bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Profiling of Cultural Systems for Suppression of Phytophthora Root Rot in Fraser Fir
Authors: Richter B. S. , Benson D. M. , Ivors K. L.
Published: December 2010

Phytophthora root rot of Fraser fir, caused by several Phytophthora spp., is a severe problem in Christmas tree production. Since fungicides are not economically viable for disease management in field plantings and host resistance is not available, cultural control methods were investigated. Mulches, dairy compost, and soil pH adjustment were tested at five field sites in North Carolina. Treatments included wood chips, wood chips plus compost, or pine bark as raised beds, and compost or sulfur tilled into soil. Soil and mulch microbial populations were characterized by dilution plating and calculation of a log series diversity index, and by enzyme analyses at 5, 12, 17, and 24 months after planting. Bacterial and fungal counts, microbial activity, and cellulase activity were higher in mulch than in soil at all sites and times (P < 0.01), and generally did not differ among mulch types or among soils. Treatments significantly affected disease ratings and tree survival at three of five sites, with one or more mulch treatments yielding lower disease ratings and greater survival than controls. Tree mortality at each time point varied significantly with cellulase activity in the upper root zone (P = 0.005). Other biological variables did not show significant relationships with disease ratings or mortality.
Decline as a Disease Category: Is It Helpful?
Authors: Ostry M. E. , Venette R. C. , Juzwik J.
Published: December 2010

Many, but not all, forest pathologists use “decline” to describe forest tree diseases of complex etiology. We contend that this distinction from abiotic or biotic diseases is completely arbitrary, has caused undue confusion, and provides no practical insights for forest managers. All diseases are complex and can be characterized within the conceptual framework of the disease triangle. Why do we use a simple label (“decline”) to describe disease situations of complex abiotic and biotic origin when we need to know which damaging agents are present, whether the environment is conducive for disease progression, and host susceptibility over time to understand the origins and management of disease? We propose that forest pathologists discontinue the use of “decline” as a distinct category of disease. Furthermore, we suggest that new diseases should be named based on the affected host, characteristic symptom, and, once known, major determinant. We believe that clearer communication in describing complex diseases is a prerequisite to finding effective management options.
Molecular Mapping of the New Blast Resistance Genes Pi47 and Pi48 in the Durably Resistant Local Rice Cultivar Xiangzi 3150
Authors: Huang Hongmei , Huang Ling , Feng Guangping , Wang Suhua , Wang Yue , Liu Jinling , Jiang Nan , Yan Weiting , Xu Lingchao , Sun Pingyong , Li Zhiqiang , Pan Sujun , Liu Xionglun , Xiao Yinghui , Liu Erming , Dai Liangying , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: December 2010

The indica rice cultivar Xiangzi 3150 (XZ3150) confers a high level of resistance to 95% of the isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae (the agent of rice blast disease) collected in Hunan Province, China. To identify the resistance (R) gene(s) controlling the high level of resistance in this cultivar, we developed 286 F9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between XZ3150 and the highly susceptible cultivar CO39. Inoculation of the RILs and an F2 population from a cross between the two cultivars with the avirulent isolate 193-1-1 in the growth chamber indicated the presence of two dominant R genes in XZ3150. A linkage map with 134 polymorphic simple sequence repeat and single feature polymorphism markers was constructed with the genotype data of the 286 RILs. Composite interval mapping (CIM) using the results of 193-1-1 inoculation showed that two major R genes, designated Pi47 and Pi48, were located between RM206 and RM224 on chromosome 11, and between RM5364 and RM7102 on chromosome 12, respectively. Interestingly, the CIM analysis of the four resistant components of the RILs to the field blast population revealed that Pi47 and Pi48 were also the major genetic factors responsible for the field resistance in XZ3150. The DNA markers linked to the new R genes identified in this study should be useful for further fine mapping, gene cloning, and marker-aided breeding of blast-resistant rice cultivars.
Analysis of the Epitope Structure of Plum pox virus Coat Protein
Authors: Candresse Thierry , Saenz Pilar , García Juan Antonio , Boscia Donato , Navratil Milan , Gorris Maria Teresa , Cambra Mariano
Published: December 2010

