bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting apparent prevalence of tuberculosis and brucellosis in wood bison
Authors: Joly Damien O. , Messier François
Published: June 2004

Bison (Bison bison) abundance in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, declined from in excess of 10 000 bison in the late 1960s to a low of 2200 bison in the late 1990s.

Bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) and brucellosis (Brucella abortus), were introduced to Wood Buffalo National Park in the late 1920s. As each of these pathogens have the potential to reduce survival and reproduction in bison, they are suspected to have played a role in the decline in bison abundance.

We live‐captured bison for disease testing in February and March of 1997, 1998 and 1999. Forty‐nine percent tested positive for tuberculosis (i.e. were positive on the caudal fold test and/or fluorescent polarization assay,n = 342). Further, 30·9% of bison were seropositive for brucellosis (i.e. agglutinated in the buffered‐plate antigen test and had a titre of 1 : 5 in the complement fixation test or had a titre of ≥ 1 : 10 in the complement fixation test,n = 346). Prevalence for both diseases increased with age and males were more likely to test positive for tuberculosis. Prevalence of either disease did not appear to be directly related to density of bison, as prevalence rates were not greater in the high density Delta population than the lower density Hay Camp and Nyarling River populations.

Comparison of our results to previous brucellosis and tuberculosis surveys in Wood Buffalo National Park indicates that prevalence of neither pathogen is a direct function of bison density. These pathogens are endemic within the bison population of the park.
Weather dictates reproductive success and survival in the Australian brown falcon Falco berigora
Authors: G. MDonald Paul , Olsen Penny D. , Cockburn Andrew
Published: June 2004

We examined the influence of parental age, pair‐bond duration, prey size and weather conditions on various measures of reproductive success and survival of a sedentary brown falcon (Falco berigora, Vigors & Horsfield) population that was virtually free from predation and human persecution.

Pairs on territories with large prey were more likely to initiate breeding. Females taking larger prey items experienced higher mortality rates when they bred late in the season, whereas those taking smaller prey had a greater probability of survival when laying later in the season − relationships likely linked to opposing seasonal differences in prey availability.

Interannual differences were by far the most influential variable assessed, affecting reproductive success and female survival. Pairs on‐site in the first year of the study were more successful breeders and had greater survival prospects than those present in the latter two seasons. This pattern corresponds strongly to the observed frequency of heavy rain downpours and implicates these events as the main cause of reproductive failure and mortality amongst adult females. These detrimental effects were due probably to an increased chance of chilling, exposure and starvation for chicks and parents alike.

The importance of unpredictable climatic variables in shaping the reproductive success and survival of brown falcons and raptors from other regions indicates that, in the absence of significant nest predation, weather, in this case in the form of heavy rain, may well be the most important ultimate factor influencing long‐term reproductive success in this group.
Pfaffia mosaic virus: a new potyvirus found infecting Pfaffia glomerata in Brazil
Authors: Mota L. D. C. , Della Vecchia M. G. S. , Gioria R. , Kitajima E. W. , Rezende J. A. M. , Camargo L. E. A. , Amorim L.
Published: June 2004

In Brazil plants of Pfaffia glomerata with mosaic symptoms were found to be infected with a previously undescribed potyvirus, Pfaffia mosaic virus (PfMV). Virus particles were long and flexuous, c. 10 × 700–800 nm, and cylindrical inclusions typical of potyviruses were present in cells of infected tissue. Partial host‐range studies revealed that in addition to P. glomerata, PfMV infected only Chenopodium amaranticolor and Chenopodium quinoa. It was efficiently transmitted by the aphids Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae. Polyclonal antiserum produced against the PfMV coat protein (CP) reacted with Potato virus Y (PVY), but not with four other potyviruses in PTA‐ELISA. The similarity of the nucleotide sequence of the PfMV coat‐protein gene (CP) varied from 7 to 76% when compared with other members of the family Potyviridae. Similarity of the 3′ NTR sequence varied from 4 to 23%. In both cases the highest similarity was with PVY. These data indicate that PfMV is a new species in the genus Potyvirus.
Variation and distribution of virulence phenotypes of Bremia lactucae in natural populations of Lactuca serriola
Authors: Lebeda A. , Petrželová I.
Published: June 2004

During 1997–2000 the virulence variation and distribution of virulence phenotypes of Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) in natural populations of Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce) were studied. Altogether 139 isolates of B. lactucae originating from the Czech Republic, France and Germany were examined for the presence of 27 virulence factors (v‐factors) and their combinations. In the Czech population, 37 different v‐phenotypes (P1–P37) of B. lactucae were found to occur on L. serriola. Most v‐phenotypes were characterized by v‐factors that match resistance (Dm genes/R‐factors) carried by L. serriola. A wide diversity of v‐phenotypes was recorded every year, but most were rare and did not reappear in other populations of B. lactucae. The three v‐phenotypes P21, P28 and P29 were most frequent and widely distributed. There was variation both between spatially isolated populations and within populations of the pathogen. Geographic differences in virulence were found for the southern parts of Moravia, where the phenotypic composition of pathogen populations was completely different from the remaining part of the area investigated. However, some populations had v‐phenotypes similar to those of spatially distant populations in Moravia.
Phenotypic and genotypic diversity in Phytophthora infestans on potato in Great Britain, 1995–98
Authors: Day J. P. , Wattier R. A. M. , Shaw D. S. , Shattock R. C.
Published: June 2004

