bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management following chief executive officer changes: the effect of contemporaneous chairperson and chief financial officer appointments
Authors: Wilson Mark , Wang Liang Wui
Published: November 2009

Using a sample of listed Australian firms from 1999 to 2007, we examine the relationship between discretionary accruals and concurrent senior management appointments. Employing panel data regression models and focusing on a measure of discretionary accruals that excludes the effect of transparent write‐downs such as restructuring charges, we find that chief executive officer (CEO) appointments, as a general phenomenon, are not significantly associated with opaque earnings management in the year of appointment or the following year. However, we find that CEO changes accompanied by a concurrent change in board chairperson are associated with significant income‐decreasing earnings management in the year of appointment. We detect no significant relationship between contemporaneous CEO and chief financial officer changes and discretionary accruals. We find no evidence of earnings management in the first compete financial period following CEO appointment, regardless of whether or not concurrent Chair or chief financial officer appointments occurred.
Drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria: prevalence and clinical features
Authors: Leeyaphan C , Kulthanan K , Jongjarearnprasert K , Dhana N
Published: November 2009

Background  Angioedema without urticaria can be caused by drugs. The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of patients with drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria.

Methods  This study retrospectively reviewed case records at Siriraj Hospital, between January 2007 and December 2008. Patients aged at least 15 years were included.

Results  The prevalence of drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria among patients with adverse drug reactions was 2.3%/year. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were the most common cause (50%), followed by antibiotics (20%). The commonest NSAID which induced angioedema were ibuprofen and diclofenac. The common sites were periorbital area (67.3%) and lips (27.6%). The median duration of suspected drug therapy before the development of angioedema was 1 day with the range of 10 min to 23 days.

Conclusions  Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were the most common drugs causing angioedema without urticaria. The duration of onset ranged from minutes to days. After stopping the suspected drugs, symptoms disappeared within 2–5 days in most patients.
Preventable Catastrophe? The Hurricane Katrina Disaster Revisited
Authors: Parker Charles F. , Stern Eric K. , Paglia Eric , Brown Christer
Published: November 2009

This article probes the warning‐response failures that left the city of New Orleans vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes and the inability of local, state, and federal authorities to mount an adequate response to the consequences unleashed by Hurricane Katrina. Through an empirical exploration with the help of three broad explanatory ‘cuts’ derived from the relevant interdisciplinary literature – psychological, bureau‐organizational, and agenda‐political – the authors seek to shed light on the sources of failure that contributed to the various levels of governments' lack of preparedness and the inadequate collective response to a long‐predicted, upper‐category hurricane. The article concludes by addressing the question of whether the vulnerabilities and problems that contributed to the Katrina failure are amenable to reform.
Ultrasonic Assesment of Physiological Echo‐Contrast Agent Distribution in Brain Parenchyma With Transient Response Second Harmonic Imaging
Authors: Postert Thomas , Federlein Jens , Rose Jürgen , Przuntek Horst , Weber Sepp , Büttner Thomas
Published: November 2009

Objectives. The present study was designed to provide normal data of transient response second harmonic imaging (TRSHI) examinations of cerebral echo contrast enhancement using different modes of electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and echo‐contrast agent doses. Materials and Methods. Fifty‐five patients were examined in an axial diencephalic plane of section using the transtemporal acoustic bone window. TRSHI examinations (ECG gating: systolic, frame‐rate once every 2 cardiac cycles =“basical instrument setting”) could be performed in 50 individuals with adequate insonation conditions after application of 4 g of a galactose‐based microbubbles suspension in a concentration of 400 mg/ml. For comparison, diastolic ECG gating (20 patients), cardiac‐cycle triggering frequency of once every 2 seconds (15 patients), or an echo contrast agent dose of 2 g Levovist® (15 patients) were used. Analysis of peak intensities (PIs) and areas under the curve (AUCs) was done in posterior (region of interest [ROI]a) and anterior (ROIb) parts of the thalamus, in the lentiform nucleus (ROIc), and the white matter (ROId). Results. In 41 patients with basical instrument setting, characteristic time intensity curve (TIC) could be detected in all ROIs. In ROIa (90%) and ROIb (82%), focal contrast enhancement was most difficult to visualize, and in ROIc and ROId, characteristic TICs were observable in more than 90% of the examinations. Background subtracted PIs and AUCs were significantly higher in ROIc (mean PI: 12.2 ± 8 acoustic units [AUs]; mean AUC: 598.8 ± 451.1 AU × Cardiac cycles), and ROId (11.8 ± 6.9; 559.2 ± 404) as compared to ROIa (8.3 ± 5.2; 368.9 ± 242.7) and ROIb (7.1 ± 4.7; 298.2 ± 199.1) (P < .0001). Values for corresponding examinations with a diastolic ECG gating and a cardiac cycle triggering frequency of once every 2 seconds were not different as compared to the basical instrument setting. A 4 g Levovist dose increased the portion of typical TIC in all ROIs. PI of 4 g examinations were significantly higher in ROId and ROIb as compared to the 2 g examination. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that TRSHI allows noninvasive assessment of focal cerebral contrast enhancement in the majority of patients with adequate insonation conditions. This study provides data about normal quantitative and qualitative TRSHI values in patients without cerebrovascular diseases. A dose of 4 g Levovist is recommended in those individuals with inaccurate echo contrast enhancement using the 2 g dose.
Cerebral and Oculorhinal Manifestations of a Limited Form of Wegener's Granulomatosis With c‐ANCA—Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Thajeb Peterus , Tsai Jaw‐Ji
Published: November 2009