Typing of the particular Plum pox virus (PPV) strain responsible in an outbreak has important practical implications and is frequently performed using strain-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Analysis in Western blots of the reactivity of 24 MAbs to a 112-amino-acid N-terminal fragment of the PPV coat protein (CP) expressed in Escherichia coli showed that 21 of the 24 MAbs recognized linear or denaturation-insensitive epitopes. A series of eight C-truncated CP fragments allowed the mapping of the epitopes recognized by the MAbs. In all, 14 of them reacted to the N-terminal hypervariable region, defining a minimum of six epitopes, while 7 reacted to the beginning of the core region, defining a minimum of three epitopes. Sequence comparisons allowed the more precise positioning of regions recognized by several MAbs, including those recognized by the 5B-IVIA universal MAb (amino acids 94 to 100) and by the 4DG5 and 4DG11 D serogroup-specific MAbs (amino acids 43 to 64). A similar approach coupled with infectious cDNA clone mutagenesis showed that a V74T mutation in the N-terminus of the CP abolished the binding of the M serogroup-specific AL MAb. Taken together, these results provide a detailed positioning of the epitopes recognized by the most widely used PPV detection and typing MAbs.
Early chemotherapy intensification with BEACOPP in advanced‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients with a interim‐PET positive after two ABVD courses
Authors: Gallamini Andrea , Patti Caterina , Viviani Simonetta , Rossi Andrea , Fiore Francesca , Di Raimondo Francesco , Cantonetti Maria , Stelitano Caterina , Feldman Tatyana , Gavarotti Paolo , Sorasio Roberto , Mulè Antonino , Leone Monica , Rambaldi Alessandro , Biggi Alberto , Barrington Sally , Fallanca Federico , Ficola Umberto , Chauvie Stéphane , Gianni Alessandro Massimo ,   for the Gruppo Italiano Terapie Innovative nei Linfomi (GITIL)
Published: December 2010

Interim 2‐[18F]Fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose Positron Emission Tomography performed after two chemotherapy cycles (PET‐2) is the most reliable predictor of treatment outcome in ABVD‐treated Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients. We retrospectively analysed the treatment outcome of a therapeutic strategy based on PET‐2 results: positive patients switched to BEACOPP, while negative patients continued with ABVD. Between January 2006 and December 2007, 219 newly diagnosed HL patients admitted to nine centres were enrolled; 54 patients, unfit to receive this treatment were excluded from the analysis. PET‐2 scans were reviewed by a central panel of nuclear medicine experts, according to the Deauville score (Meignan, 2009). After a median follow up of 34 months (12–52) the 2‐year failure free survival (FFS) and overall survival for the entire cohort of 165 patients were 88% and 98%; the FFS was 65% for PET‐2 positive and 92% for PET‐2 negative patients. For 154 patients in which treatment was correctly given according to PET‐2 review, the 2‐year FFS was 91%: 62% for PET‐2 positive and 95% for PET‐2 negative patients. Conclusions: this strategy, with BEACOPP intensification only in PET‐2 positive patients, showed better results than ABVD‐treated historic controls, sparing BEACOPP toxicity to the majority of patients (Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT00877747).
Stress, cortisol and well‐being of caregivers and children in home‐based child care: a case for differential susceptibility
Authors: Groeneveld M. G. , Vermeer H. J. , van IJzendoorn M. H. , Linting M.
Published: December 2010

Background  We examined whether children cared for by stressed caregivers show lower socio‐emotional well‐being and more stress, compared with children cared for by less stressed caregivers.

Methods  Perceived stress and cortisol levels of professional caregivers (n= 44), and associations with children's (n= 44) well‐being and cortisol levels in home‐based child care were examined.

Results  Caregiver perceived stress and cortisol levels were related to children's well‐being but not to children's cortisol levels. Children's social fearfulness acted as a moderator between caregivers' mean ratio of diurnal change in cortisol and children's well‐being. When caregiver cortisol levels decreased, more fearful children were reported higher on well‐being than less fearful peers. In contrast, when caregiver cortisol levels increased, more fearful children were reported lower on well‐being.

Conclusions  The findings point to differential susceptibility. Child care organizations and parents need to notice that a non‐stressful child care environment is in particular important for children with a difficult temperament.
Test–retest reliability of the Xhosa version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children
Authors: Flisher A. J. , Sorsdahl K. R. , Lund C.
Published: December 2010

Background  The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC‐IV) is a widely used structured psychiatric diagnostic instrument for children that is designed to be administered by non‐clinicians. Although reliability data on several versions of the DISC are available, none have assessed the Xhosa version for use in the South African context. The objective of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability of the Xhosa version of the DISC‐IV.

Methods  Test–retest reliabilities were documented for a sample of 105 parent/care giver and youth pairs. The research assistants worked in pairs, one interviewed the parent and the other interviewed the youth. The same researchers returned after approximately 2 weeks to conduct the second interviews.

Results  The DISC‐IV was reliable across informants for many psychiatric disorders. Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.448 (any anxiety disorder) to 0.662 (major depressive disorder) for parent reports and from 0.145 (anxiety) to 0.661 (major depressive disorder) for child reports.

