bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein consumption by mated, unmated, sterile and fertile adults of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni and its relation to egg production
Authors: Meats A. , Leighton S. M.
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  Female adults of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) at 25 °C require more than 0.1 mg of yeast autolysate per day to mature their oocytes to the vitellogenic stage and mate. Those given 0.2 mg per day from day 2 of adult life mated (when given the opportunity between 11 and 13 days) and each laid approximately 100 eggs (just over one egg per ovariole) by day 56. Females allowed to feed ad libitum from day 2, then 0 or 0.2 mg per day from day 14, laid approximately 75 and 100 eggs, respectively (after mating), whereas those fed ad libitum from day 2 to day 56 laid approximately 540 eggs after mating (averaging just over six eggs per ovariole). The developmental pattern of intake of normal females when on an ad libitum diet showed a rise to a peak at 5–7 days, followed by a decline to sustained low levels if not mated, but rising to a lower peak if mated between days 11–13 followed by a steady decline. Female flies that had been sterilized by 80 Gy gamma irradiation at the puparial stage had a pattern of food consumption similar to that of normal females mated at 7 days but they produced no yolky oocytes and had a darkened fat body. Normal and irradiated males had a feeding pattern similar to that of unmated nonirradiated females but at a lower level. The results are discussed in terms of the control of protein intake and the rate of its conversion to yolk.
Sickle cell anemia and hematopoietic cell transplantation: When is a pound of cure worth more than an ounce of prevention?
Authors: Walters Mark C.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative therapy for sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, its widespread use is constrained by donor availability and by concerns about its short‐term and long‐term toxicities. Current efforts to identify suitable candidates for HCT, to decrease the toxicity of HCT, and to broaden its availability are discussed.
Non‐myeloablative allogeneic transplantation – State‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Storb Rainer
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Work by several groups of investigators has brought about changes in the way hematopoietic cell allografts are being done to treat patients with hematologic diseases. Less intensive conditioning regimens have been introduced, and in the case of patients with hematologic malignancies, the burden of eradicating malignant cells has shifted from high‐dose chemoradiation treatment toward using the hematopoietic cell donor's T lymphocytes for that purpose by invoking allogeneic graft‐versus‐tumor effects. While the majority of the transplant regimens used in these efforts are still fairly intense and toxic, a radical departure from conventional transplantation focuses on the almost exclusive use of immunosuppressive agents with little toxicity to establish the allografts. The success of the procedure for patients with hematologic malignancies rests on replacing the host's hematopoietic cells by the allograft. For non‐malignant diseases, the procedure can be used to establish a stable state of mixed donor/host hematopoietic chimerism, which, in itself, may be sufficient to cure disease manifestations.
Detection and treatment of minimal residual disease in high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Intensive, myeloablative therapy supported by autologous hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (AHSCT) has improved the outcome for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma. However, >50% of patients develop recurrent neuroblastoma, often from minimal residual disease (MRD). Immunocytological and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for genes highly expressed in neuroblastoma both can detect small amounts of MRD in blood and bone marrow, and detection of MRD at certain levels during therapy has prognostic value. Radionucleotide scans using meta‐iodobenzaguanidine (MIBG) imaging allows sensitive detection of neuroblastoma in patients, but whether or not all MIBG‐positive disease detected after AHSCT will progress remains to be defined and is complicated by use of post‐AHSCT therapy. Selective removal of tumor cells from marrow or blood stem cells harvested for AHSCT could decrease recurrence by preventing infusion of tumorigenic cells with AHSCT. Treating MRD after AHSCT with the differentiation‐inducing retinoid 13‐cis‐retinoic acid significantly /improved EFS of high‐risk neuroblastoma patients. Randomized clinical trials in the Children's Oncology Group are testing the value of purging blood stem cells and also whether post‐AHSCT therapy with an anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibody (combined with cytokines) improves outcome over use of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid alone. New approaches to treating neuroblastoma MRD that are in early clinical trials include the cytotoxic retinoid fenretinide and the hu14.18‐IL2 immunocytokine. It is anticipated that testing novel approaches to treating neuroblastoma MRD will be the subject of future phase‐III randomized trials.
Genetic effect of two polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A5 gene and apolipoprotein C3 gene on serum lipids and lipoproteins levels in a Chinese population
Authors: Li G‐P , Wang J‐Y , Yan S‐K , Chen B‐S , Xue H , Wu G
Published: May 2004