A total of 2691 single‐lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans was established from samples of late‐blight disease from 354 commercial and garden/allotment sites in Scotland, England and Wales over four growing seasons, 1995–98. The A2 mating type was rare (3·0% of isolates) and was detected at only 34 sites. In vitro tests of sensitivity to the phenylamide fungicide metalaxyl showed that 316 sites yielded isolates with some insensitivity (resistant and/or intermediate); these were more often commercial sites than garden/allotment sites. Over the four seasons, the frequency of isolates with intermediate fungicide sensitivity increased, while the frequency of resistant phenotypes decreased. Resistant isolates were always of A1 mating type. A subset of 1459 isolates from 326 sites was analysed for molecular diversity. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype Ia predominated (91·0% of isolates); haplotype IIa was present at 54 sites and both haplotypes at 33 sites. The multilocus RFLP probe RG57 detected 30 fingerprints. Four fingerprints were particularly common (RF002, RF006, RF039 and RF040) and 10 were unique to a single site in a single year. The three commonest fingerprints (RF039 > RF002 > RF006) were of A1 mating type and the fourth (RF040) was A2. RF002 isolates were resistant to the phenylamide metalaxyl and were more common in Scotland than in England and Wales. Small sample sizes limited the usefulness of estimates of diversity. Although approximately half of all sites appeared to be colonized by RF039 genotypes, some sites (both commercial and garden/allotment) showed a higher diversity, having both common and unique genotypes. The genotypic diversity within isolates collected from commercial sites and those from garden/allotment sites were similar. The contributions of sexual reproduction and alternatives to sex to the generation of variation are discussed.
Interaction of spatially separated Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae on potato measured by impaired photosynthesis
Authors: Rotenberg D. , MacGuidwin A. E. , Saeed I. A. M. , Rouse D. I.
Published: June 2004

Experiments were conducted under growth‐chamber conditions to determine if Pratylenchus penetrans systemically alters light use efficiency (LUE) of Russet Burbank potato infected by Verticillium dahliae. Pathogen separation was achieved by inoculating potato roots with the nematode prior to injecting fungal conidia into the stem vasculature. Treatments were P. penetrans alone, V. dahliae alone, nematode and fungus together, and a no‐pathogen control. Gas exchange was repeatedly and nondestructively measured on the fifth‐youngest leaf with a Li‐Cor LI‐6200 portable photosynthesis system. By 16 and 20 days after stem injection with the fungus, LUE was synergistically impaired in jointly infected plants. Transpiration in plants infected with both pathogens was significantly reduced. However, the combined effect of nematode and fungus was synergistic in one experiment and additive in the other. Stems were destructively harvested when LUE was synergistically impaired. Coinfected potato plants contained more colony‐forming units (CFU) of V. dahliae in stem sap than those infected by the fungus alone in one experiment. Evidence is provided that infection of Russet Burbank roots by P. penetrans systemically affects disease physiology associated with stem vascular infection by V. dahliae. The findings indicate that the role of the nematode in the fungus/host interaction is more than simply to facilitate extravascular and/or vascular entry of the fungus into potato roots.
Low diversity of vegetative compatibility types and mating type of Cryphonectria parasitica in the southern Balkans
Authors: Sotirovski K. , Papazova‐Anakieva I. , Grünwald N. J. , Milgroom M. G.
Published: June 2004

The diversity of vegetative compatibility (vc) types and mating type was estimated in populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, throughout Macedonia and from selected areas in Greece. Nearly all of the 786 isolates (94%) from Macedonia were in a single vc type, EU‐12; all 379 isolates from Greece were EU‐12. Only six of 20 populations in Macedonia had more than one vc type. The diversity of vc types in the most diverse populations of Macedonia was comparable with the least diverse populations found previously in Italy. All but six of the 313 isolates assayed had the same mating type, MAT‐1, and no perithecia of Cryphonectria parasitica were observed in any population. These results lead to the conclusion that sexual reproduction does not occur in these populations. The lack of vc type diversity may indicate a high potential for the spread of hypoviruses and successful biological control with transmissible hypovirulence. However, if sexual reproduction should occur in Macedonian populations, up to 32 vc types would be possible by recombination among vegetative incompatibility loci.
Relationship between incidence and severity of cashew gummosis in semiarid north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Cardoso J. E. , Santos A. A. , Rossetti A. G. , Vidal J. C.
Published: June 2004