The authors report on cerebral and oculorhinal manifestations in a patient with a cytoplasmic pattern of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (c‐ANCA)—associated vasculitis. Recurrent Tolosa‐Hunt syndrome, cavernous sinus syndrome, Raeder's paratrigeminal neuralgia, and seizures were the major clinical manifestations. Brain MRI showed localized enhancing lesions initially in the cavernous sinus and later in the convexity pachymeninges. The lesions disappeared following 9 months of oral prednisolone (15 mg/day) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/day) therapy. The presence of c‐ANCA, demonstration of vasculitis, and depositions of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and fibrinogen in the vessel walls of pachymeninges of the patient confirmed an immune‐mediated cause of the vasculitis. Cranial pathology without renal and pulmonary involvement suggests a variant of Wegener's granulomatosis, which is called the “limited” form of Wegener's granulomatosis.
Synthesis, Properties and In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of Water‐soluble Azaphthalocyanines and Azanaphthalocyanines
Authors: Zimcik Petr , Miletin Miroslav , Radilova Hana , Novakova Veronika , Kopecky Kamil , Svec Jaroslav , Rudolf Emil
Published: November 2009

In this work zinc azaphthalocyanines (AzaPcs) from the group of tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines and zinc azanaphthalocyanines from the group of tetra[6,7]quinoxalinoporphyrazines (TQP) with eight diethylaminoethylsulfanyl substituents were synthesized. Tertiary amines were later quaternized with ethyl iodide to obtain water‐soluble photosensitizers (PSs). Quaternized compounds showed high singlet oxygen quantum yields as determined in DMF by monitoring decomposition of 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran. In water medium, quaternized AzaPc derivatives appeared in monomeric form in a wide range of concentrations while quaternized TQP derivatives showed aggregation at higher concentrations (over 1 μm). Photodynamic activity was tested on Hep2 cells using light of λ > 640 nm. Both quaternized dyes showed high photodynamic activity (IC50 = 104 and 220 nm for AzaPc and TQP, respectively). Dark toxicity was not detected even at the highest concentration used in in vitro tests (200 μm) which indicates a promising therapeutic index of these new substances. Tested compounds localized inside the cells mainly within the lysosomes thus suggesting an endocytic mechanism of cellular uptake. No localization within mitochondria was detected. A great advantage of TQP derivatives over other PSs is their very strong absorption at 747 nm that allows activation at wavelengths penetrating deeper into human tissues.
Inter- and Intra-specific Variability in the Response of Zooplankton to Acid Stress
Authors: Price Edmund E. , Swift Michael C.
Published: November 2009

We measured the toxicity of sulfuric acid to natural populations of Daphnia pulex, D. galeata mendotae, Simocephalus serrulatus, Mesocyclops edax, Chaoborus americanus, and C. punctipennis. Organisms were collected in the spring and fall from acidic (pH 5.4) and circumneutral (pH 6.3–7.5) ponds, and their response to low pH was compared in 48- or 96-h acute bioassays. Based on 48- and 96-h LC50, cladocerans were most susceptible to acid stress, followed by Mesocyclops and Chaoborus larvae. Simocephalus was the most tolerant cladoceran, followed by D. pulex then D. galeata mendotae. Daphnia populations tested in the spring or early summer were more tolerant of low pH than those tested in the fall. Mesocyclops edax from an acid pond were more tolerant than those from a neutral pond. The response of the two Chaoborus species to low pH were quite similar; their 96-h LC50 (2.00, 2.09) was two pH units lower than those of cladocerans and one pH unit lower than that of M. edax. Our data demonstrate interspecific variability in acid sensitivity and suggest intraspecific variability due to habitat and season.
THE DELPHI METHOD AS A TOOL FOR ANALYZING TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION: CASE OPEN SOURCE THIN COMPUTING
Authors: KARVONEN MATTI , RYYNÄNEN VILLE , KÄSSI TUOMO
Published: November 2009

The main goal of this paper is to show how the Delphi method works as a management tool when analyzing technology evolution. The paper also provides insights on how thin computing and open source can affect the future IT infrastructure development. The primary data was collected in a three round Delphi study consisting of the following interest groups: (1) Developers of open source thin computing, (2) Industrial experts, (3) Representatives of academic institutes. The Delphi method represents a workable research tool in technology management field to capture multifaceted and enriched view about industry evolution.
The Response of MSTd Neurons to Perturbations in Target Motion During Ongoing Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movements
Authors: Ono Seiji , Brostek Lukas , Nuding Ulrich , Glasauer Stefan , Büttner Ulrich , Mustari Michael J.
Published: November 2009