Two polymorphisms, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) −1131T>C and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) −482C>T, were examined in a healthy Chinese group. Analysis of covariance (ancova) showed that both −1131T>C and −482C>T minor alleles were associated with triglyceride (TG)‐raising effects (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively) after adjustment of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Moreover, −1131T>C minor alleles were also found to be associated with total cholesterol (TC)‐raising effects (p = 0.045). However, the relationship between −482C>T minor alleles and TC‐raising effects was not observed after adjustment of sex, age, and BMI. By contrast, significant inverse associations were noted between minor alleles (−1131T>C and −482C>T) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations (p = 0.021 and p = 0.021, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that the effects of −1131T>C and −482C>T polymorphisms on TG and HDL‐C (0.001 and 0.008; 0.041 and 0.005, respectively) are independent and additive and that −1131T>C can seriously affect the levels of TG (0.001 vs 0.008). The additive effect of the two polymorphisms was confirmed further by haplotype analysis. Our results strongly support that the two single nucleotide polymorphisms, −1131T>C in APOA5 and −482C>T in APOC3, are related to the levels of serum TG and HDL‐C and those of other several lipids and lipoproteins in the Chinese population.
Mutation spectrum of the glucose‐6‐phosphatase gene and its implication in molecular diagnosis of Korean patients with glycogen storage disease type Ia
Authors: Ki C‐S , Han S‐H , Kim H‐J , Lee S‐G , Kim E‐J , Kim J‐W , Choe YH , Seo JK , Chang YJ , Park JY
Published: May 2004

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia; MIM 232200) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder resulting from a deficiency of the microsomal glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase), the enzyme that catalyzes the terminal step in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Various mutations in the G6Pase gene (G6PC) have been found in patients with GSD Ia. To elucidate the spectrum of the G6PC gene mutations, 13 unrelated Korean patients with GSD Ia were analyzed. We were able to identify mutant alleles in all patients, including three known mutations (727G > T, G122D, and T255I) and two novel mutations (P178A and Y128X). The frequency of the 727G > T mutation in Korean patients with GSD Ia was 81% (21/26), which was slightly lower than that (86–92%) in Japanese but much higher than that (44.4%) in Taiwan Chinese. Except one, all patients were either homozygous (9/13) or compound heterozygous (3/13) for the 727G > T mutation; the only patient without the 727G > T mutation was a compound heterozygote for the G122D and Y128X mutations. Our findings suggest that a DNA‐based test can be used as the initial diagnostic approach in Korean patients clinically suspected to have GSD Ia, thereby avoiding invasive liver biopsy.
Estimates of genetic parameters for Boran, Friesian, and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Boran cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: milk production traits and cow weight
Authors: Demeke S. , Neser F. W. C. , Schoeman S. J.
Published: May 2004

Breed additive and non‐additive effects plus heritabilities and repeatabilities for milk yield per lactation (LMY), milk yield per day (DMY), lactation length (LL), annual milk yield (AMY), annual milk yield per metabolic body weight (AMYBW) and cow weight at calving (BW) were estimated for 5464 lactation records collected from purebred Boran (B), Friesian (F), and crosses of Friesian and Jersey (J) breeds with the Boran breed raised in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Single trait analysis was carried out by using two equivalent repeatability animal models. In the first model the genotype was fitted as a fixed group effect, while in the second model the genotype was substituted by breed additive, heterotic and recombination effects fitted as fixed covariates. Both the F and J breed additive effects, measured as a deviation from the B breed were significant (p < 0.01) for all traits, except for BW of the J. The F and J additive contributions were 2774 ± 81 and 1473 ± 362 kg for LMY, 7.1 ± 0.2 and 4.8 ± 0.8 kg for DMY, 152 ± 7 and 146 ± 31 days for LL, 2345 ± 71 and 1238 ± 319 kg for AMY, 20.6 ± 0.9 and 18.9 ± 4.3 kg for AMYBW, and 140 ± 4 and −21 ± 22 kg (p > 0.05) for BW. The heterotic contributions to the crossbred performance were also positive and significant (p < 0.01) for all traits. The F1 heterosis expressed as a deviation from the mid‐parent values were 22 and 66% for LMY, 11 and 20% for DMY, 29 and 29% for LL, 21 and 64% for AMY, 42 and 42% for AMYBW, and 2% (p < 0.05) and 11% for BW for the F × B and J × B crosses, respectively. The recombination effect estimated for the F × B crosses was negative and significant for LMY (−526 ± 192 kg, p < 0.01), DMY (−3.0 ± 0.4 kg, p < 0.001), AMY (−349 ± 174 kg, p < 0.05) and BW (−68 ± 11 kg, p < 0.001). For the J × B crosses the recombination loss was significant and negative only for DMY (−2.2 ± 0.7 kg, p < 0.05) and BW (−33 ± 17 kg, p < 0.05). The direct heritabilities (h2) estimated for LMY, DMY, LL, AMY and AMYBW were 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.19 ± 0.03, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.05, respectively. Based on the genetic parameters estimated, the best breeding strategy to increased milk production under highland Ethiopian conditions is to apply selection on purebred base populations (Boran and Friesian) and then crossing them to produce F1 dairy cows. However, for breeding decision based on total dairy merit, further investigations are needed for traits such as milk quality, reproduction, longevity and survival.
Investigating the turkey's ‘snood’ as a morphological marker of heritable disease resistance
Authors: Buchholz R. , Jones Dukes M. D. , Hecht S. , Findley A. M.
Published: May 2004

