model with a single equilibrium point, the elementary hypothesis is proposed that epidemics erupt when this equilibrium point increases substantially through improvement of the insect's habitat. The extension of this model to more than one coincident equilibria, some of which may be locally stable, is discussed and generalized using the theory of habitat suitability. Use of equilibrium manifolds is suggested to permit greater dimensionality. Lastly, an explanation of insect epidemics, based on the effects of time delays in the response of density‐dependent processes, is elaborated and generalized. The influence of spatial dimensions and insect dispersal on the theory is discussed.
Host‐attacking behavior of a eulophid parasite, Kratochviliana sp., to the leaf mining host, Phytomyza ranunculi (Diptera: Agromyzidae) during its stay on the leaf
Authors: Sugimoto Tuyosi
Published: November 2006

The present paper studies how the female parasite of Kratochviliana sp. visits and attacks its host larvae of Ranunculus leaf mining fly, P. ranunculi at a single leaf visit. The parasite visited its hosts at random on the leaf. The frequency of host visits was independent of the host density and the proportion of hosts survived from the parasite attack, in a leaf and its distribution was expressed as a single straight line. It almost always attacked living hosts at the first host visit after isolated from them for one day but with the rate of about 0.5 at the subsequent visits. In consequence, the relationships of the number of host attacks and killed hosts to the host density drew satulated curves in each. A model of host attack by this parasite at its single leaf visit was formulated by modifyingBakkeret al.'s model (1972) basing upon these observations and the attack avoidance by the parasite to already attacked hosts previously reported.
Larval movement of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in a plane
Authors: Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: November 2006

The mean maximum change in position of larvae of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) at 30°C, 60% RH increased by 0.290 cm/day, their mean position at the end of a 24 hour period increased by 0.245 cm/day. The linear distance from the point of origin was equal to approximately one third of the total distance moved. Either density or high numbers increased the rate of movement.
Procedures in the biochemical estimation of age of vertebrates
Authors: Otero Joseph G. , Dapson Richard W.
Published: November 2006

The most accurate method known to data for estimating age of wild vertebrates involves biochemical assay of eye lens proteins. Laboratory procedures that may be unfamiliar to many ecologists are described in detail. The method is based on precise changes in the amount of insoluble lens protein, and consists of two procedures: obtaining the appropriate lens fraction, and quantitatively analyzing its protein composition. Lenses are homogenized, and the insoluble fraction isolated by centrifugation. Protein content is measured colorimetrically by using the Lowry test. Instructions are given for single and double‐beam spectrophotometers.
On the abundance of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1897) (Pyroglyphidae: Acarina) in house dust
Authors: van Bronswijk J. E. M. H. , Schoonen J. M. C. P. , Berlie M. A. F. , Lukoschus F. S.
Published: November 2006

The dominance of the Pyroglyphidae in house dust has been influenced by a number of factors. The humidity in houses dropped recently to such an extent that only Pyroglyphidae can survive. When temperature and relative humidity are favorable for Acarus siro and Glycyphagus destructor as well as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides diminished in numbers by competition. Introduction of the predator Cheyletus eruditus into this mixed breeds causes the extermination of Dermatophagoides. The vacuum cleaner trapped mites, but Dermatophagoides was protected by its habit to hide in cracks and crevices. The use of insecticides has a more killing effect on Acarus and Glycyphagus than on Dermatophagoides.
The impact of extreme run‐off events from the Sakasagawa river on the Senjogahara ecosystem, Nikko National Park. V. The importance of adventitious root systems for burial tolerance of different tree species
Authors: Yoshikawa Masato , Hukusima Tukasa
Published: November 2006

We surveyed the morphological responses of tree species buried by alluvial deposits, and measured the physicochemical properties of alluvial materials which buried each of the individual trees, on Senjogahara moor, Nikko National Park, Japan. The results showed that these species had a different capcity to form adventitious roots. Malus toringo Sieb. individuals, which had survived in spite of heavy deposits over the past 10 years, developed many adventitious roots from the buried parts of their trunks. However, Larix kaempferi Carr. and Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica Hara, which both died in heavy deposit areas, were inferior to M. toringo in the formation of adventitious roots. From these facts, we presumed that the ability to develop adventitious roots contributed to the survival of trees and resulted in the difference in burial tolerance among each species. Adventitious roots tended to form in the depositional layers which consisted of fine particle size materials. It is thought that these layers prevent gas exchange between soil and air, causing a lack of oxygen to the rhizosphere. Thus, we concluded that adventitious roots have a physiological importance in reducing the obstruction, and in the survival of buried trees.
Photosynthesis and micro‐environmental factors in a spring ephemeral, Erythronium japonicum, from native and open habitats
Authors: Sawada Shinichi , Yamashita Masanori , Kasai Minobu , Harada Akira , Hashimoto Akiko
Published: November 2006