Conclusion  The results of this study suggest that the test–retest reliability of the Xhosa version of the DISC‐IV is similar to the reliability reported in other translated versions of the instrument. The satisfactory reliability and straightforward application make this instrument suitable for use in South Africa.
Recovery of opercular anomalies in gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L.: morphological and morphometric analysis
Authors: Beraldo P , Canavese B
Published: December 2010

Opercular anomalies are very frequent in reared gilthead sea bream and these can negatively influence the product value. Field observations have suggested that opercular malformations can recover over time. In order to verify this hypothesis, 140‐day‐old gilthead sea bream with monolateral opercular anomalies were divided into three groups, according to the type and increasing seriousness of the opercular malformations, and another group was composed of fish with bilateral opercular anomalies. All groups were monitored for 16 months. In the group with monolateral anomalies, the opercular recovery process was documented by morphological (stereomicroscope) and morphometric analysis. For the latter analysis, two relevant areas, A and T, were identified in the cephalic region. The ratio (T – A)/T, tending to 1, represents the recovery index (RI) of anatomical integrity and quantifies the recovery level of opercular complex anomalies. Results suggested that the recovery process was considerable over the 16 months of investigation but should not be considered complete. At the end of the study, 61% of the gilthead sea bream population with monolateral opercular defects recovered external integrity, whereas the population with bilateral defects showed a poorer recovery capability.
Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida infection in the black rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli Hilgendorf, in Korea
Authors: Han H‐J , Kim D‐Y , Kim W‐S , Kim C‐S , Jung S‐J , Oh M‐J , Kim D‐H
Published: December 2010

Cultured black rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, suffered mass mortalities during winter 2008 and spring 2009 in Korea, showing clinical signs of ulcer lesions and haemorrhages over their body surface. The aetiological agent was identified as Aeromonas salmonicida (strains RFAS‐1, ‐2 and ‐3), which is a non‐pigmented, slow‐growing bacterium. Phenotypes of RFAS strains showed variation, while 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoD, dnaJ and recA gene sequences of all the strains were affiliated to A. salmonicida. In particular, vapA gene sequences of the strains were most closely related to one of the five subspecies of A. salmonicida subsp. masoucida (=KCCM 40239T). LD50 values of RFAS‐1 for intraperitoneal and intramuscular injection were 1.5 × 105.25 and 1.5 × 106.4 cfu/rockfish, respectively. However, A. salmonicida strains KCCM 40239T and SAS‐1, which originate from masou and chum salmon, respectively, were not pathogenic to black rockfish. RFAS strains, possessing A‐layer protein on their surface, exhibited β‐haemolytic activity against rockfish erythrocytes and capability to survive in rockfish serum, which seem to be associated with virulence.
Perinatal demography of gastroschisis in North Queensland
Authors: Whitehall John S , Kandasamy Yogavijayan , Stalewski Harry , Gill Arpinder
Published: December 2010

Aim:  To review the demography of gastroschisis in North Queensland.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review of live born cases of gastroschisis originating in North Queensland from 1988 to 2007.

Results:  Fifty‐nine cases were identified, giving an overall rate of 3.2 per 10 000 live births. In mothers <20 years old compared with 20–24 and 25–29 it was 12.1, 6.3 and 1.7. Overall, the rate was higher in Indigenous mothers (6.6 vs. 2.6, OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.5, P= 0.0018). Overall, the rate increased significantly from 0.7 per 10 000 live births in the first 5 years of the study to 4.8 in the last (trend test P= 0.0015), but it increased particularly in mothers <20 years old, from 2.40 in the first 5 years to 19.3 in the last (trend test P= 0.0177). It also rose from 0 to 3.6 in those aged 25–29 (P= 0.0337) but remained stable in other age groups. There was no difference in the outcomes of babies born to Indigenous or non‐Indigenous mothers, or in outcomes of babies delivered vaginally or by Caesarean section, or in outcomes of babies from any particular location in North Queensland. There was no significant difference in the average age of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous mothers.

Conclusion:  Gastroschisis is increasing in North Queensland, especially in mothers <20. Overall, the rate in Indigenous mothers is two to three times higher.
Dedifferentiation and progression of an intracranial solitary fibrous tumor: Autopsy case of a Japanese woman with a history of radiation therapy of the head during infancy
Authors: Moritani Suzuko , Ichihara Shu , Hasegawa Masaki , Takada Soshun , Takahashi Tatsuo , Kato Eriko , Mii Shinji , Iwakoshi Akari
Published: December 2010

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is usually an indolent neoplasm with a low rate of local recurrence and metastasis. Although dedifferentiation of low‐grade sarcoma is well documented, the concept of dedifferentiated SFT was not recognized until recently. A case of intracranial SFT with seven recurrences within 5 years, showing progression and dedifferentiation during the course of disease, is reported here. A 51‐year‐old woman with a history of irradiation during infancy presented with a SFT in the right posterior fossa. Because of the close proximity to the brain stem, the tumor could not be removed completely. The tumor recurred 12, 16, and 28 months after the initial operation. With the repeated recurrences, cellularity, mitotic count, and Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) index increased gradually. The histology suddenly changed at the fourth recurrence, which occurred 16 months after postoperative radiation therapy for the third recurrence. The tumor revealed a fibrosarcoma‐like appearance with necrosis and markedly increased mitotic activity. The tumor further recurred 50, 52, and 55 months after the initial operation with the same fibrosarcoma‐like histology. The patient died of uncontrolled tumor 58 months after the initial operation. In this case radiation may have played some role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and dedifferentiation of the SFT.
High diversity of ants in Australian vineyards
Authors: Chong Chee‐Seng , Thomson Linda J , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: December 2010