The incidence–severity relationship for cashew gummosis, caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, was studied to determine the feasibility of using disease incidence to estimate indirectly disease severity in order to establish the potential damage caused by this disease in semiarid north‐eastern Brazil. Epidemics were monitored in two cashew orchards, from 1995 to 1998 in an experimental field composed of 28 dwarf clones, and from 2000 to 2002 in a commercial orchard of a single clone. The two sites were located 10 km from each other. Logarithmic transformation achieved the best linear adjustment of incidence and severity data as determined by coefficients of determination for place, age and pooled data. A very high correlation between incidence and severity was found in both fields, with different disease pressures, different cashew genotypes, different ages and at several epidemic stages. Thus, the easily assessed gummosis incidence could be used to estimate gummosis severity levels.
Influence of temperature on plant–rhizobacteria interactions related to biocontrol potential for suppression of fusarium wilt of chickpea
Authors: Landa B. B. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M.
Published: June 2004

Seed and soil treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens RGAF 19, P. fluorescens RG 26, Bacillus megaterium RGAF 51 and Paenibacillus macerans RGAF 101 can suppress fusarium wilt of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), but the extent of disease suppression by these rhizobacteria is modulated by soil temperature. In this work, the effect of temperature on plant–rhizobacteria interactions was assessed in relation to biocontrol potential for suppression of fusarium wilt of chickpea. Seed and soil treatment with those rhizobacteria delayed seedling emergence compared with nontreated controls, and either increased or had no deleterious effect on chickpea growth. Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates significantly increased chickpea shoot dry weight at 20°C and root dry weight at 25 and 30°C. All bacterial isolates colonized the chickpea rhizosphere and internal stem tissues at 20, 25 and 30°C, and there was a positive linear trend between bacterial population size in the rhizosphere and temperature increase. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 5 in vitro occurred at a temperature range optimal for bacterial growth and production of inhibitory metabolites. These results demonstrate the need to understand the effects of environmental factors on the biological activities of introduced rhizobacteria of significant importance for plant disease suppression.
Occurrence and survival of potato scab pathogens (Streptomyces species) on tuber lesions: quick diagnosis based on a PCR‐based assay
Authors: Lehtonen M. J. , Rantala H. , Kreuze J. F. , Bång H. , Kuisma L. , Koski P. , Virtanen E. , Vihlman K. , Valkonen J. P. T.
Published: June 2004

A time‐saving and cost‐effective polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method was developed for species‐specific detection of the scab pathogens (Streptomyces scabies and S. turgidiscabies) prevalent in potato (Solanum tuberosum) in northern Scandinavia. Species specificity of primers was verified using a collection of previously characterized Streptomyces strains isolated from potato scab lesions in Finland and Sweden. A total of 1245 scab lesions was tested from potato cvs Matilda and Sabina grown in the field in two geographic regions of Finland in 2000 and 2001. Freshly harvested or stored potato tubers were incubated at room temperature (18–21°C) under humid conditions for a few days. Bacterial growth was collected from scab lesions for DNA isolation and PCR. The two scab pathogens were detected in the same potato fields, tubers and scab lesions. The relative incidence of S. scabies was high in freshly harvested tubers but was much lower than that of S. turgidiscabies following storage. Both pathogens were seed‐transmitted in Matilda and Sabina after 24 weeks of storage at 4°C.
The oldest fungicide and newest phytoalexin – a reappraisal of the fungitoxicity of elemental sulphur
Authors: Williams J. S. , Cooper R. M.
Published: June 2004

Elemental sulphur (S0) is man's oldest fungicide. In biological systems it is formed by certain specialized prokaryotes but the element has rarely been found in eukaryotes. The recent discovery that certain plant species from diverse families produce S0as a localized component of active defence to vascular pathogens, and that S0is constitutive in some crucifers, led to this review. Because of the age and relative inaccessibility of some of the past literature and the inconsistency in the methods used, the spectrum of activity and the toxicity of S0are reassessed here. Interpretation of bioassays of this and other hydrophobic compounds are offered. Also, brief coverage is given to the history of S0use and its suggested mode(s) of action. The element's possible role in defence and the form, location and levelsin plantaare considered. Sulphur is one of many S‐containing defence‐related compounds and it is ironic that sulphur deficiency has recently become a widespread nutrient disorder in crops, largely due to restrictions on fossil fuel burning. The problem is being addressed by sulphur application, but the future manipulation of genes for sulphate uptake and sulphur biosynthesis are likely goals.
Effect of light duration on severity of black dot caused by Colletotrichum coccodes on potato
Authors: Tsror (Lahkim) L.
Published: June 2004

The effect of light duration on potato black dot was examined in plants grown under controlled conditions and in plantlets in tissue culture. A short‐day (SD) photoperiod of 8 h light enhanced disease levels caused by Colletotrichum coccodes compared with a long‐day (LD) photoperiod of 16 h light. Four cultivars (Agria, Cara, Désirée and Nicola) exhibited higher disease levels under SD conditions. Fungal colonization rates, level of sclerotia on roots, and crown rot symptoms were significantly higher under SD conditions in all cultivars. Parameters related to plant development (height and shoot weight) were reduced in plants grown under SD conditions in all cultivars tested, regardless of inoculation with the fungus. Similar results were also obtained with tissue‐culture plantlets of cvs Cara, Désirée, Nicola and Alpha grown in an aseptic system under SD and LD conditions. Fungal colonization indices, level of sclerotia on roots, and crown rot symptoms on inoculated plantlets were significantly more severe in all cultivars tested when grown under SD conditions. Plant height and shoot weight of cvs Cara, Désirée and Nicola were significantly affected by both day length and inoculation with C. coccodes, with inoculated plantlets being shorter and smaller under SD conditions. These findings support the hypothesis that light duration plays an important role in C. coccodes infection, and may be one of the major factors responsible for the severe expression of black dot and yield losses observed in the Israeli autumn season, as may also occur in other potato‐production areas in the Mediterranean region.
Growth‐ and leaf‐temperature effects on photosynthesis of sweet orange seedlings infected with Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Ribeiro R. V. , Machado E. C. , Oliveira R. F.
Published: June 2004