The sexual ornamentation of many wild species, including the ancestors of domestic poultry, are reliable indicators of parasite burden, suggesting that they may serve as morphological markers of heritable disease resistance. Measures of male ornamentation might be a culturally and economically feasible method of identifying conservation‐worthy genotypes from indigenous poultry flocks. Here we investigate the relationship between the sexually selected, parasite‐burden‐indicating ‘snood’ of male game farm turkeys, and their immunocompetence and immunogenetic [major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B restriction fragment‐length polymorphism (RFLP)] variation. We find that specific restriction fragments appear to be favourable to both immunocompetence and ornament size, but that turkey snood length is not a valuable predictor of wing web swelling due to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection. Immunocompetence increased with composite band sharing, a measure of absolute variation at the MHC. Snood length, however, was greatest in males that showed intermediate measures of relative band sharing. We conclude that tradeoffs among the conflicting demands on the energy reserves of free‐living poultry, might ensure that long‐snooded indigenous turkeys are best adapted to local disease conditions without wasting resources on hyperimmunity.
Evaluating response to selection and nutritional needs in a three‐way cross of rabbits
Authors: Costa C. , Baselga M. , Lobera J. , Cervera C. , Pascual J. J.
Published: May 2004

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the response obtained in a three‐way cross of rabbits when the lines involved had undergone within‐line selection for litter size or postweaning daily gain. The interaction between the level of nutrition and genetic level of the crossbreds was also studied. Using frozen embryos, old (H1) and current (H2) crossbred does and young were compared contemporarily. Does were fed a standard diet or a diet having high digestible energy and protein. The difference in the number of generations between lines used to produce both crosses were: 13 or 0 for the maternal lines, and 12 for the paternal line. The traits studied in the crossbred does were: daily feed intake during gestation, during the first 3 weeks of lactation and during the last week before weaning; doe weight at mating and at kindling; litter weight at birth and at weaning; total litter size, number born alive and litter size at weaning. The recorded traits for the young were: individual weight at weaning and at 63 days; individual daily gain after weaning; daily feed intake and feed conversion index. The last two traits were recorded as averages per cage. A total of 1161 litters from 190 does were involved. Significant differences in litter‐size traits, between H1 and H2 does, were observed and were higher than the expected from the within‐line response. The doe effect was not significant for other doe traits, adjusted to a constant litter size. The estimated difference in postweaning daily gain between H1 and H2 young was significant and in favour of H2, but the value was considerably lower than expected. The effect of type of feed and the interaction with the type of doe was not significant for any doe trait. The type of feed consumed by the doe was significant for postweaning daily gain, and the interaction with the type of crossbreds was significant for this trait and for individual weight at 63 days.
No major effect of the leptin gene polymorphism on porcine production traits
Authors: Szydlowski M. , Stachowiak M. , Mackowski M. , Kamyczek M. , Eckert R. , Rozycki M. , Switonski M.
Published: May 2004

Porcine leptin gene (LEP) and its association with production traits was analysed in the Polish Large White (PLW, n = 135), Polish Landrace (PL, n = 120) and synthetic line 990 (L990, n = 184). Two fragments of exon 3 of LEP were studied with the use of RFLP and SSCP techniques. The frequencies of C allele for the T3469C polymorphic site were 0.11, 0.10 and 0.11 in PLW, PL and L990, respectively. Phenotypic data were collected for the average daily weight gain, the feed conversion ratio, the weight of abdominal fat, backfat thickness (five measurements), intramuscular fat, meat content, loin weight, loin muscle area, ham weight and ham cut weight. The contrasts between TT and TC genotypes at the T3469C polymorphic site were estimated in the unitrait Animal Model with genotype at the RYR1 locus included. The lowest p values occurred for association test between T3469C polymorphism and intramuscular fat content in PLW (0.26 ± 0.14%, p = 0.05) and loin weight in L990 (−0.32 ± 0.13 kg, p = 0.01). We conclude that the detected associations are population‐specific and the analysed polymorphism of the LEP gene does not contribute directly to genetic variability of growth and carcass traits in pigs.
Validating bovine sexed semen samples using quantitative PCR
Authors: Joerg H. , Asai M. , Graphodatskaya D. , Janett F. , Stranzinger G.
Published: May 2004

In cattle, separation of X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm cells by flow‐sorting technology makes it possible to predetermine the sex of calves. Due to high costs and decrease in fertilization, the extensive use of sexed semen in livestock depends heavily on sorting purity of sperm cells. Validating the accuracy of sperm sexing requires reliable procedures, therefore a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established to calculate the male cell proportion in the sexed semen based on the relationship between the amplification of a SRY fragment and an autosomal gene (MSHR) fragment. Our results showed stable amplification of SRY for 100–1 ng of genomic DNA, which allows detection of 1% of male cells if 100 ng of target DNA is used. To account for the discrepancy in the efficiency of the MSHR and the SRY amplification correction of the difference of the mean values was performed. The ratio of male to female sperm cells in unsexed semen cells was very accurately determined. The fractions of the sexed samples, however, were different from the expected range appearing lower than estimated. Thus, the study reveals that real‐time PCR provides a good basis for the examination of sexed sperm cells, but needs to be optimized for the samples.
The application of genetic markers for cell chimerism diagnosis in lambs
Authors: Rejduch B. , Kozubska‐Sobocińska A. , Radko A. , Rychlik T. , Słota E.
Published: May 2004