Several regions of the brain are involved in smooth-pursuit eye movement (SPEM) control, including the cortical areas MST (medial superior temporal) and FEF (frontal eye field). It has been shown that the eye-movement responses to a brief perturbation of the visual target during ongoing pursuit increases with higher pursuit velocities. To further investigate the underlying neuronal mechanism of this nonlinear dynamic gain control and the contributions of different cortical areas to it, we recorded from MSTd (dorsal division of the MST area) neurons in behaving monkeys ( Macaca mulatta) during step-ramp SPEM (5–20°/s) with and without superimposed target perturbation (one cycle, 5 Hz, ±10°/s). Smooth-pursuit–related MSTd neurons started to increase their activity on average 127 ms after eye-movement onset. Target perturbation consistently led to larger eye-movement responses and decreasing latencies with increasing ramp velocities, as predicted by dynamic gain control. For 36% of the smooth-pursuit–related MSTd neurons the eye-movement perturbation was accompanied by detectable changes in neuronal activity with a latency of 102 ms, with respect to the eye-movement response. The remaining smooth-pursuit–related MSTd neurons (64%) did not reflect the eye-movement perturbation. For the large majority of cases this finding could be predicted by the dynamic properties of the step-ramp responses. Almost all these MSTd neurons had large visual receptive fields responding to motion in preferred directions opposite to the optimal SPEM stimulus. Based on these findings it is unlikely that MSTd plays a major role for dynamic gain control and initiation of the perturbation response. However, neurons in MSTd could still participate in SPEM maintenance. Due to their visual field properties they could also play a role in other functions such as self-motion perception.
The Shrinking Projection Method for Solving Variational Inequality Problems and Fixed Point Problems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian , Wangkeeree Rattanaporn
Published: November 2009

We consider a hybrid projection algorithm based on the shrinking projection method for two families of quasi‐ϕ‐nonexpansive mappings. We establish strong convergence theorems for approximating the common element of the set of the common fixed points of such two families and the set of solutions of the variational inequality for an inverse‐strongly monotone operator in the framework of Banach spaces. As applications, at the end of the paper we first apply our results to consider the problem of finding a zero point of an inverse‐strongly monotone operator and we finally utilize our results to study the problem of finding a solution of the complementarity problem. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results announced by recent results.
Immediate Compensation in Bite-Block Speech
Authors: Fowler Carol A. , Turvey Michael T.
Published: November 2009

An experiment was conducted to examine whether a bite block affects the latency and/or the quality of spoken vowels. The results suggest that vowels spoken with the bite block and vowels spoken normally were (1) of the same latency, that is, the same time elapsed between visual presentation and initiation of response; and (2) of the same quality, that is, the acoustic measures of the vowels did not differ substantially. Moreover, there was minimal evidence of improvement in either latency or quality with practice, and minimal evidence of an effect of time pressure on the quality of bite-block vowels. A detailed consideration is given to the implications of these and other findings for two recent perspectives on vowel production.
Prediction of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response
Authors: Bertini Matteo , Delgado Victoria , den Uijl Dennis W. , Nucifora Gaetano , Ng Arnold C.T. , van Bommel Rutger J. , Borleffs C. Jan Willem , Boriani Giuseppe , Schalij Martin J. , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Left ventricular (LV) fibrosis is important for the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Calibrated integrated backscatter derived by 2D echocardiography quantifies myocardial ultrasound reflectivity, which may provide a surrogate of LV fibrosis. The aim of the study was first, to investigate the relation of myocardial ultrasound reflectivity assessed with calibrated integrated backscatter on CRT response, and second, to explore the “myocardial ultrasound reflectivity–CRT response” relation in patients with ischemic and nonischemic heart failure (HF).

Methods and Results—

One hundred fifty-nine patients with HF referred for CRT underwent an extensive echocardiographic evaluation at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. LV dyssynchrony was derived from speckle-tracking analysis. Calibrated integrated backscatter was obtained from the parasternal long-axis view. The mean value of calibrated integrated backscatter of the anteroseptal and posterior wall was used to estimate myocardial ultrasound reflectivity. CRT response was defined as reduction ≥15% of LV end-systolic volume. At baseline, LV dyssynchrony was significantly larger in responders as compared with nonresponders (188�96 ms versus 115�68 ms,
P
<0.001), and CRT responders showed less myocardial ultrasound reflectivity as compared with nonresponders (−20.8�3.0 dB versus −17.0�3.0 dB,
P
<0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for CRT response were LV dyssynchrony, renal function, and myocardial ultrasound reflectivity. Importantly, myocardial ultrasound reflectivity provided an incremental value to CRT response (χ
2
change=40,
P
<0.001). Considering patients with ischemic HF, the only independent predictor of CRT response was myocardial ultrasound reflectivity, whereas in patients with nonischemic HF, independent predictors of LV reverse remodeling were myocardial ultrasound reflectivity, LV dyssynchrony, and renal function.