The effects of growth and leaf temperature on photosynthesis were evaluated in sweet orange seedlings (Citrus sinensis cv. Pera) infected with Xylella fastidiosa (the bacterium that causes citrus variegated chlorosis, CVC). Measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence were taken at leaf temperatures of 25, 30, 35 and 40°C in healthy and infected (without visible symptoms) seedlings submitted to two temperature regimes (25/20 or 35/20°C, day/night), not simultaneously. The CO2 assimilation rates (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) were higher in healthy plants in both temperature regimes. Values for A and gs of infected and healthy plants were higher in the 35/20°C regime, decreasing with leaf temperature increase. In addition, differences between healthy and infected plants were higher at 35/20°C, while no differences in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were observed except for potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II, which was higher in infected plants. Low A values in infected plants were caused by low gs and probably by biochemical damage to photosynthesis. The high alternative electron sink of infected plants was another effect of reduced A. Both high growth and high leaf temperatures increased differences in A between healthy and infected plants. Therefore this feature may be partially responsible for lower growth and/or productivity of CVC‐affected plants in regions with high air temperature.
Effect of environmental factors and Sclerotium cepivorum isolate on sclerotial degradation and biological control of white rot by Trichoderma
Authors: Clarkson J. P. , Mead A. , Payne T. , Whipps J. M.
Published: June 2004

Laboratory assays demonstrated that two isolates of Trichoderma viride and one isolate of Trichoderma pseudokoningii degraded up to 80% of sclerotia of four isolates of Sclerotium cepivorum in a silty clay soil, and also degraded up to 60% of sclerotia in three other soil types. Relationships were defined between the degree of sclerotial degradation by the two T. viride isolates in the silty clay soil and both temperature and soil water potential. Sclerotia were degraded between 10 and 25°C at −0·00012 MPa, but there was little activity of T. viride at 5°C or at −4 MPa. Degradation of S. cepivorum sclerotia also occurred in the absence of Trichoderma at soil water potentials approaching saturation. Experiments using onion seedling bioassays showed that the efficacy of Trichoderma isolates for the control of white rot using the same selection of soils and S. cepivorum isolates was variable, but that there was significant disease control overall. The importance of environmental factors and pathogen isolate in relation to effective biological control of white rot is discussed.
Sustaining Community‐Based Programs for Families: Conceptualization and Measurement*
Authors: Mancini Jay A. , Marek Lydia I.
Published: June 2004

A conceptual model for evaluating community‐based program sustainability is presented, along with a 53‐item Program Sustainability Index (PSI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) and principal axis factor analysis indicate strong support for each of the seven elements of the PSI. When considered as an overall model, six of the seven framework elements were retained. Internal consistency for each subscale was acceptable, and acceptable performance validity was demonstrated when the subscales were contrasted with middle‐range program results. These findings are discussed with regard to next steps in the conceptualization and measurement of program sustainability, as well as implications for planning and implementing community‐based programs for families.
“It wasn’t ‘let's get pregnant and go do it’:” Decision Making in Lesbian Couples Planning Motherhood via Donor Insemination
Authors: Chabot Jennifer M. , Ames Barbara D.
Published: June 2004

The process that lesbian couples experienced in using donor insemination (DI) to become parents was examined in this study through interviews of 10 lesbians. Using a decision‐making framework embedded in feminist theory, results identified the major decisions involved that conceptualized the transition to parenthood and describe how these decisions were experienced.
Tensions Generated by Business Issues in Farm Business‐Owning Couples*
Authors: Danes Sharon M. , Lee Yoon G.
Published: June 2004

Business tensions were investigated for farm couples. Wives reported higher tension in four out of seven business tensions. Profit was the highest priority for husbands, whereas wives identified good family relationships as the highest priority. Transferring family financial resources to the business and having preschool children was associated with increased tensions for both wives and husbands. For husbands only, experiencing more stressful life events and indicating high importance for keeping the business within the family was associated with increased tensions. For both spouses, having the husband place family over business in priority, having a high level of functional integrity in the family system, and having a wife who was satisfied with her role in the business was associated with decreased tensions.
Formative Evaluation of a Family Life Education Web Site*
Authors: Steimle Brynn M. , Duncan Stephen F.
Published: June 2004