A total of 181 Romanov lambs, including 84 pairs of twins, three litters of triplets and one litter of quadruplets, were investigated. Erythrocyte antigens belonging to six blood group systems were determined with 16 reagents. Six microsatellite loci BMS360, INRA123, McM42, CSSM66, ETH225 and TGLA53 were used to genotype the lambs with automated DNA sizing technology. For cytogenetic diagnosis of leucocyte chimerism, the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied using bovine X and Y chromosome painting probes. The blood‐group typing of lambs from twin and multiple pregnancies allowed us to detect nine cases of erythrocyte chimerism in the investigated population. The analysis of microsatellite DNA sequences showed the presence of cell chimerism in 13 animals. The hybridization of a bovine X and Y chromosome‐specific probe resulted in two yellow brightly luminescent signals in 54,XX cells, and one yellow and one blue signal in 54,XY cells helped us diagnose chromosomal chimerism in seven animals.
Two new SNPs within exon 1 of the porcine MYOD1 (MYF3) gene and their frequencies in chosen pig breeds and lines
Authors: Urbański P. , Kurył J.
Published: May 2004

Myogenic factor 3 (MYF3, MYOD1) is a product of the MYOD1 gene, belonging to the MyoD gene family coding for the transcription factors which control the processes of myogenesis. Two fragments of exon 1 of the MYOD1 gene were amplified and sequenced. Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), C489T and G566C, were identified in the fragment located between nucleotides 333 and 662. Transition C489T does not change the amino acid sequence (Leu), whereas transversion G566C leads to a replacement of arginine with proline at residue 76. Both SNPs were recognized with the BssSI restriction endonuclease. The distribution of alleles for both SNPs was tested in several pig breeds and lines raised in Poland (Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Pietrain, Duroc, Zlotnicka Spotted, synthetic line L990). Duroc pigs proved homozygous at nucleotides 489 and 566 (haplotype T–C, respectively) and, compared with the remaining tested breeds (except for Zlotnicka Spotted), differed significantly in the frequency of alleles for both SNPs. The frequency of mutations C489T and G566C, observed among Zlotnicka Spotted pigs, was similar to that observed in the Duroc pigs and in the remaining breeds, respectively. As a result of the absence of polymorphism at both the nucleotides 489 and 566, Duroc pigs are not suitable for evaluating the effect of the SNPs identified in meat and carcass traits.
Effect of triflumuron on brood development and colony survival of free‐flying honeybee, Apis mellifera L.
Authors: Amir O. G. , Peveling R.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  The effect of the insect growth regulator (IGR) triflumuron (Alsystin® 25 WP) on honeybee, Apis mellifera L. (Hym., Apidae), was studied in a semi‐field test. Free‐living colonies were fed one litre per hive of sucrose syrup containing 0, 0.025, 0.25 or 2.5 g of triflumuron. A significant reduction in flight activity was noted 6–10 weeks post‐treatment at the two higher doses. These colonies reared less brood than before treatment. While the comb area occupied by uncapped brood was as high as [0.025 and 0.25 g active ingredient (a.i.)] or higher (2.5 g a.i.) than before treatment, there was a significant decline in capped brood at the two higher doses, indicating enhanced larval mortality. No capped brood was reared in the hive treated at the highest dose from 3–9 weeks post‐treatment. Yet there was a significant accumulation of pollen and honey in the brood compartment at all doses. All colonies except the one treated at the highest dose survived the following winter. However, at 43 weeks post‐treatment, hives treated at intermediate and low doses showed a significant increase in uncapped brood and a significant decrease in capped brood. This study revealed a strong residual toxicity of triflumuron to brood and substantiated its classification as hazardous to honeybee.
Factors limiting short‐term persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Wilson M. , Gaugler R.
Published: May 2004

Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes are commonly applied to soil and crops for biocontrol of insects. Typically, when nematodes are applied, recoverable numbers decline quickly. Because ultra‐violet light is known to kill entomopathogenic nematodes in the laboratory, many researchers blame poor field persistence on the action of ultra‐violet light. We conducted a field experiment to test this hypothesis, usingHeterorhabditis bacteriophoraapplied to turf as a model system. We compared persistence of surface‐applied nematodes with subsurface‐applied nematodes and found no difference in persistence. Numbers of potential nematode antagonists (mites and collembola) were also monitored. Poor persistence was positively correlated with numbers of mites and collembola in plots where nematodes were surface‐applied, but not in plots where they were subsurface‐applied.
Impact of males on the progeny sex ratio of Campoletis chlorideae (Hym., Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Kumar N. , Tripathi C. P. M.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  The endoparasitoid Campoletis chlorideae and its host Helicoverpa armigera were reared in the laboratory to determine the progeny sex ratio of C. chlorideae in the presence and absence of male parasitoids. It was observed that the presence of male parasitoids affects the progeny sex ratio by decreasing the number of females in the offspring population, i.e. a significant increase in the proportion of males was observed in united sexes. Therefore, while constructing the life table of the parasitoid, the effect of presence of male parasitoids, should be considered together with other factors, which decreases the efficiency of the parasitoid.
Safety assessment and potential of Cecidophyes rouhollahi (Acari, Eriophyidae) for biological control of Galium spurium (Rubiaceae) in North America
Authors: Sobhian R. , McClay A. , Hasan S. , Peterschmitt M. , Hughes R. B.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Galium spurium L. (Rubiaceae), native to Europe, is an increasingly serious annual weed of cultivated crops in the prairie provinces of Canada. The gall mite Cecidophyes rouhollahi Craemer (Acari, Eriophyidae), originally found on the related plant species Galium aparine L. in southern France, was evaluated as a potential biological control agent for G. spurium. In greenhouse tests, C. rouhollahi caused severe stunting and complete prevention of seed production by G. spurium. Host specificity tests showed that C. rouhollahi developed only on three closely related annual Galium species in the Kolgyda section. No native North American Galium species were attacked, with the exception of G. aparine. A review of available information on G. aparine suggests that it is probably an introduced species in North America. It has been reported that a related gall mite attacking G. aparine might be associated with a plant virus. A series of tests on a greenhouse colony of G. spurium infested with C. rouhollahi showed no evidence of viral infection. On the basis of these results, C. rouhollahi has been approved for field release against G. spurium in Canada.
A test of temporal and spatial density dependence in the parasitism rates of introduced parasitoids on host, the arrowhead scale (Unaspis yanonensis) in stable host–parasitoids system
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Itioka T. , Nishida T. , Inoue T.
Published: May 2004