Conclusions—

Assessment of myocardial ultrasound reflectivity is important in the prediction of CRT response in ischemic and nonischemic patients.
What Do Humans Get to Know about the Gods and Their Plans? On Prophecies and Their Deficiencies in Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica
Authors: Manuwald Gesine
Published: November 2009

This article discusses aspects of the communication between gods and humans in Valerius Flaccus' Flavian epic Argonautica by focusing on the situation of Jason and the Argonauts as well as on the Phineus episode in the fourth Book: although the gods in this poem, and Jupiter in particular, have specific plans for the fate of humans and the development of world history, they do not want humans to know those. As humans therefore receive only scattered and unclear information about the future, they remain uncertain and terrified, while retaining their confidence in the gods. The gods at least save humans from unnecessary, excessive suffering and allow them to entertain an unspecific hope of improvement in the future. Hence Valerius Flaccus' depiction of the attitude of the gods to humans and of its consequences for the lives of humans differs, in different ways, from both Apollonius Rhodius and Vergil and indicates how the poet interprets the general human condition. Recipients of the poem do get some idea of the larger framework in which the action is set (in contrast to characters), but the outlook remains gloomy.
Spectral study of interaction between poly [acrylamide‐(2‐methyl acryloxyethyl) dimethyl buthylammonium bromide] and nucleic acids
Authors: Song Gongwu , Peng Mao , Yan Qiujun
Published: November 2009

A polycation, poly[acrylamide‐(2‐methylacryloxyethyl) dimethyl buthylammonium bromide] [P (AM‐DMB)], was synthesized. The interaction between P (AM‐DMB) and DNA was studied by spectral methods. Resonance light scattering spectra, FTIR‐spectra and UV‐spectra were used to study the mechanisms of the interaction. The results indicate that the conformation of the DNA alters during the interaction because the microenvironment of DNA changes. The binding constant K between P (AM‐DMB) and DNA is 8.0 × 103 L mol−1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal evidence for the involvement of the neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM, in chronic stress‐induced cognitive impairments
Authors: Bisaz Reto , Schachner Melitta , Sandi Carmen
Published: November 2009

In rodents, chronic stress induces long‐lasting structural and functional alterations in the hippocampus, as well as learning and memory impairments. The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was previously hypothesized to be a key molecule in mediating the effects of stress due to its role in neuronal remodeling and since chronic stress diminishes hippocampal NCAM expression in rats. However, since most of the evidence for these effects is correlative or circumstantial, we tested the performance of conditional NCAM‐deficient mice in the water maze task to obtain causal evidence for the role of NCAM. We first validated that exposure to chronic unpredictable stress decreased hippocampal NCAM expression in C57BL/6 wild‐type mice, inducing deficits in reversal learning and mild deficits in spatial learning. Similar deficits in water maze performance were found in conditional NCAM‐deficient mice that could not be attributed to increased anxiety or enhanced corticosterone responses. Importantly, the performance of both the conditional NCAM‐deficient mice and chronically stressed wild‐type mice in the water maze was improved by post‐training injection of the NCAM mimetic peptide, FGLs. Thus, these findings support the functional involvement of NCAM in chronic stress‐induced alterations and highlight this molecule as a potential target to treat stress‐related cognitive disturbances. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of thermostability and phonon–phonon interactions in Mo6S3I6 nanowires by Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Todorović J. M. , Dohčević‐Mitrović Z. D. , Ðokić D. M. , Mihailović D. , Popović Z. V.
Published: November 2009

Detailed Raman scattering measurements were performed on molybdenum–sulfur–iodine nanowires (Mo6S3I6). At room temperature, 21 well‐resolved Raman modes were experimentally observed for the first time in this new compound. The phase stability and vibrational properties of the nanowires were investigated by different temperature treatments. High‐temperature Raman spectra showed that the phase separation of Mo6S3I6 nanowires took place between 573 and 673 K, followed by appearance of a new mode at 819 cm−1 characteristic of the MoO3 phase. Low‐temperature Raman scattering spectra showed a significant difference in phonon–phonon interactions between internal and external Raman modes of Mo6S3I6 nanowires. These interesting vibrational properties can give new insights for improved material preparation and achievement of higher conductivity and other functional properties of these otherwise interesting materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The retail market for fresh cassava root tubers in the European Union (EU): the case of Copenhagen, Denmark — a chemical food safety issue?
Authors: Kolind‐Hansen Lotte , Brimer Leon
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: A number of retail shops in Copenhagen sell fresh cassava roots. Cassava roots contain the toxic cyanogenic glucoside linamarin. A survey was made of the shop characteristics, origin of the roots, buyers, shop owner's knowledge of toxicity levels, and actual toxicity levels.

RESULTS: Shops selling fresh cassava were shown mostly to be owned by persons originating in the Middle East or Afghanistan, buyers were found to predominantly be of African origin, and sellers' knowledge concerning the potential toxicity was found to be very restricted. Seventy‐six per cent of the roots purchased had a total cyanogenic potentials (CNp) above the 50 mg HCN equivalents kg−1 dry weight (d.w.) proposed as acceptable by an EU working group. Two of 25 roots purchased had CNp higher than 340 mg HCN eq. kg−1 d.w.