Hundreds of family life education Web sites are available on the Internet, allowing individuals and families unprecedented access to family life education information. Evaluation is critical to ensuring the quality of and improving these Web sites; yet, few Web site evaluations have been conducted. We formatively evaluated a new family life education Web site, Forever Families (http://www.foreverfamilies.net), assessing site use with Web‐based software and receiving visitor feedback through an online survey. Findings revealed that the site was highly used by individuals throughout the world, that the site was viewed positively and had a positive impact on users, and that site ratings did not substantially vary by user characteristics. Users provided many helpful suggestions for improvement.
Sibling Influences on Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Safe Sex Practices*
Authors: Kowal Amanda Kolburn , Blinn‐Pike Lynn
Published: June 2004

We examined the role of older siblings in protecting adolescents from engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Participants included 297 midwestern high school students who were approximately 17 years old and who responded to questionnaires assessing their attitudes toward sexual intercourse, self‐efficacy for engaging in safe sex, and discussions with their older siblings and parents about sex. Results suggested that sibling discussions about safe sex, in conjunction with parental discussions, predicted better attitudes toward safe sexual practices for adolescents. Perceptions of sibling relationship quality were more closely associated with sibling discussions about safe sex than were older siblings’ general attitudes toward safer sexual intercourse. Thus, sibling relationship quality may serve a protective function by facilitating more frequent sibling discussions about safe sex.
Are College Marriage Textbooks Teaching Students the Premarital Predictors of Marital Quality?*
Authors: Larson Jeffry H. , Hickman Rachel
Published: June 2004

We evaluated 10 college marriage textbooks for their efficacy in teaching the premarital predictors of marital quality identified in the literature. They also were evaluated on their use of an integrative teaching approach that personalizes the content for readers and assists readers in learning, remembering, and using the information in their own lives. Four evaluators assessed the content and teaching methods in each book. Results showed that only 4 of the 10 textbooks covered two thirds or more of the premarital predictors, and none of the books used an integrative teaching approach consistently. Implications for improving these books, adding supplementary materials on premarital predictors to college courses, and increasing the use of integrative teaching methods in these books are discussed.
Wives’ Domain‐Specific “Marriage Work” with Friends and Spouses: Links to Marital Quality*
Authors: Proulx Christine M. , Helms Heather M. , Chris Payne C.
Published: June 2004

This study examined the friendship experiences of 52 wives and mothers, with particular attention given to wives’ marriage work (discussions about concerns and problems in the marriage) in 10 domains with friends and spouses. A series of within‐subjects repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) indicated that in all but two domains, wives were equally likely to talk to their spouses and their close friends about marital concerns. A series of hierarchical regression analyses tested whether women's marriage work with their spouses moderated the link between marriage work with friends and reports of marital quality. Support for moderation was found for reports of conflict or negativity and satisfaction. Implications for family practitioners and programming are discussed.
Family Therapy Trainees’ Perceptions of Divorced Mothers: A Test of Bias in Information Recall
Authors: Christine Schultz M. , Leslie Leigh A.
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate marriage and family therapy (MFT) trainees’ perceptions of divorced mothers relative to married mothers. We used a recall design in which participants recalled details from a vignette about either a divorced mother or a married mother. Participants were 74 students currently enrolled in five American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) accredited training programs in MFT. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that participants receiving the divorced‐mother vignette recalled significantly more unfavorable characteristics about her than did those participants receiving the married‐mother vignette. Implications for the training of marriage and family therapists and alerting mental health professionals to examine their own assumptions and biases about divorced mothers are included.
Phylogeny of Mantodea based on molecular data: evolution of a charismatic predator
Authors: Svenson Gavin J. , Whiting Michael F.
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  The previously unknown phylogenetic relationships among Mantodea (praying mantids) were inferred from DNA sequence data. Five genes (16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase II and histone 3) were sequenced for sixty‐three taxa representing major mantid lineages and outgroups. The monophyly of mantid families and subfamilies was tested under varying parameter settings using parsimony and Bayesian analyses. The analyses revealed the paraphyly of Hymenopodidae, Iridopterygidae, Mantidae, and Thespidae and the monophyly of the Amorphoscelidae subfamily Paraoxypilinae. All represented subfamilies of Iridopterygidae and Mantidae appear paraphyletic. Mantoididae is sister group to the rest of the sampled mantid taxa. Lineages congruent with current subfamilial taxonomy include Paraoxypilinae, Hoplocoryphinae, Hymenopodinae, Acromantinae and Oligonicinae. The mantid hunting strategy is defined as either generalist, cursorial or ambush predators. By mapping hunting strategy onto our phylogeny, we reconstructed the ancestral predatory condition as generalist hunting, with three independent shifts to cursorial hunting and one shift to ambush hunting, associated with the largest radiation of mantid species.
A review of the bee genus Augochlorella (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Augochlorini)
Authors: Coelho B. W. T.
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  The New World halictid bee genus Augochlorella (Augochlorini) is revised. Sixteen species are recognized, with five described as new: Augochlorella acarinata sp. n., A. una sp. n., A. meridionalis sp. n., A. stenothoracica sp. n. from South America, and A. karankawa sp. n. from U.S.A. The following new synonymies are proposed: Augochlorella michaelis (Vachal) with A. urania (Smith), A. edendata Michener with A. comis (Vachal); A. striata (Provancher) with Augochlorella aurata (Smith) and A. neglectula maritima Ordway with A. neglectula (Cockerell). The female of A. tredecim (Vachal) and the male of A. iopoecila Moure are described for the first time. Keys to the species are provided. Cladistic analysis of adult morphological characters corroborates Engel's hypotheses of monophyly of Augochlorella phylogenetic relationships with related genera as follow: (Augochlorella ((Ceratalictus, Pereirapis) Augochlora)). Vicariant events shown in the cladistic analyses are discussed, and an account of distribution is presented.
Preliminary evolutionary relationships within the parasitoid wasp genusCotesia(Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae): combined analysis of four genes
Authors: Michel‐Salzat Alice , Whitfield James B.
Published: June 2004