Abstract: In 1980, two species of parasitoid wasps (Aphytis yanonensisDeBach et Rosen andCoccobius fulvusCompere et Annecke) were introduced to Japan from China as biological control agents to combat the arrowhead scale (Unaspis yanonensisKuwana). These introductions represent one of the most successful projects in the history of biological control in Japan. To examine whether density dependent parasitism was inevitable for success of biological control, we tried to detect temporal and spatial density dependence in parasitism rates using time‐series data of scale density, as well as parasitism, over a 16‐year period. The work was conducted in a Satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshiuMarc.) orchard in which we previously demonstrated that the system appeared to have stabilized after a decline in scale density following the introduction of the parasitoids. Earlier work also indicated thatC. fulvuscontributes most to the reduction in, and the stability of, scale density. In this study, we examined: (1) the relationship, on a whole‐orchard basis, between scale density and the rates of parasitism byA. yanonensis,C. fulvus, and a combination of the two species; (2) whether parasitism was positively correlated to scale density on a single‐tree basis among generations and (3) whether spatial density dependence was detectable within generations on an individual‐tree basis. Parasitism byA. yanonensiswas temporally density‐dependent on scale population density at the whole‐orchard level, while parasitism byC. fulvuswas not. Parasitism byA. yanonensisor byC. fulvuswas rarely positively correlated to scale density at the single‐tree level, and spatial density‐dependence was hardly detected at all at this level. Most analyses of combined parasitism rates were similar to rates of parasitism byC. fulvusalone. Contrary to conventional wisdom of biological control theory, this study demonstrates that density dependence is not necessarily detected, even in a system in which a natural enemy has long held pest density stable at low levels.
Detection of shield beetle remains in predators using a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Schenk D. , Bacher S.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Cassida rubiginosa Muell. (Col., Chrysomelidae) is considered to be a native biocontrol agent of the creeping thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, one of the world's worst weeds. However, predation is a major mortality factor in C. rubiginosa populations and prevents high beetle densities in nature. We determined temperature‐dependent detection periods of shield beetle remains within predators by immunological gut analysis, in order to define the time period within which predation must have occurred. We conducted feeding trials with the model predators Nabis mirmicoides Costa and Chrysopa carnea Stephen at two and three different temperatures, respectively, using C. rubiginosa larvae as prey. Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the predators for the presence of prey antigen. The monoclonal antibody (MAb) CRL5‐1 clearly identified predation by N. mirmicoides for up to 47 h and by C. carnea up to 96 h post‐feeding at 15°C. An exponential decay gave a good description of the antigen time course within predators. Calculated detection periods for the antigen were 234.7 h at 15°C and 85.0 h at 20°C in N. mirmicoides and 215.3 h (15°C), 91.9 h (20°C) and 79.1 h (25°C) in C. carnea. The reported detection periods of prey remains in predators are the longest known in immunology, and are much higher than the recently published detection periods of prey DNA in predators. Therefore MAb CRL5‐1 is a highly valuable tool for quantifying predation in the field.
Spider (Araneae) populations in hayfields and pastures in northern Iceland
Authors: Gudleifsson B. E. , Bjarnadottir B.
Published: May 2004