Ant diversity in Australia is exceptionally high compared to other regions of the world, with semiarid regions being the most species‐rich. Ants perform numerous ecological functions and have been used in various biomonitoring programs. The role of ants in vineyards is unclear although other studies have focussed on controlling the invasive Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), which significantly promotes mealybug and scale insect densities. While ants have been surveyed in a range of habitats throughout the continent, little is known about the diversity of ants in Australian vineyards. In this study, 147 native ant species were identified with pitfall trapping from 50 vineyards distributed in five regions in Victoria and South Australia. Species richness, compositional similarities and assemblage structure varied within and across regions although the ant fauna in semiarid vineyards was the most diverse. Linepithema humile was only detected in seven vineyards in one region. High ant diversity in vineyards could potentially contribute to ecosystem services, including biological control, and provide insurance to ecosystem functioning. Vineyards and other perennial agroecosystems could be important in maintaining invertebrate biodiversity particularly in a structurally diverse agricultural landscape.
The distribution, abundance and life cycle of the pest mites Balaustium medicagoense (Prostigmata: Erythraeidae) and Bryobia spp. (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) in Australia
Authors: Arthur Aston L , Weeks Andrew R , Hill Matthew P , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: December 2010

Balaustium medicagoense and Bryobia spp. have recently been identified by the Australian grains industry as emerging pests of winter grain crops and pastures. While reports of damage by these mites appear to have increased in the last decade, limited research has been conducted on their biology and ecology. Here the distribution and seasonal abundance patterns of Bryobia spp. and Ba. medicagoense in southern Australia are investigated. Bryobia spp. had a more widespread distribution than Ba. medicagoense. An Ecological Niche Model for the distribution of Ba. medicagoense constructed using MAXENT predicted the distribution of this species well, and identified associated climatic factors including summer and winter temperature variables and winter precipitation. Monthly sampling suggested that Ba. medicagoense had two generations per year and was active from March until December, with a likely diapause period in summer. The seasonal abundance and life cycle of two species of Bryobia (Bryobia sp. IX and Bryobia sp. I) differed. Bryobia sp. IX had two generations per year, was active from March until December, and was likely to be in diapause over summer. Bryobia sp. I did not appear to have a diapause stage, and had approximately four generations per year. Activity periods of these mites overlapped with those of the pest mite species Halotydeus destructor and Penthaleus major. A survey of pest outbreaks and chemical control failures suggested that while H. destructor and the Penthaleus species remained important pests, outbreaks of Ba. medicagoense and Bryobia spp. had increased. The findings highlight the need to develop effective and sustainable management strategies for these mites.
Impact of groundcover manipulations within windbreaks on mite pests and their natural enemies
Authors: Tsitsilas Angelos , Hoffmann Ary A , Weeks Andrew R , Umina Paul A
Published: December 2010

Non‐crop vegetation adjacent to broad‐acre pastures and crops can influence the abundance of invertebrate pests by promoting populations of beneficial natural enemies. However, characteristics of adjoining vegetation that consistently promote natural enemies are often unknown. Here we manipulate the height of grasses and herbaceous plants within windbreaks at five geographically separated sites in south‐eastern Australia to examine the effects of on‐ground vegetation structure on the abundance of pest mites and natural enemy complexes. Reducing the height and cover of vegetation across 2 years led to decreased numbers of predatory mites, predatory beetles and spiders within windbreaks and at sites 5 m from the windbreak edge within adjacent pastures. There was also an associated increase in numbers of pest earth mites, the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) and blue oat mites (Penthaleus spp.). Similar findings were found in manipulative experiments under semifield conditions using microcosms. These results suggest that an increase in height and perhaps complexity of groundcover act to promote populations of beneficial natural enemies with potential suppression of pest mite species. These findings point to a simple way for increasing populations of beneficial invertebrate species at the farm scale that could contribute to integrated pest management programs.
Effects of humidity on the response of the bark beetle Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to synthetic aggregation pheromone
Authors: Bassett Michelle A , Baumgartner John B , Hallett Monique L , Hassan Yasmin , Symonds Matthew R E
Published: December 2010

Environmental factors may affect chemical communication between individuals by limiting their ability to detect and respond to these signals. One such factor, high humidity, has been shown to interfere with the normal response of some invertebrate species to their attractant pheromones. The effect of humidity on the response of the five‐spined bark beetle, Ips grandicollis, to a synthetic form of the aggregation pheromone component ipsenol, was tested in an experimental chamber in the laboratory. The response was measured as both the number of beetles to reach the pheromone source and the time taken, and was tested under high (>80% relative humidity) and low (30–40% relative humidity) conditions of humidity. There was no significant difference in response of beetles between the two treatments although there was a reduction in response in the high‐humidity treatment when relative humidity levels were in excess of 90%. These findings suggest that atmospheric humidity does not influence bark beetles response to synthetic pheromone, except perhaps in unlikely conditions of excessive humidity.
Impact of two formulations of the acaricide bifenazate on the spider mite predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Steiner Marilyn Y , Spohr Lorraine J , Goodwin Stephen
Published: December 2010