CONCLUSION: The EU has previously made risk assessments concerning cassava and cyanogenic compounds. In the light of the conclusions drawn, the EU needs to make decisions about how to deal with the regulation and control of fresh cassava roots imported to the European food market. Also cassava root products and cassava leaves should be considered. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Tracheo‐oesophageal party wall thickness in laryngectomised patients in India: Implications for surgical voice restoration
Authors: Sayed Suhail I. , Manikantan Kapila , Khode Shailesh , Jagade Mohan , Kasbekar Vimal G. , Shah Rajen , Palav Rajen S. , Nutting Chris M. , Harrington Kevin J. , Rhys‐Evans Peter , Kazi Rehan
Published: November 2009

Objective

To document accurately the tracheo‐oesophageal party wall thickness (PWT) intra‐operatively in patients undergoing total laryngectomy and to correlate it with constitutional parameters like height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. Also, to correlate PWT with the length of tract (LOT), that is prosthesis size, as measured using the standard valve length measuring device provided by the manufacturers.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients of carcinoma larynx, following removal of the diseased larynx had their tracheo‐oesophageal PWT measured using a special custom‐designed and calibrated external (or outside) calliper and a primary trachea‐oesophageal puncture (TOP) was made and inserted 10–14 days postoperative with an appropriately sized Blom–Singer® indwelling voice prosthesis.

Results

The mean PWT was 3.1 mm. PWT showed significant correlation with the weight of the patients (P = 0.006). There was no significant correlation between PWT and height, BMI, age or gender of the study group. The average LOT was found to be 4.8 mm (SD 1.5). There was a significant correlation (P = 0.009) between PWT and initial LOT, with the most commonly used prosthesis sizes being 4–6 mm.

Conclusions

The study shows that Indian patients with a thin party wall require a smaller prosthesis size and it is advisable to measure the PWT intra‐operatively. Tracheo‐oesophageal PWT in laryngectomised patients in India: implications for surgical voice restoration. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:78–83. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Green Process to Prepare Silk Fibroin/Gelatin Biomaterial Scaffolds
Authors: Lu Qiang , Zhang Xiaohui , Hu Xiao , Kaplan David L.
Published: November 2009

A new all‐aqueous and green process is described to form three‐dimensional porous silk fibroin matrices with control of structural and morphological features. Silk‐based scaffolds are prepared using lyophilization. Gelatin is added to the aqueous silk fibroin solution to change the silk fibroin conformation and silk fibroin–water interactions through adjusting the hydrophilic interactions in silk fibroin–gelatin–water systems to restrain the formation of separate sheet like structures in the material, resulting in a more homogenous structure. Water annealing is used to generate insolubility in the silk fibroin–gelatin scaffold system, thereby avoiding the use of organic solvents such as methanol to lock in the β‐sheet structure. The adjusting of the concentration of gelatin, as well as the concentration of silk fibroin, leads to control of morphological and functional properties of the scaffolds. The scaffolds were homogeneous in terms of interconnected pores, with pore sizes ranging from 100 to 600 µm, depending on the concentration of silk fibroin used in the process. At the same time, the morphology of the scaffolds changed from lamellar sheets to porous structures based on the increase in gelatin content. Compared with salt‐leaching aqueous‐derived scaffolds and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)‐derived scaffolds, these freeze‐dried scaffolds had a lower content of β‐sheet, resulting in more hydrophilic features. Most of gelatin was entrapped in the silk fibroin–gelatin scaffolds, without the burst release in PBS solution. During in vitro cell culture, these silk fibroin–gelatin scaffolds had improved cell‐compatibility than salt‐leaching silk fibroin scaffolds. This new process provides useful silk fibroin‐based scaffold systems for use in tissue engineering. Furthermore, the whole process is green, including all‐aqueous, room temperature and pressure, and without the use of toxic chemicals or solvents, offering new ways to load bioactive drugs or growth factors into the process.

magnified image
Characterisation of adult green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) digestive physiology: impact of a cysteine protease inhibitor and a synthetic pyrethroid
Authors: Mulligan Evan A , Ferry Natalie , Jouanin Lise , Romeis Jörg , Gatehouse Angharad MR
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: In spite of concern regarding potential non‐target effects of GM crops, few studies have compared GM pest control with conventional methods. The impacts of cypermethrin and oilseed rape expressing oryzacystatin‐1 (OC‐1) were compared in this study on the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens).

RESULTS: Adults fed purified rOC‐1 showed a subtle shift in digestive protease profile, with an increasing reliance on serine proteases (chymotrypsin), increase in aspartic proteases and a slight reduction in elastase activity. Although there were no effects on mortality, onset of oviposition was delayed; however, once egg production commenced, egg laying and hatching success rates were comparable with those of controls. Oryzacystatin‐1 expressed in pollen showed no detrimental effects. Cypermethrin had no effect on mortality owing to high levels of non‐specific esterase activity resulting in partial breakdown of the insecticide. In spite of this, there was a significant delay in onset of oviposition and a significant reduction in egg production and viability.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential for pest management to impact on predators, but importantly it highlights the ability of the predator to detoxify/respond to treatments with different modes of action. In this case, exposure to an insecticide carried a greater fitness cost than exposure to a protease inhibitor expressed in transgenic crops. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of phenolic compounds from different morphological parts of Helichrysum devium by liquid chromatography with on‐line UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Gouveia Sandra C. , Castilho Paula C.
Published: November 2009