Abstract: Surface‐living spiders were collected in pitfall traps over a 1‐year period in three unimproved pastures and three managed hayfields in northern Iceland, located on sandy, silty and peaty soil. On each of the six fields, six pitfall traps were placed and emptied approximately once a week during summer season, but two traps at longer intervals during winter season. During the summer season, the number of spider specimens was significantly higher in sand than in silt, with peat soil in an intermediate position. Annual management of hayfields includes fertilization, hay cutting and occasional grazing. A total of 22 spider species were collected in the pastures and only 17 in the hayfields. However, the total number of specimens was not significantly different between the two. All spider species were more abundant in pastures than hayfields, with the exception ofErigone atraBlackwall, 1883 andErigone arctica(White, 1852). These two species dominated the hayfields, together composing 79% of the spider population there, followed byAllomengea scopigera(Grube, 1859) with 7%. The dominance ofE. atrain hayfields is related to fertile soils and high‐yielding grass species, which might lead to an increase in certain Collembola species which serve as an important feed for this spider species. However,Tenuiphantes mengei(Kulczyński, 1887) dominated the pastures, representing 22% of the spider population, followed byA. scopigera,Pardosa sphagnicola(Dahl, 1908) andE. atracomposing 17, 13 and 12% of the spider population, respectively.E. atrahad two abundance peaks, a large peak in early spring (3.7 specimens/day in hayfields), and a smaller peak in early summer, while abundance was much lower the rest of the year.Tenuiphantes mengeihad two distinct abundance peaks, one in early summer (0.7 specimens/day in pastures) and another in the autumn, whileA. scopigerawas almost entirely found in the autumn (1.0 specimens/day in pastures). In general, winter abundance was low, 0.2 specimens/day, compared with 4.4 specimens/day in summer season. In early winter,T. mengeidominated (43% of the spider population), whileE. atradominated in mid‐ and late winter composing 47 and 80% of the spider population respectively.
Inhibition kinetics on carboxylesterase and acetylcholinesterase of Liposcelis bostrychophila and Liposcelis entomophila (Psocop., Liposcelididae) of two insecticides
Authors: Cheng W.‐X. , Wang J.‐J. , Ding W. , Zhao Z.‐M.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  The inhibition kinetics on carboxylesterase (CarE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of Liposcelis bostrychophila and Liposcelis entomophila of paraoxon and carbosulfan were compared. The results showed that L. entomophila exhibited significantly greater specific activity of CarE than L. bostrychophila [0.045 vs. 0.012 μmol of α‐naphthyl acetate (α‐NA) hydrolysed/mg protein/min]. Moreover, L. entomophila showed higher affinity (i.e. lower Km value) to the substrate α‐NA than L. bostrychophila (0.29 vs. 0.67 mm). For AChE‐specific activity and affinity, no significant differences between the two species were observed. Based on the I50 values, AChE of L. bostrychophila was more sensitive to paraoxon and carbosulfan than that of L. entomophila. According to inhibition kinetics, the results revealed that AChE of L. bostrychophila was 3.8‐fold more sensitive to inhibition by paraoxon than that of L. entomophila, but L. entomophila was 1.5‐fold more susceptible to carbosulfan.
Biological traits and life table of the exotic Harmonia axyridis compared with Hippodamia variegata, and Adalia bipunctata (Col., Coccinellidae)
Authors: Lanzoni A. , Accinelli G. , Bazzocchi G. G. , Burgio G.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  As part of an environmental risk assessment study of exotic natural enemies used in inundative biological control, life‐history characteristics of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Col., Coccinellidae) were quantified under laboratory conditions at 25°C on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) as prey. Comparative studies showed significant differences among pre‐adult development times: H. axyridis developed slower ( = 19.8 days) than H. variegata ( = 18.1 days) and A. bipunctata ( = 18.4 days). Differences were also evident in the duration of egg, larval and pupal stages. No measurable differences among the three species were found for fecundity, oviposition rate and adult longevity. Harmonia axyridis exhibited the longest pre‐oviposition ( = 7.4 days) and interoviposition ( = 3.6 days) periods and the shortest oviposition period ( = 13.7 days). The Bieri model was used to describe age‐specific fecundity for the three species of coccinellids. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were higher for H. variegata (rm = 0.114, R0 = 52.75, T = 41.88 days) than for H. axyridis (rm = 0.089, R0 = 26.27, T = 38.81 days) or A. bipunctata (rm = 0.081, R0 = 18.49, T = 40.06 days). Our findings show that the biological traits of H. axyridis do not seem to be factors that may contribute to the invasiveness of this coccinellid.
Ips typographus (L.) pheromone trapping in south Alps: spring catches determine damage thresholds
Authors: Faccoli M. , Stergulc F.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Ips typographus is one of the major forest pests in the Italian Alps. From 1996, populations of I. typographus in Friuli‐Venezia Giulia region (NE Italy) have been permanently monitored in areas of outbreak by using pheromone traps. At the same time, damage caused by the insect was estimated annually. Preliminary analysis of the data (1996–2002) reveals some interesting information: (i) the flight activity of I. typographus is very extended and occurs over a period of about 4 months (May to August); (ii) there is a high correlation between mean captures per trap and annual damage; (iii) there is a high correlation between spring captures (May to mid‐June) and total captures (May to August), and between spring captures (May to mid‐June) and annual damage. The correlation between spring captures and damage allows the determination of a reliable risk‐damage threshold (about 5000 beetles/trap, in spring), reducing at the same time, the monitoring period and the general costs.
Forecasting yield of corn, Zea mays infested with corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis
Authors: Al‐Eryan M. A. S. , El‐Tabbakh S. Sh.
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) is one of the most serious corn pests in Egypt. The aim of the present study is to assess the corn yield losses and to build forecasting models of yield related with aphid infestation. Number of aphids/plant were determined during corn growth stages 10 leaves (V10); tasseling (VT); ripening 2 (R2) and ripening 4 (R4). At the end of growing season, yield losses were estimated. Results revealed that infestation with aphids through V10–VT caused 28.14% yield losses at average aphid density 818 aphid/plant. Infestation through R2–R4 caused 16.28% yield losses at average aphid density 1038 aphids/plant. Percentages of yield losses of corn ears through V10–R4 were 14.66, 22.9, 35.28 and 36.03% at average aphid density of 100, 1000, 2000 and 3000 aphids/plant. As ear yield negatively correlated with aphid density, regression analysis was used to construct forecasting yield models. Statistical analysis showed that simple linear and logarithmic models provided a good fit to the data and also indicated that the two models are similar in prediction of ear yield. These constructed models were diagnostic checked using new data. The checking revealed that the linear model is stable and valid where insignificant difference was observed between predicted and actual yield.
Fever in a returned traveller
Authors: Fuller D , Hasnat M , Marks MK , Curtis N
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  An 8‐year‐old boy, presenting with fever after returning from a visit to Papua New Guinea, was found to have typhoid, despite immunization against this disease prior to travel. This most likely represented vaccine failure, although it is also possible that he acquired the infection from overseas visitors who had stayed with his family prior to his travel, or that he contracted the disease from his father. This case highlights the importance of considering typhoid as a cause of fever in a returned traveller, even if they have been previously immunized against this disease. It also highlights that, in addition to taking the patient's travel history, information should be specifically sought about contact with visitors from overseas and the travel history of other household members.
Activity of some nonazadirachtin limonoids from Azadirachta indica against lepidopteran larvae
Authors: Koul Opender , Multani Jatinder Singh , Goomber Shelly , Daniewski Wlodzimierz Maria , Berlozecki Stanislaw
Published: May 2004