Two formulations of the novel miticide bifenazate, Floramite SC (240 g/L bifenazate) and Acramite SC (480 g/L bifenazate) were separately evaluated at a rate of 310 mg a.i./L (1.3 mL/L Floramite or 0.65 mL/L Acramite) for side effects on the phytoseiid predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Tests included a combination of contact and residual treatment by overhead spray, direct contact by immersion, residual contact with treated leaf discs and repellency of a treated surface. Spray application of Acramite to protonymphs and to adult females on leaf discs did not cause increased mortality over 5 days to either stage. Oviposition by treated adults was not affected over 5 days. Egg‐laying by adult females sprayed as protonymphs was reduced, but fewer males and inadequate food supply may have been partly responsible. For adult females treated as nymphs by micro‐immersion in Floramite or Acramite, there were no significant differences between treated and untreated P. persimilis in mortality or oviposition. For both formulations, there was a significant reduction in oviposition rate of the first generation reared from eggs deposited on treated foliage, but the reduction was <20%. Foliar applications of both formulations to leaf discs were repellent to adult females, resulting in reduced oviposition. The repellency from a treated surface and low direct and indirect toxicity suggests that application of both Acramite and Floramite against two‐spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae, at the currently recommended rate of 310 mg a.i./L would be compatible with use of P. persimilis, particularly as a spot treatment.
Biology and preliminary host range of Hydrotimetes natans Kolbe (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a natural enemy candidate for biological control of Cabomba caroliniana Gray (Cabombaceae) in Australia
Authors: Cabrera‐Walsh Guillermo , Schooler Shon , Julien Mic
Published: December 2010

Cabomba caroliniana, otherwise known as cabomba, is a submerged, rooted macrophyte with heavily dissected leaves that produces flowers that extend above the water surface. It has been disseminated around the world by aquarium traders and enthusiasts, and has become a noxious weed in numerous countries, including Australia, where it often produces dense monospecific stands. It is considered native to southern parts of North and South America, and is a common plant in floodplain streams and lakes in north‐east Argentina. Because of the lack of alternative control methods, a search for biological control agents was initiated in 2003. The most promising natural enemy found during surveys of C. caroliniana in Argentina was the aquatic weevil Hydrotimetes natans. The entire life cycle is completed on the plant, primarily underwater, except when the adults climb onto emergent flowers to mate. Larvae mine the stems, pupal cases are constructed in the leaf axils where the petiole joins the stem, and adults feed on the leaves and the stems, primarily at the growing tips. Field surveys of C. caroliniana and other submerged plant species, as well as results from preliminary laboratory host range trials suggest that the weevil is specific to cabomba. Adults were found only on other plant species when intertwined with C. caroliniana in the field and did not move onto other plant species in aquaria trials. The distribution of the larvae in the field was studied in relation to depth and plant size. No preferences for stem width or plant length were found, although a significant portion of the larval mines were located near the root crown of the plant. This information on the host specificity and biology of H. natans in its native range may guide researchers studying the laboratory fundamental host range and determining the potential effectiveness of the weevil for biological control of cabomba in its introduced range.
Comparison of ant community composition across different land‐use types: assessing morphological traits with more common methods
Authors: Yates Michelle , Andrew Nigel R
Published: December 2010

Quantitative measures (morphological traits), which are influenced by species ecology, habitat use and evolutionary history, may be as important as species identity when assessing differences in community structures among land‐use types. We used ant communities as the response taxa to assess how three different measures of community diversity differ across three different land‐use types (Native Remnant, Native Pasture and Crop Stubble). Ants were collected using pitfall traps and sorted into morphospecies, abundances recorded, and classified into Andersen's functional groups. Two morphological traits (thorax length and mid‐femur length) related to body size and dispersal ability were also measured to assess if morphologically different suites of ants (e.g. short thorax and short mid‐femur) were selected for in each land‐use type. Native Remnants exhibited the most speciose ant assemblages, as anticipated; however, functional group structure did not differ significantly between land‐use types. The relationship between thorax and mid‐femur length differed significantly between land‐use types, with assemblages within Crop Stubble exhibiting significantly higher femur: thorax ratio compared to Native Remnants. We found that land management strategies not only impact on species richness but also on the morphological traits exhibited by ants.
Growth and development performance of the ubiquitous urban mosquito Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Australia varies with water type and temperature
Authors: Williams Craig R , Rau Gina
Published: December 2010