Abstract. The braconid wasp genusCotesiaCameron (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) is one of the largest genera of parasitoid wasps, and its species are employed frequently as biological control agents against pest insects. SeveralCotesiaspecies are also used as model organisms in physiology, ecology and population genetics studies. The genus thus has considerable importance from both applied and basic science perspectives. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of twenty‐five species ofCotesiacommonly used in field and laboratory research, using the genes 16S, ND1, 28S and LW opsin and employing a range of phylogeny estimation methods including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, minimum evolution and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic estimates differed little among methods, especially for the combined data analysis. The combined analysis of four genes identified four well‐supported clades withinCotesia: themelanoscelagroup (containingC. melanoscela, theC. flavipesspecies complex and probably alsoC. ruficrus), thekariyaigroup (containingC. kariyai,C. kazak,C. cyaniridis,C. flaviconchaeand probably alsoC. anisotaeandC. griffini), therubeculagroup (containingC. congregata,C.electrae,C.euchaetis,C. marginiventris,C. obsuricornisandC. schizurae), and theglomeratagroup (consisting ofC. glomerata,C. melitaearumandC. plutellae), plus a basal unresolved complex includingC. hyphantriae,C. diacrisiaeandC. empretiae. These groups correspond poorly with previous broad subgroups ofCotesiadefined by Papp based on morphology. The current work constitutes the first real framework for comparative studies in systematics, ecology, physiology and population genetics ofCotesia. A preliminary analysis of the evolution of gregarious development from solitary is presented, in which it is apparent that solitary development is ancestral, and gregariousness has arisen several times independently within separate groups.
Phylogeny and tribal classification of Sterrhinae with emphasis on delimiting Scopulini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: Sihvonen Pasi , Kaila Lauri
Published: June 2004