Abstract  The biological activity of azadirachtin, nimbocinol, azadiradione and salannin isolated from Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (neem) was assessed alone and in combination against the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and cluster caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (F) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Nimbocinol exhibited growth inhibitory activity in artificial diet bioassays with 82.4 and 92.2 mg kg−1 concentrations inhibiting growth by 50%, respectively, in the two species. This efficacy was almost comparative to azadiradione (EC50 = 109.6 and 102.1 mg kg−1) and salannin (EC50 = 72.2 and 70.2 mg kg−1). Azadirachtin was the most active neem allelochemical against both insect species. In nutritional analysis, only nimbocinol and azadiradione reduced the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) in feeding experiments, indicating toxic rather than antifeedant effects. In a combination, when azadirachtin was present in a mixture, it always dominated in its efficacy and EC50 values did not deviate much from the individual efficacy of azadirachtin (0.23 and 0.21 mg kg−1, against H. armigera and S. litura larvae, respectively). However, enhanced activity among structurally variable molecules was observed, i.e., when salannin combines with nimbocinol or azadiradione, rather than structurally similar molecules like nimbocinol with azadiradione. The activity among nonazadirachtin limonoids in specific combination as opposed to the structural chemistry having explicitly two different modes of action, like feeding deterrence and chronic toxicity, may be playing a significant role in the multicomponent system.
Taxonomy and biology of Leptocybe invasa gen. & sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive gall inducer on Eucalyptus
Authors: Mendel Zvi , Protasov Alexey , Fisher Nicole , La Salle John
Published: May 2004

Abstract  Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle, a new genus and species of Eulophidae, displays thelytokous reproduction, forming typical bump‐shaped galls on the leaf midribs, petioles and stems of new growth of several Eucalyptus species. Presently, this wasp occurs in large areas in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa, and is a serious pest in young plantations. Heavy galling prevents further development of the infested growth. Leptocybe invasa is only known from females. Mean length of a gall containing a single wasp is 2.1 mm, leaves of intensively growing trees may carry over 50 galls per leaf. Mean development time from oviposition to emergence is 132.6 d in room temperature. In Israel the wasp produces two or three overlapping generations annually. Mean survival time for wasps fed with honey and water is 6.5 days. Ten species were found to be suitable hosts in Israel: E. botryoides, E. bridgesiana E. camaldulensis, E. globulus. E. gunii. E. grandis, E. robusta, E. saligna, E. tereticornis, and E. viminalis.
Egg parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), from south‐east Queensland
Authors: Liu Shu‐sheng , Cooper Larry , Llewellyn Richard R , Elson‐Harris Marlene , Duff John , Furlong Michael J , Zalucki Myron P
Published: May 2004

Abstract  Field surveys of egg parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were conducted at Redlands and Gatton, south‐east Queensland. Eggs of P. xylostella were present all year round in both localities, and parasitized eggs were consistently found between late spring and early winter. Percent parasitism in the range 30–75% was recorded on many occasions, although rates less than 10% were more common. The major parasitoids included Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley. Laboratory evaluation showed that the T. pretiosum from Gatton has a high capacity to parasitize P. xylostella eggs under suitable conditions. This study represents the first record of egg parasitoids of P. xylostella from Australia.
Is obesity a risk factor for psychopathology among adolescents?
Authors: Erermis Serpil , Cetin Nurcan , Tamar Muge , Bukusoglu Nagehan , Akdeniz Fisun , Goksen Damla
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: Although several studies have documented the existence of psychopathology in obese adolescents, disagreement remains regarding the extent and nature of this psychopathology. The aim of the present study was to explore the type and frequency of psychopathology in a clinical as well as a non‐clinical sample of obese adolescents, and in a normal weight control group.