The container‐breeding mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus, is a common nuisance biter throughout Australia and has been implicated in arbovirus transmission in urban areas. Here detailed growth and development data for this species at a range of temperatures from laboratory observations were provided. Larvae of Ae. notoscriptus were amenable to laboratory rearing at 15–29°C, but not at 35°C, at which no larvae survived beyond instar I. Overall survival to pupation was better in rainwater (96.7%) compared with tap water (85%). Larval development time shortened with increasing temperature, with time to pupation across all temperatures ranging from 48.8 to 7.6 days in tap water and 16.2 to 6.8 days in rainwater. Such hastened development resulted in smaller mosquitoes, with decreases in wing length of up to 19%. Ovary size was greatest at 18–25°C. In general, Ae. notoscriptus developed more quickly to a larger size, with larger ovaries in rainwater compared with tap water. Collectively, these findings indicate an optimum temperature range to maximise fitness of 18–29°C. However, significant variability in growth and development of this species in the field is likely, given the range of water qualities and temperatures likely to be encountered. Data presented here will be required for future population modelling to assess the impact of a changing climate on this important urban nuisance and disease vector species.
Using ants to manage sustainable grazing: Dynamics of ant faunas along sheep grazing gradients conform to four global patterns
Authors: HOFFMANN BENJAMIN D. , JAMES CRAIG D.
Published: December 2010

Ants are considered an important faunal group for the functioning of arid rangelands, they have a long history of use for environmental monitoring, and exhibit four global patterns in grazing lands: (i) soil and vegetation type are primary determinants of ant community composition, and have a far greater effect on ant community composition than grazing; (ii) grazing induces species compositional change, but does not necessarily affect species richness or abundance; (iii) a species response to grazing is not necessarily consistent across habitats; and (iv) approximately one‐quarter to one‐half of species that are common enough for statistical analysis have significant responses to grazing. Here we report the patterns of arid zone ant faunas as they exist after several decades of sheep grazing in southern Australia, and examine the extent to which they conform to the four global patterns. We measured ant faunas along grazing gradients (varying distance to water) in seven paddocks containing two soil and two vegetation types on five pastoral properties. Total site abundance and richness of ants did not differ significantly with distance from water, but the abundance of 10 (34%) of the 29 most common species did differ; three were increasers, three were decreasers, and four had mixed responses dependent on soil/vegetation type. Rare species showed no trend with grazing intensity. The ant fauna of the more structurally complex vegetation types appeared to be the most vulnerable to grazing effects. Multivariate analysis showed soil type was the primary factor influencing ant faunal composition, followed by vegetation structure; however, grazing treatment effects were present. This study fully supports the recently identified global patterns of ant responses to grazing. It also shows that sampling regional ant faunas using widely dispersed traps can detect ant faunal patterns comparable to studies that use smaller‐scale grids of traps.
SHORT‐TERM OUTCOMES OF ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION (ESD) FOR EARLY GASTRIC NEOPLASM: MULTICENTER SURVEY BY OSAKA UNIVERSITY ESD STUDY GROUP
Authors: Akasaka Tomofumi , Nishida Tsutomu , Tsutsui Shusaku , Michida Tomoki , Yamada Takuya , Ogiyama Hideharu , Kitamura Shinji , Ichiba Makoto , Komori Masato , Nishiyama Osamu , Nakanishi Fumihiko , Zushi Shinichiro , Nishihara Akihiro , Iijima Hideki , Tsujii Masahiko , Hayashi Norio
Published: December 2010

Background:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was developed for en bloc removal of large and flat gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. In Japan, ESD is performed under conscious sedation. The risks for sedation‐related complications of ESD, such as postoperative pneumonia, have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative pneumonia after ESD in a multicenter survey.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 1188 patients with upper gastric neoplasms treated with ESD in nine hospitals were enrolled from May 2003 to September 2008. The en bloc resection rates and complications (bleeding, perforation, and postoperative pneumonia) were assessed. The correlations between the clinical variables and complications were investigated using logistic regression models.

Results:  The en bloc resection rate was 95.3%. Bleeding, perforation, and pneumonia occurred in 37 (3.1%), 49 (4.1%), and 19 (1.6%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that procedure time, but not specimen size, or patient age, or sex, was significantly related to bleeding and perforation. The incidence of pneumonia was higher in patients with ulceration, older patients (≥75 years), and those with a long procedure duration (≥5 h).

Conclusion:  The incidence of pneumonia, but not perforation and bleeding, after ESD, is high in older patients (≥75 years). Special care should be taken with older patients undergoing ESD to minimize the risk of postoperative pneumonia.
LATERAL SPREAD ALONG THE MAIN PANCREATIC DUCT IN BRANCH‐DUCT INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY‐MUCINOUS NEOPLASMS OF THE PANCREAS: USEFULNESS OF INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR ITS EVALUATION
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Obana Takashi , Koshida Shinsuke , Kanno Yoshihide , Yamashita Yasunobu , Kato Yuhei , Ogawa Takahisa , Sawai Takashi
Published: December 2010

Background:  Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas tend to spread intraepithelially along the pancreatic duct wall. We evaluated histopathological intraductal lateral spread (LS) along the main pancreatic duct (MPD) from branch‐duct IPMN and investigated the usefulness of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) for its preoperative diagnosis.