Abstract. The phylogenetic relationships of tribes of the geometrid subfamily Sterrhinae (Lepidoptera) were studied, with special emphasis on finding delimiting characters for the tribe Scopulini. Two cladistic analyses were conducted for fifty‐nine species representing all previously recognized Sterrhinae tribes and covering the geographical range of the subfamily. In the first analysis, twelve putative synapomorphies of Scopulini, taken from the literature, were coded for actual specimens in order to test their ability to support the monophyly of the group. The resulting strict consensus cladogram was totally unresolved. In the second analysis, the twelve characters were combined with additional information from the morphology and ecology of adults and immature stages. Analysis of these ninety‐six characters resulted in a well‐resolved cladogram. The tribes were found to be monophyletic, except Cosymbiini and Rhodostrophiini. There are two main lineages within Sterrhinae: Cosymbiini + Rhodometrini + Timandrini and Rhodostrophiini + Cyllopodini + Sterrhini + Scopulini. Aletini and Problepsini lay within the concept of Scopulini. The association of the included Larentiinae taxa with the Cosymbiini + Rhodometrini + Timandrini lineage questions the monophyly of Sterrhinae. A majority of the recovered synapomorphic characters had been recognized previously, but several new phylogenetically informative characters were found, especially from the thorax. No unique characters diagnosing the tribe Scopulini were found, but many homoplastic synapomorphic features were found which diagnose parts of it. All recognized Sterrhinae genera are assigned tentatively to tribes and problematic cases are discussed.
Molecular phylogeny of major lineages of Trichadenotecnum and a review of diagnostic morphological characters (Psocoptera: Psocidae)
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazunori
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  Phylogenetic relationships among species groups of Trichadenotecnum were inferred based on morphology and the partial sequences of five gene regions (mitochondrial 12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 and nuclear 18S rDNA). All analyses supported the monophyly of Trichadenotecnum and all previously proposed species groups, except that T. circularoides was excluded from the spiniserrulum group. To examine the phylogenetic usefulness of morphological data, the morphological characters used in the construction of an earlier taxonomic system for Trichadenotecnum were mapped parsimoniously on the molecular tree. As a result: (1) commonly used forewing marking features (sparsely or extensively spotted) are considered to be very homoplastic and less informative of higher‐level phylogenetic relationships; (2) a broadly expanded epiproct lobe is considered to be independently evolved at least two or three times, and a detailed morphological re‐examination allows recognition of these convergent structures; (3) the short ventral valve of gonapophyses independently evolved at least three or four times, although this character was used initially to diagnose the spiniserrulum group.
Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Thricops Rondani (Diptera: Muscidae) based on molecular and morphological characters
Authors: Savage Jade , Wheeler Terry A. , Wiegmann Brian M.
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  The muscid genus Thricops Rondani comprises forty‐four species and two subspecies restricted to the northern hemisphere. A species‐level phylogenetic analysis of Thricops was conducted using forty‐four morphological characters, 426 bp of the nuclear gene white and 523 bp spanning the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), the tRNA leucine gene (L2 region) and the 3′ end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII). Thirty‐nine species and two subspecies of Thricops were included in the analysis. Two species of Azelia Robineau‐Desvoidy and one species of Hydrotaea Robineau‐Desvoidy were used as outgroups. Morphological characters were coded for all included species, the mitochondrial gene fragment (COI + II) was sequenced for a subset of seventeen species of Thricops and three outgroup species, and white for twelve of those seventeen Thricops species and two outgroup species. Six separate maximum parsimony analyses were performed on three taxon sets of different sizes (n = 14, n = 20, n = 44). Results from the partition homogeneity test indicated no significant incongruence between data partitions, and four combined maximum parsimony analyses were conducted (DNA + morphology for n = 14; COI + II + morphology for n = 20; DNA + morphology for n = 20; DNA + morphology for n = 44). The relative contribution of each data partition to individual nodes was assessed using partitioned Bremer support. Strict consensus trees resulting from the unweighted analyses of each dataset are presented. Combination of datasets increased resolution for the small taxon set (n = 14), but not for the larger ones (n = 20, n = 44), most probably due to increasing amounts of missing data in the larger taxon sets. Results from both individual and combined analyses of the smaller taxon sets (n = 14, n = 20) provided support for the monophyly of Thricops and a complete division of the genus into two monophyletic subgroups. The strict consensus cladograms resulting from the analysis of the morphological data alone and the combined data for the large taxa set (n = 44) both supported the monophyly of the genus, but placed the species Thricops foveolatus (Zetterstedt) and Thricops bukowskii (Ringdahl) at the base of the ingroup, in a polytomy with a relatively well‐resolved branch comprising all remaining species of the genus. The basal position of these two species, included in the morphological taxon set but absent in the others, illustrates the potential pitfalls of taxon sampling and missing data in phylogenetic analyses. The synonymy of Alloeostylus with Thricops as proposed by previous authors was supported by our results. Relative contributions of different data partitions is discussed, with the mitochondrial sequence generally providing finer resolution and better branch support than white.
Phylogeny of the Neuropterida: a first molecular approach
Authors: Haring Elisabeth , Aspöck Ulrike
Published: June 2004

Abstract. In a first molecular approach specially dedicated to examining the phylogeny of the Neuropterida, two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes were tested: 18S rRNA, translation elongation factor‐1α, cytochromecoxidase subunit 3 and 16S rRNA. Molecular results are discussed in the light of a previous holomorphological cladistic analysis. The hypothesis of a sister‐group relationship Raphidioptera + (Neuroptera + Megaloptera) put forward in recent morphological analyses is supported by our data, which is in contrast to the traditional view (Raphidioptera + Megaloptera) + Neuroptera. Furthermore, the Nevrorthidae (constituting the suborder Nevrorthiformia) as a sister group of all other Neuroptera is confirmed. The disruption of the suborder Hemerobiiformia is the most conflicting result of the molecular analysis. Sisyridae and Osmylidae do not cluster within Hemerobiiformia, but represent two distinct and widely separated branches. The remaining Hemerobiiformia emerge as the sister group of the suborder Myrmeleontiformia, which is once more confirmed as monophyletic. Among the genes tested, cytochromecoxidase subunit 3 proved to be most potent for resolving the phylogenetic relationships among Neuropterida. The nuclear gene for the ribosomal 18S rRNA is too conserved within the alignable regions, whereas the variable sections are too divergent to be applicable within this evolutionary time frame. The elongation factor‐1α gene proved to exist in more than one copy in Neuropterida, and thus is not applicable in the present state of knowledge. With respect to the mitochondrial sequences (cytochromecoxidase subunit 3, 16S rRNA), saturation impedes the unambiguous resolution of deeper nodes. Apparently, due to early diversification of the heterogeneous Neuroptera, phylogenetic analysis of this group remains a challenge with respect to selection of the proper genes andmutatis mutandisthe morphological approach.
DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVES AS ASSESSED BY TISSUE DOPPLER; RELATION TO MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES
Authors: Nadar S. , Tayebjee M. , Lip G.Y.
Published: June 2004

Objectives: To assess the severity of diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients as compared to normal controls and correlate it with plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Methods: 52 patients with controlled hypertension (HT) (38 male, age 57+ 11 yrs) and 24 normotensive controls 15 male, mean age 53+ 12 years) had tissue doppler echocardiography to assess diastolic dysfunction (e′ and e′/e ratios). They also had plasma MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 measured.