A simple and rapid method has been used for the screening and identification of the main phenolic compounds from Helichrysum devium using high‐performance liquid chromatography with on‐line UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (LC‐DAD/ESI‐MSn). The total aerial parts and different morphological parts of the plant, namely leaves, flowers and stems, were analyzed separately. A total of 34 compounds present in the methanolic extract from Helichrysum devium were identified or tentatively characterized based on their UV and mass spectra and retention times. Three of these compounds were positively identified by comparison with reference standards. The phenolic compounds included derivatives of quinic acid, O‐glycosylated flavonoids, a caffeic acid derivative and a protocatechuic acid derivative. The characteristic loss of 206 Da from malonylcaffeoyl quinic acid was used to confirm the malonyl linkage to the caffeoyl group. This contribution presents one of the first reports on the analysis of phenolic compounds from Helichrysum devium using LC‐DAD/ESI‐MSn and highlights the prominence of quinic acid derivatives as the main group of phenolic compounds present in these extracts. We also provide evidence that the methanolic extract from the flowers was significantly more complex when compared to that of other morphological parts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sodium dithionite on the surface composition of iron‐containing aquifer sediment
Authors: Langell Marjorie A. , Kadossov Evgueni , Boparai Hardiljeet , Shea Patrick
Published: November 2009

AES, XPS and SIMS analyses were used to characterize the surface of Pantex aquifer sediment under pretreatment conditions previously shown to activate the sediment for remediation of the explosives‐contaminated aquifer. The untreated sediment contains detectable concentrations of iron, but the composition is heterogeneous and the nature of the iron at the surface is poorly defined. Treatment with dithionite (Na2S2O4) produced Fe3O4‐like material, as evidenced by characteristic Fe 2p XPS structure. Sediment treated with buffered dithionite (pH = 8.8) shows a higher Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio and retains strongly adsorbed FeS‐like surface species even after copious washing with deionized water. The negative SIMS data indicate that, in the absence of the K2CO3 buffer, the dithionite treatment places relatively little sulfur onto the surface, but requires the higher buffered pH to form sulfide and sulfates. Detection of Fe3O4 and FeS on the sediment surface after dithionite treatment supports the effectiveness of this treatment in remediating contaminated aquifer sediment. SIMS and XPS indicate that treating with buffered dithionite also results in some loss of iron from the sediment surface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancement in HCC imaging: diagnosis, staging and treatment efficacy assessments
Authors: Vilgrain Valérie
Published: November 2009

Imaging studies play a crucial role in the diagnosis and staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yet, assessment of tumor response is another important goal for imaging. The imaging techniques most commonly used for assessing tumor response include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging modalities and imaging criteria vary according to the treatment (surgical resection and transplantation or nonsurgical treatments such as transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and molecular targeted therapy). Efficacy of nonsurgical treatments for malignancy is usually evaluated with RECIST criteria. These criteria, based on tumor shrinkage, are often inappropriate in HCCs. The response criteria should take into account tumor necrosis induced by treatment. Today, tumor necrosis is estimated by a disappearance of hypervascularization on contrast‐enhanced imaging. New tools such as functional imaging (perfusion imaging, diffusion‐weighted MR imaging) could be of major importance. In this article, we present a summary of the most recent information on the role of imaging in assessing treatment efficacy in HCCs.
A long history of cloud and forest migration from Lake Consuelo, Peru
Authors: Urrego Dunia H. , Bush Mark B. , Silman Miles R.
Published: November 2009

The complete paleoecological history from Lake Consuelo forest yields a record of ground-level cloud formation and changes in its lower altitudinal limit over the last 46,300"cal yr BP. The timing of early lake level fluctuations prior to 37,000"cal yr BP appears sensitive to North Atlantic temperature oscillations, corresponding to Dansgaard"Oeschger interstadials 11, 10 and 8 recorded in GISP2. After the LGM, the first hint of warming is recorded in Lake Consuelo at 22,000"cal yr BP and agrees with other estimates for the region. The mid-Holocene (7400"5000"cal yr BP) was the period of highest rates of change and most significant reorganizations in the Consuelo forest. These community changes resulted from a regionally widespread dry period. Results from Lake Consuelo indicate that moisture availability, mediated through cloud cover, played the most significant role in ecological change in this system. Rates of past climate fluctuations never exceeded the forest capacity to accommodate change. Unfortunately, this might not be the case under predicted scenarios for the end of the current century.
Segregation distortion detected in six rice F2populations generated from reciprocal hybrids at three altitudes
Authors: WANG SHIHUA , TAN YALIN , TAN XUELIN , ZHANG ZHONGLIN , WEN JIANCHENG , KOU SHUYAN
Published: November 2009