Patients and Methods:  Twenty‐four patients with branch‐duct IPMN who had undergone preoperative IDUS and surgery were reviewed clinicopathologically. The prevalence and histological length of LS along the MPD from branch‐duct IPMN, characteristics of the patients with LS, and efficacy of LS assessment by IDUS were examined.

Results:  LS along the MPD was observed in 54% of the subjects. In the group of patients with LS, its mean length was 25.2 ± 16.8 mm (5–50 mm) and the diameter of the MPD was 6 mm or greater. Of the patients with LS, those in whom the length of LS along the MPD was longer than the diameter of the cystically dilated branch accounted for 30%. The diameter of the MPD in the group with LS was significantly greater than that in the group without LS (P = 0.03). The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of IDUS in the detection of LS were 92%, 91%, and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion:  LS along the MPD was detected in about half of the resected cases of branch‐duct IPMN. Preoperative transpapillary IDUS may be beneficial for the determination of the resection line, especially in those branch‐duct IPMN patients in whom the MPD is 6 mm or greater in diameter.
ANALYSIS OF PLASTIC STENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF LARGE COMMON BILE DUCT STONES IN 45 PATIENTS
Authors: Fan Zhen , Hawes Robert , Lawrence Christopher , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lv Wen
Published: December 2010

Background:  Although endoscopic plastic biliary stenting is a clinical procedure routinely carried out in patients with common bile duct stones, the effects of stenting on the sizes or fragmentation of large common bile duct stones have not been formally established and the mechanism of this condition is controversial. We compared the stone sizes of common bile duct stones after biliary stenting in order to develop the mechanism.

Patients and Methods:  Endoscopic plastic biliary stenting was performed in 45 patients with large common bile duct stones or those difficult to extract with conventional endoscopic therapy, including mechanical lithotripsy. The stone diameter was ≥16 mm in all patients. Bile duct drainage and endoscopic placement of 7–8.5 Fr plastic biliary stents were established in all patients. Differences of stone sizes and fragmentations after biliary stenting were compared. The complete stone clearance rate after treatment was obtained.

Results:  After biliary stenting for 3–6 months, the bile stones disappeared or changed to sludge in 10 (10/45) patients, and fragmentation of the stones or decreased stone sizes were seen in 33 patients, whose stone median size was significantly decreased from 23.1 mm to 15.4 mm in 33 patients (P < 0.05). The stones were removed successfully with basket, balloon, mechanical lithotripsy or a combination in 43 (43/45) patients. The remaining two patients (2/45) demonstrated no significant changes in stone sizes.

Conclusion:  Plastic biliary stenting may fragment common bile duct stones and decrease stone sizes. This is an effective and feasible method to clear large or difficult common bile duct stones.
Spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Morlon Hélène , Schwilk Dylan W. , Bryant Jessica A. , Marquet Pablo A. , Rebelo Anthony G. , Tauss Catherine , Bohannan Brendan J. M. , Green Jessica L.
Published: December 2010

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 141–149

Ecologists and conservation biologists have historically used species–area and distance–decay relationships as tools to predict the spatial distribution of biodiversity and the impact of habitat loss on biodiversity. These tools treat each species as evolutionarily equivalent, yet the importance of species’ evolutionary history in their ecology and conservation is becoming increasingly evident. Here, we provide theoretical predictions for phylogenetic analogues of the species–area and distance–decay relationships. We use a random model of community assembly and a spatially explicit flora dataset collected in four Mediterranean‐type regions to provide theoretical predictions for the increase in phylogenetic diversity – the total phylogenetic branch‐length separating a set of species – with increasing area and the decay in phylogenetic similarity with geographic separation. These developments may ultimately provide insights into the evolution and assembly of biological communities, and guide the selection of protected areas.
APPLICATIONS BARRIER TO ENTRY AND EXCLUSIVE VERTICAL CONTRACTS IN PLATFORM MARKETS
Authors: PRIEGER JAMES E. , HU WEI‐MIN
Published: December 2010

Our study extends the empirical literature on whether vertical restraints are anticompetitive. We focus on exclusive contracting in platform markets, which feature indirect network effects and thus are susceptible to an applications barrier to entry. Exclusive contracts in vertical relationships between the platform provider and software supplier can heighten entry barriers. We test these theories in the home video game market. We find that indirect network effects from software on hardware demand are present, and that exclusivity takes market share from rivals, but only when most games are nonexclusive. The marginal exclusive game contributes virtually nothing to console demand. Thus, allowing exclusive vertical contracts in platform markets need not lead to domination by one system protected by a hedge of complementary software. Our investigation suggests that bargaining power enjoyed by the best software providers and the skewed distribution of game revenue prevents the foreclosure of rivals through exclusive contracting. (JEL L42, L63, D12)
CHILD LABOUR: A REVIEW OF RECENT THEORY AND EVIDENCE WITH POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Fors Heather Congdon
Published: December 2010