Results: The HT patients had significantly lower e′ and higher e′/e ratios as compared to normotensive controls. They also had higher MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 values. There was a significant inverese correlation between MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 with e′ and a significant positive correlation between the MMPs and e′/e ratio. THe e/a ratios as assessed by pulse wave doppler were also higher in the controls than the hypertensive patients suggesting abnormal diastolic function.

Conclusions: There is significant diastolic dysfunction even in controlled hypertensives which can be assessed by tissue doppler. This newer technique compares favourably with established methods such as e/a ratio. The tissue doppler indices also correlate well with abnormalities in the matrix metalloproteinases suggesting that abnormal matrix turnover is responsible for the diastolic dysfunction.
EFFECT OF PARAPROSTHETIC MODERETE TO SEVERE MITRAL REGURGITATION ON EMBOLIC EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVES
Authors: Cevik C. , Izgi C. , Özveren O. , Özdemir N. , Kaymaz C. , Özkan M.
Published: June 2004

Thromboembolism is the major chronic risk for patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves. Although optimal oral anticoagulantion is the key determinant for embolic events (EE) in these patients; other factors also contribute to this complication. We studied the prevalence and determinants of embolic events in patients with mitral prosthetic heart valves undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). 210 patients (86 male and 124 female, mean age 45.1 +/− 9.6 years) underwent a TEE study for evaluation of prosthetic valve functions. Clinical and TEE findings of the patients were as follows: Atrial fibrillation in 132 (%62) patients, prosthetic valve thrombus in 55 (%26) suboptimal INR (INR < 1.8) in 61 (%29) pts, left atrial spontenous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in 31 (%14) patients, paraprosthetic moderete‐severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in 28 (%13), left atrial (LA) and/or left atrial appendix (LAA) thrombus in 41 (%19), LA and/or LAA outflow velocities <0.25 m/sn in 21 patiens (%10), left atrial diameter >6 cm in 47 (%22). 72 patients had a history of EE in the previous 6 months (%34). In no patients were there any EE in the presence of paraprosthetic moderate to severe MR. Both with univariate and multivariate analysis presence of prosthetic valve and LA and/or LAA thrombus, absence of paraprosthetic moderete‐severe MR, suboptimal INR, atrial fibrillation were found to be independent predictors for embolic events.

Conclusions: Although the presence of prosthetic valve and LA and/or LAA thrombus, suboptimal INR, and AF predict EE, clinical and echocardiographic data support the protective effect of paraprosthetic moderate to severe MR against EE in pts with mitral prosthetic valves.
Assessment of Regional Myocardial Blood Flow with Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Wen Zhu , Zha Dao Gang , Cheng Guan Xun , Yang Shao Qin , Huang Xiao Bo , Qin Jian Xin , Liu Yi Li
Published: June 2004

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of using myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE), to quantify regional myocardial blood flow (MBF), and to evaluate myocardial viability in comparison to that measured by radiolabeled microsphere and pathologic examination. Methods: Epicardial MCE was obtained in five myocardial ischemic dogs with constant microbubble intravenous infusion. After the video intensity (VI, y) versus pulsing interval plots derived from each myocardial pixel were fitted to an exponential function: y = A(1 − e−βt), the MBF was calculated as the product of A (microvascular cross‐sectional area or myocardial blood volume) and β (mean myocardial microbubble velocity). The MBF was also obtained by radiolabeled microsphere method. Results: The MBF derived by radiolabeled microsphere method in the normal, ischemic, and infarcted region was 1.5 ± 0.3, 0.7 ± 0.3, and 0.3 ± 0.2 ml/min per gram, respectively; P < 0.01. The product of A and β in those regions was 52.5 ± 15.1, 24.4 ± 3.9, and 3.7 ± 3.8, respectively; P < 0.01. The normalized product of A and β correlated well with normalized MBF (r = 0.81, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our initial study demonstrated that MCE has an ability to assess MBF in ischemic myocardium in the experimental model. It may provide a potential capability to detect viable myocardium noninvasively after total persistent coronary occlusion in the clinical setting. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, July 2004)
Automated Volumetric Flow Quantification Using Angle‐Corrected Color Doppler Image
Authors: Kim Beomjin , Soble Jeffrey S. , Stamos Thomas D. , Neumann Alexander , Robergé James
Published: June 2004

We have developed a fully automated method for measuring volumetric blood flow with angle‐corrected blood velocity from a color Doppler image. By computing the blood flow vector through a conduit, the angle of incidence between the direction of ultrasound beam and the direction of blood flow can be measured to correct the underestimated blood velocity. This correction immediately contributes to the improvement of measurement accuracy. The developed method also enhances the conduit identification procedure that is one of the most important factors affecting the accuracy of volumetric measurement. To evaluate the validity of the developed algorithm, experimental studies had been applied to 21 healthy subjects and 10 patients. Volumetric flows were measured from a color Doppler image of the left ventricular outflow track, which were compared with blood volumes that were measured by traditional pulsed‐wave (PW)‐Doppler technique. The mean stroke volume difference between two methods was −0.45 ± 11.7 (mean ± SD). The proposed algorithm is a viable method for determining blood flow volume in an automated fashion. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, July 2004)