This paper presents investigations of segregation distortion of six rice F2populations generated from reciprocal F1hybrids grown at three locations varied at altitudes from 400 to 2200 m. The F1s were derived from reciprocal crosses between cv. XMG, which is ajaponicalandrace traditionally grown at 2650 m altitude, and cv. N34, which is ajaponicarestorer possessing a fertility restoring (Rf) gene and cytoplasm of male sterility (CMS) donated by anindicacultivar. Among nine morphological traits of the F2populations, only one was in normal distribution, eight were distorted in all or at least one population. Out of 16 polymorphic PCR markers, 10 markers distributed on 7 chromosomes were significantly distorted. Among these markers, RMAN7 and RM257 were distorted in both of the reciprocal populations, which suggested that nuclear genes had strong effects on segregation distortion. The other makers were distorted only in the populations with cytoplasm donated by XMG or N34. The results indicated that segregation of DNA markers was affected by cytoplasm background. Segregation distribution was also affected by altitude, since segregation distortions of most of the markers were detected not in all the three populations generated from F1grown at the three altitudes, but only in one population from F1grown at one altitude. Marker M45461, which is located withinRf-1locus, was severely distorted towards N34 in all the populations with cytoplasm donated by N34, but not in the populations with cytoplasm provided by XMG. The results indicated that interaction between CMS andRfgene had strong effects on distortion. Results of this study indicated thatjaponicacytoplasm did not cause distortion favouring a special parent, butindicacytoplasm made distortion favouring a maternal parent. The results suggested thatindicacytoplasm was not well compatible withjaponicanuclear background, whilejaponicacytoplasm did not have such trouble withindicanuclei. This study also found that the six F2populations were divergent into two groups due to difference of cytoplasm background.
Some Remarks on the Etiology of Potato Disease in Lincolnshire
Authors: Morgan D. O.
Published: November 2009

During investigations on the Eelworm of Potatoes in south Lincolnshire during the summer of 1925 it was found that fields shewing great variation in the extent of damage done to the crop did not have a corresponding variation in the number of eelworm cysts present. It was often observed that patches where plants were doing well shewed as many cysts in the soil and on the roots as those areas where damage was most pronounced. This seemed to suggest that eelworms might not be the primary cause of the failure but a contributory factor.

Owing to the fact that other pests, chiefly fungoid, were invariably present in addition to eelworm it seemed that one might either attribute the failure of the crop to various pests, or to some factor or factors connected with soil fertility which inhibited the proper growth of the plants and reduced their resistance to disease. In order to obtain data which might throw some light on this latter suggestion, a number of fields reported to have failing potato crops were visited and as far as possible the history of the cropping, manuring and general cultivation was obtained. Soil samples from different parts of the fields were brought back to the Laboratory at the Kirton Agricultural Institute for the estimation of the cyst content.
A new species of the nematode genus Cylindrogaster
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

The writer established the genus Cylindrogaster in 1927 for the reception of a nematode found in cultures of rat's fæces. Its principal distinguishing features were the possession of very long buccal rods and an elongate, cylindrical, muscular first œsophageal bulb. The male possessed 10 caudal papillæ arranged in three groups disposed in a manner exactly similar to that of the caudal papilæ in many species of Diplogaster, Odontopharynx longicaudata and Tylopharynx striata.
On the Eelworm Heterodera schachtii attacking Peas in Britain
Authors: Triffitt Marjorie J.
Published: November 2009

In June, 1931, some specimens of field-grown peas infested by eelworms were sent for diagnosis to the Institute of Agricultural Parasitology by Mr. H. W. Thompson, of Cardiff University. The plants were found to be very heavily attacked by Heterodera schachtii in early stages of development.
Significant Factors in the Plerocercoid Environment of Diphyllobothrium latum (Linn.)
Authors: Wardle Robert Arnold
Published: November 2009

1. Plerocercoid larval stages of Diphyllobothrium latum (Linn.), in 0·2 molar sodium chloride can tolerate temperature values between −8° and 55°C., the survival time varying from 15 minutes at 54° C. to 60 hours at 20° C., and diminishing gradually from 24+ hours at zero to non-survival at −8°C. The optimum range of values lies between 38° and −2·8° C. It is suggested that the median point of the optimum range approximates to the mean summer temperature of the host fish and that variations in temperature from this mean point restrict the survival time value of the intramuscular plerocercoid phase.

2. They can tolerate concentrations of HCl between 0·3 and 0·001 molar if 0·5 per cent. of pepsin be present, and concentrations of Na2CO2 between 0·2 and 0·001 molar, when 3 per cent. of pancreatin is present, for the length of time they would normally be subject to canine or human gastric and duodenal digestion.

3. They can tolerate the component salts of Ringer-Locke solution when in concentrations between 0·2 and 0·001 molar for periods of time varying with the concentration and with the chemical structure of the salt. The addition of other electrolytes to decimolar NaCl does not increase its value as a medium for the larvae.