Methods
: The study sample consisted of a clinical study group of 30 obese adolescents, a non‐clinical obese group of 30 obese adolescents, and a control group of 30 normal weight adolescents. Psychological assessment was performed using a non‐structured psychiatric interview, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Children Depression Inventory (CDI), Rosenberg Self‐esteem scale (SES) and the Eating Attitude Test (EAT).

Results
: More than half of the clinical obese adolescents (16/30) had a DSM‐IV diagnosis, often involving major depressive disorder (n = 10). The mean scores of anxiety‐depression, social problems, social withdrawal and total problem in the CBCL scale of the clinical obese group were significantly higher than the non‐clinical obese group and the normal weight control group. The mean total scores of the SES and the CDI of the clinical obese group were higher than the normal weight control group. The mean total score of EAT of the clinical obese group was significantly higher than the normal weight control group, and the mean score of EAT of the non‐clinical obese group was significantly higher than the normal weight control group.

Conclusions
: The results support previously published reports which show a higher ratio of psychopathology (depression, behavioral problems, low‐esteem) among clinical obese adolescents than among non‐clinical obese adolescents. Findings provided evidence for a psychosocial at‐risk population in a subgroup of obese adolescents.
Stable seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children during 1989−1999 in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Lee I‐Hsien , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chang Mei‐Hwei
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background
: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is thought to be acquired in childhood. The present study aimed to examine the changing seroepidemiology of H. pylori in children in the same area of Taipei city during 1989−1999, and to try to elucidate the possible transmission route of H. pylori in children by comparing hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence in Taipei during the same decade.

Methods
: Sera were collected from the apparently healthy children (965 males and 835 females, aged 0−20 years) from the Chung Cheng District of Taipei city. H. pylori infection status was checked by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
: In 1999, the overall prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was 14.8% with no gender difference (P = 0.115). Children aged 1−3 years had the lowest prevalence rate (2.8%). The prevalence rate then increased steadily after 3 years of age. The annual infection rate was 1.25% after 3 years of age and the seroprevalence rate was 21.5% at 15−18 years. In comparison with the previous H. pylori seroepidemiology study performed at the same district of Taipei city one decade ago, there is no significant cohort effect in H. pylori prevalence in Taipei children during the past decade (Odds ratio = 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.74−1.72). The epidemiological pattern between H. pylori and HAV was found to be different.

Conclusion
: The seroprevalence of H. pylori in children did not change significantly in the past decade. This epidemiological feature is different from HAV. The authors propose that there are other transmission routes of H. pylori than fecal−oral.
Investor Protections and Concentrated Ownership: Assessing Corporate Control Mechanisms in the Netherlands
Authors: Chirinko Robert , Garretsen Harry , Ees Hans van , Sterken Elmer
Published: May 2004

The Berle-Means problem - information and incentive asymmetries disrupting relations between knowledgeable managers and remote investors - has remained a durable issue engaging researchers since the 1930s. However, the Berle- Means paradigm - widely dispersed, helpless investors facing strong, entrenched managers - is under stress in the wake of the cross-country evidence presented by La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shleifer and Vishny, and their legal approach to corporate control. This paper continues to investigate the roles of investor protections and concentrated ownership by examining firm behaviour in the Netherlands. Our within-country analysis generates two key results. First, the role of investor protections emphasized in the legal approach is not sustained. Rather, firm performance is enhanced when the firm is freed of equity market constraints. Second, ownership concentration does not have a discernible impact on firm performance, which may reflect large shareholders’ dual role in lowering the costs of managerial agency problems but raising the agency costs of expropriation.
Ownership Concentration and Share Valuation
Authors: Edwards Jeremy S. S. , Weichenrieder Alfons J.
Published: May 2004

Concentrated ownership of large listed companies is widespread throughout the world, and Germany is typical in this respect. This paper proposes a method of distinguishing empirically between the beneficial and harmful effects of ownership concentration, and applies it to German data. The results show that, for most types of largest shareholder, the beneficial effects on minority shareholders of increased ownership (greater monitoring of management, and reduced incentives to exploit minority shareholders due to greater cash-flow rights) are at least as large as, and sometimes significantly larger than, the harmful effect (greater private benefits of control due to greater control rights).
Transfer Pricing and Hold-Ups in Supply Chains
Authors: Böckem Sabine , Schiller Ulf
Published: May 2004

We reconsider the hold-up problem under symmetric information when more than two parties form a ‘supply chain’. The parties are assumed to renegotiate bilaterally and sequentially. Potential trade distortions then arise in addition to the usual investment problem. Following Edlin and Reichelstein (1995, 1996), we consider fixed-quantity contracts. First-best allocations are shown to be attainable if the parties are able to commit to a ‘forced-compliance’ regime where a central office monitors the consistency of the bilateral renegotiations.