Environmental factors affecting photosynthetic activity of the typical vernal species Erythronium japonicum Decne were examined on the floor of a deciduous broad‐leaved Quercus mongolica forest (Q.m. stand) and on bare land left undisturbed for 4 years after forest clearing (bare stand). Daytime solar irradiation and air and leaf temperatures at the bare stand were significantly higher than those at the Q.m. stand. The relative air humidity was very low and did not differ much between the stands, although the leaf‐air vapor pressure differences (VPD) at the bare stand were about twice as high as those at the Q.m. stand. The plants at both stands were supplied with sufficient soil water throughout their growing season by a large snowmelt. However, the aboveground parts of the plants at the bare stand were subjected to much more severe heat stress, caused by the strong radiations and high leaf temperatures, and water stress, caused by the highly transpiring conditions, than those at the Q.m. stand. When the radiation on leaves, leaf temperatures and VPD in the assimilation chamber were changed from those observed at the Q.m. stand to those at the bare stand, the photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance fell significantly. However, the rate and conductance were immediately restored to the respective values near those measured under the conditions at the Q.m. stand when only VPD was dropped to the value similar to that observed at the Q.m. stand. These results indicate that the photosynthetic rate of the plants at the bare stand was lowered largely by a decrease in stomatal conductance. The internal CO2 partial pressure was considerably greater in leaves placed under environmental conditions similar to those at the bare stand.
Analytical studies of light trap records in the Hokuriku district, II the green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps
Authors: Ôtake Akio
Published: November 2006

Light‐trap records on the green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps, were dealt with to study its population fluctuations in the Hokuriku district. Crude data were modified for distinguishing years of the low intensity of infestation by the insect from the rest of years. It is then clearly demonstrated that the low intensity of infestation were ordinarily preceded by heavy snowfall, although heavy snowfall could not be regarded as the only factor checking the vigorous multiplication of the populations.
Preliminary studies on the respiratory energy loss of a spider, Lycosa pseudoannulata
Authors: Itô Yosiaki
Published: November 2006

To elucidate the basic food requirement of spiders, the important polyphagous predators of rice‐plant insect pests, an attempt was made to measure the respiratory energy loss of fasting spiders, Lycosa pseudoannulata.

Relationship between fresh (y) and dry (x) weights of spiders inhabiting the bottom layer of the rice‐plant community was represented by the following allometric equation:y=0.428x0.872.

The carbon dioxide production by previously fed and unfed females under the dark at 29°C 100% R. H. was measured by a titration technique. The relationship between fresh body weight and CO2 production by unfed animals could be represented by the equation M=aWb, M being the CO2 output per individual per day and W the fresh body weight. The constant b, which determines the slope of curve, was 0.808. Respiration of the adult female with 100 mg fresh weight was 1.155±0.250 mg CO2/100 g fresh weight/day or 48.69 mg CO2/g dry weight/day. This value corresponds to 35.81 cal/g fresh weight/day or 150.94 cal/g dry weight/day. Supposing the calorific content of spiders to be 5820 cal/g dry weight, rate of the respiratory energy loss to total energy of the body was estimated to be 2.60%. This rate did not strongly contradict with the loss of fresh body weight before and after the measurement.

The metabolic rate showed remarkable fluctuation with changing food supply. The CO2 production of starved individuals decreased to 83.63±16.34% as compared with individuals which were fed before the measurement.
Silicones—Basic chemistry and selected applications
Authors: O'Lenick Anthony J.
Published: November 2006

The objective of this review is to provide a working knowledge of the chemistry of silicone compounds to the practicing chemist. Although silicone compounds have been known for over 50 yr, the chemistry of these materials remains elusive to the average formulating chemist. This is indeed unfortunate, since the chemistry of the silicon atom and resulting silicone compounds is every bit as wide in scope and rich in content as the chemistry of the carbon atom and the resulting surfactant chemistry upon which it is based. Only in the past decade has the use of silicone as a hydrophobic building block for the preparation of surfactants become common. The recent trend to combine silicone, fatty and polyoxyalkylene moieties in the same molecule has resulted in a plethora of new compounds with new properties.
Relationship between foaming properties and solution properties of protein/nonionic surfactant mixtures
Authors: Wei Xiao‐fang , Liu Hui‐zhou
Published: November 2006

The foaming properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA), in the absence and presence of Triton X‐100 (TX‐100), have been investigated using shaking tests. The results showed that increases in the TX‐100 bulk concentration rapidly reduced both foam height and foam stability at TX‐100 concentrations below about 0.25 mM, but increased foam height and foam stability at TX‐100 concentration above 0.3 mM. The interaction between BSA and TX‐100 has been studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The surfactant appeared to bind to BSA with a low molar ratio (about one surfactant molecule per protein molecule) at concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (CMC); the binding became weaker at concentrations above the CMC. It was confirmed that protein‐protein or protein‐surfactant interactions had significant influence upon foaming properties of mixed protein/surfactant system.
Fatty Acid soil detergency performance of poly(sodium α‐hydroxyacrylate)
Authors: Komaki Motoko , Kim Suk Kyung , Hashimoto Toshimasa
Published: November 2006