4. The behaviour of plerocercoids in electrolyte solutions of 0·2–0·001 molar concentration is essentially similar, and initial period of activity being followed by a period of contraction and latent mobility—which, however, may be omitted—passing into a period of endosmotic immobility and disintegration. It is suggested that activity is stimulated by the influence of absorbed CI' upon muscular irritability and that depression of activity is induced by absorption of the kation of neutral salts or of the whole molecule of acids or alkalies.
On Aphelenchoides hodsoni Goodey, attacking narcissus
Authors: Hodson W. E. H. , Gibson G. W.
Published: November 2009

For many years it has been recognised that the nematode, Anguillulina dipsaci, is a major pest of narcissus, and growers and scientific workers alike are familiar with the presence of damaged and discoloured tissues within the bulbs, accompanied by swelling and distortion of the foliage, which are, prior to the death of the bulb, associated with attack by this pest. Certain other nematodes are sometimes responsible for somewhat similar injury to the bulbs, and in 1932 Steiner & Buhrer published a short account of those nematodes which have, on occasion, been found within and apparently been responsible for the diseased condition of narcissus bulbs in U.S.A.
Taenia saginata:Its growth and propagation
Authors: Penfold W. J. , Penfold H. Boyd , Phillips Mary
Published: November 2009

When the beef measle bladder worm is ingested by man it is believed that the head attaches itself to the mucosa of the jejunum, the caudal bladder disintegrates and segments develop in the neck region immediately behind the head at the rate of about 6–12 per day. Thus, segments immediately behind the head one day are pushed away from the proximity of the head by the formation of new segments each day. While a segment is being pushed further from the head it increases in size and alters its shape; its sex organs, both male and female, develop and perform their functions. About 80 days are required for a segment to become ripe or for a bladder worm to develop into a complete tapeworm. The ripe posterior segments are detached almost daily. These are replaced by the formation of a similar number immediately behind the head. In this way a worm once fully grown maintains approximately the same length.
On the Incidence of Abomasal Parasites in Fat Lambs from the same flock
Authors: Fraser Allan H. H. , Robertson David
Published: November 2009

1. To determine the upper limit of the abomasal worm infestation of healthy lambs was the main object of the investigation. The results show that a lamb slaughtered fat before or shortly after weaning and therefore presumably a healthy lamb, may contain up to 2,100 Haemonchus and up to 4,670 Ostertagia.

2. Infestation with Haemonchus conlortus is negligible until August.

3. Infestation with Ostertagia remains almost steady from early May until mid-September.

4. Infestation with Trichostrongylus axei occurs from May until mid-September, but is never a heavy one.

5. The evidence suggests, but does not prove, that in mid-summer there is a wide difference in the infestation of single and twin lambs.

6. The results, so far as they affect the seasonality of infestation are, strictly speaking, applicable only to the flock of the Duthie Experimental Stock Farm, but are probably true for the North-East area of Scotland.
Studies on the Helminths of India. Trematoda IV.
Authors: Bhalerao G. D.
Published: November 2009

The species Bucephalopsis karvei n. sp. has been described in detail and separated from the allied species. A survey of the work on Bucephalidæ has been given and the species B. magnum, B. confusus and B. minimus have been considered to be synonyms of B. garui. A key to the existing valid species of Bucephalopsis has been given.

The genus Catoptroides has been merged into the synonymy of Phyllodistomum and arguments for so doing have been advanced. Revised diagnosis of Phyllodistomum has been given.

Phyllodistomum shandrai n. sp. has been described and separated from the allied species. P. sp. has been briefly described. Key to the species of Phyllodistomum has been given.

Paramphistomum maplestoni n. sp. and P. cuonum n. sp., have been described and separated from the allied species P. orthocœlium. A few observations on P. sp. from a wild cat and Diplodiscus amphichrus from Rana tigrina have been recorded. Paramphistomum cervi, P. sp., Cotylophoron orientalis and Gastrothylax crumenifer have been recorded from neelgai, hog deer and sable antelope respectively.

Helostomatis sakrei n. sp. has been described and separated from H. helostomatis. A revised diagnosis of Helostomatis has been given.

Neocladorchis poonaensis n.g., n. sp. has been described. The new genus Neocladorchis has been defined and separated from the allied genera.
Field Tests on the Value of Calcium Chloro-acetate for controlling the Potato-sickness associated with the Root Eelworm, Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Edwards E. E.
Published: November 2009

Continuing the work on which a paper was published by the writer in the Journal of Helminthology, April, 1937, it was decided to concentrate on calcium chloro-acetate in the 1938 field experiments on soil treatment for the control of the potato sickness associated with Heterodera schachtii.

Tests were made at five different centres in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth with amounts equivalent to 3 cwt. and 5 cwt. to the acre.
Natural Infections of Heterodera schachtii on Clovers in Britain
Authors: Franklin Mary T.
Published: November 2009

In a previous paper (1938) it was recorded that lemon-shaped cysts of the nematode Heterodera schachtii are frequently to be found in pasture soils. In many cases the soil has not, at least for a number of years, borne a crop such as oats or mangolds likely to have been infected with this nematode. The eelworm must therefore parasitize some plant or plants commonly to be found in pastures.
On Wild Birds as Transmitters of Helminth Parasites to Domestic Stock
Authors: Clapham Phyllis A
Published: November 2009

Evidence is put forward to show that eggs of helminth parasites are being constantly re-introduced to land and transferred from one pasture to another. In this way land which has not previously carried poultry for years may yet carry viable eggs which can, and do infect chickens when they are introduced to such runs. The starling and rook are probably important transmitting agents as these congregate among poultry at feeding times. Rabbits and other small rodents may also be carriers but no evidence for this has been looked for yet. Young poultry stock may also become infected with helminths which are normally parasites of wild birds but such parasites, except one Acanthocephalan, have not yet been recovered from or transmitted to older birds experimentally.