Effects and properties of poly(sodium α‐hydroxyacrylate) (PHA) on removal of stearic and oleic acids from cellulosic filter paper under various wash conditions were evaluated and compared with those of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by using differential scanning calorimetry. PHA had a much greater effect on the removal of stearic and oleic acids than SDS under the same washing conditions. PHA produces complexes with fatty acids on filter paper during the washing process, and in DSC these complexes have endothermic peaks at temperatures higher than the melting point of the fatty acids. The complexes are formed at temperatures both below and above the melting point of the fatty acid and are removed completely from filter paper by rinsing. The conditions of temperature, time, and PHA concentration during washing all affected the formation of the complex and the removal of fatty acid. Whether the fatty acid chain was saturated or not did not affect the formation of a complex.
Dishwashing performance of mixed palm stearin sulfonated methyl esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters
Authors: Lim Wen Huei , Ahmad Salmiah
Published: November 2006

The detergency profiles of sodium salt α‐sulfonated methyl esters derived from palm stearin (α‐SMEPS) and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monoesters (POESE) in mixed micelle systems were evaluated as a function of the weight ratios of α‐SMEPS/POESE [polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (12), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (18∶0), and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (18∶1)] at different water hardness values (5.12, 51.2, and 512.0 ppm CaCO3) and temperatures (20, 30, 45, and 65°C), respectively. All the mixtures of α‐SMEPS/POESE (12, 18∶0, and 18∶1) systems exhibited a synergistic effect at 65°C in the absence of hardness. This was evaluated by measuring the percentage of soil removed. The systems showed an increase in detergency with both the temperature and water hardness. Maximal detergency was observed with 5.12 ppm CaCO3in the mixed surfactant solution.
Surface and aqueous properties of anionic gemini surfactants having dialkyl amide, carboxyl, and carboxylate groups
Authors: Tsubone Kazuyuki , Ogawa Tomoyasu , Mimura Kunio
Published: November 2006

A systematic study of the equilibrium surface properties (in water and in the presence of 10−2 M NaCl) of a novel series of anionic gemini surfactants, (CH2)2[N(COCnH2n+1)CH(COOH)CH2COOH]·2NaOH (GA), where (n+1)=8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, was investigated. The responses of humans to closed patch tests with (CH2)2[N(COC11H23)CH(COOH)−CH2COOH]2·2NaOH (GA‐12) were also investigated. Premicellar self‐aggregation (both in water and 10−2 M NaCl) occurred when the N‐acyl group contained more than 14 carbon atoms, since the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values decreased and the pC20 values increased as (n+1) increased for (n+1) ≤14; the CMC values increased and the pC20 values decreased as (n+1) increased for (n+1)>14, both in water and in 10−2 M NaCl. The absence of a break in the specific conductance‐surfactant molar concentration plots for the GA homologs indicates protonation of the carboxylate group and strong Na+ release during micellization. This is a structural characteristic of the anionic geminis having N‐dialkylamide and carboxylate groups in a molecule. The skin irritation potential of GA‐12 is lower than that of the corresponding “monomer”, C11H23CON(CH3)CH(COOH)CH2(COOH)·NaOH, and the analog, C11H23CON(CH3)CH2COONa·H2O.
Micellization of an anionic gemini surfactant having N,N‐dialkylamide, carboxyl, and carboxylate groups in aqueous NaCl solutions
Authors: Tsubone Kazuyuki , Ghosh Soumen
Published: November 2006

The micellization of an anionic gemini surfactant, (CH2)2[N(COC11H23)CH(CO2H)CH2(CO2H)]2·2NaOH, abbreviated as GA, having N,N‐dialkylamide, carboxyl, and carboxylate groups, in aqueous solutions of NaCl at pH 5.0 was investigated by means of surface tension and of fluorescence, using pyrene as a probe. The l1/l3 vs. log surfactant molar concentration (C) plots showed two values of critical micelle concentration (cmc). Of the two values, the higher cmc value was close to that measured by the surface tension method, meaning that the lower cmc value may be caused by the formation of small, non‐surface‐active soluble premicellar aggregates. Evidence for the existence of these premicellar aggregates includes the fact that the lower of the two cmc values for GA was not observed in the l1/l3 vs. log C plots for (CH2)2[N(COC11H23)CH2CH2CO2Na]2, abbreviated as 212, in 0.001–0.3 M NaCl at pH 11.0, since the only cmc value obtained was close to that from surface tension data. Plots of log molar concentration of Na+ in the solutions vs. log cmc, or Corrin‐Harkins plots, revealed that the lower cmc values decrease with an increase in Na+ concentration, and when [Na+]=1 M, the values reach the decreasing higher cmc value. This means two mechanisms of GA aggregation occured in at the same aqueous solutions of NaCl. In the first one, “monomeric form” → “micelle I” → “micelle II,” and in the second, “monomeric form” → premicelle → micelle II.” The degree of micelle ionization, or β, for the higher cmc values is 0.97 at 10−2 M≦[Na+]≦0.1 M. This large β value indicates that the GA molecules, as a result of the structural characteristic attributable to the simultaneous presence of N,N‐dialkylamide and carboxylate groups in the molecule, may be almost fully dissociated even at the cmc. The β value for the lower cmc is 0.75. This indicates that the existence of a non‐monomeric state at concentrations below the cmc determined from surface tension data, which is additional evidence for the premicellar aggregation.