In recent years, a growing number of authors have turned their attention to the question of why children work. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the more recent theoretical and empirical research into the topic of child labour, and to illustrate the fact that no one factor on its own can account for the phenomenon of child labour. Therefore, policies aimed at eradicating child labour will need to address the broad range of underlying factors that contribute to the incidence of child labour, such as poverty, market imperfections and access to education.
SEQUENTIAL, BOTTOM‐UP VARIABLE SELECTION FOR HIGH‐DIMENSIONAL CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Hall Peter , Miller Hugh
Published: December 2010

Most methods for variable selection work from the top down and steadily remove features until only a small number remain. They often rely on a predictive model, and there are usually significant disconnections in the sequence of methodologies that leads from the training samples to the choice of the predictor, then to variable selection, then to choice of a classifier, and finally to classification of a new data vector. In this paper we suggest a bottom‐up approach that brings the choices of variable selector and classifier closer together, by basing the variable selector directly on the classifier, removing the need to involve predictive methods in the classification decision, and enabling the direct and transparent comparison of different classifiers in a given problem. Specifically, we suggest ‘wrapper methods’, determined by classifier type, for choosing variables that minimize the classification error rate. This approach is particularly useful for exploring relationships among the variables that are chosen for the classifier. It reveals which variables have a high degree of leverage for correct classification using different classifiers; it shows which variables operate in relative isolation, and which are important mainly in conjunction with others; it permits quantification of the authority with which variables are selected; and it generally leads to a reduced number of variables for classification, in comparison with alternative approaches based on prediction.
WHY DO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PRIVATIZE THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SPAIN
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐GÓMEZ FRANCISCO , PICAZO‐TADEO ANDRÉS J. , GUARDIOLA JORGE
Published: December 2010

Why do some local governments privatize water services, while others opt for public management? Economic literature has been unable to demonstrate that private management is more efficient than public management, so there must be other reasons that lead governments to privatize the service. But what are they? This paper presents the results of a study that analyses the factors behind the privatization of water services with data from 741 municipalities located in the South of Spain over a period dating from 1985 to 2006. A discrete choice model analyses the influence of each factor on the likelihood of privatization. One of the novelties of this paper is that we take the value of the explanatory variables at the time when water services are privatized. Among our findings, it is worth highlighting the importance of the size of municipalities, their financial burden and the neighbouring effect.
DOES OWNERSHIP MATTER FOR THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONALIZED SERVICES? HIP OPERATIONS AT PUBLICLY AND PRIVATELY OWNED CLINICS IN DENMARK
Authors: ANDERSEN LOTTE BØGH , JAKOBSEN MADS
Published: December 2010

In terms of clinical procedures (to take the example used in this article, hip operations), both public and private organizations provide highly professionalized services. For this service type, our knowledge about ownership differences is sparse. To begin to fill this gap, we investigate how the ownership of hip clinics affects professional behaviour, treatment quality and patient satisfaction. The comparison of private and public hip clinics is based on data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Danish Central Patient Register combined with 20 semi‐structured interviews. We find that private clinics employ stronger individual financial incentives and try harder to increase the income/costs ratio than do public clinics. Private clinics optimize non‐clinical factors such as waiting time much more than public clinics and have fewer complication‐prone patients than public clinics. However, the clinical procedures are very similar in the two types of clinics. Private clinics do not achieve better clinical results, but patient satisfaction is nevertheless higher with private clinics. The implication is that ownership matters for highly professionalized services, but professionalism neutralizes some – but not all – ownership differences.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS AND THE DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS: THE CASE OF CITIZEN SERVICE CENTRES
Authors: BHATTI YOSEF , OLSEN ASMUS L. , PEDERSEN LENE HOLM
Published: December 2010

This article examines how administrative professionals affect the diffusion of one‐stop shops in the form of integrated citizen service centres (CSC) in a Danish local government setting. CSCs are an example of a new organizational form: functionally integrated small units (FISUs). The diffusion of the CSCs among municipalities is used to analyse how administrative professionals act as drivers in the process of organizational level innovation. Furthermore, it is examined how institutional, political and economic characteristics of municipalities influence the likelihood of adoption. The findings highlight that a high concentration of administrative professionals indeed make the adoption of CSCs more likely. Additionally, the findings confirm three commonly stated hypotheses from the diffusion of innovations literature, namely that need based demands, wealth and the regional supply of CSC increase the likelihood of its adoption.
INSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS OF CASCADING ECOLOGICAL CRISES
Authors: GALAZ VICTOR , MOBERG FREDRIK , OLSSON EVA‐KARIN , PAGLIA ERIC , PARKER CHARLES
Published: December 2010

While some of the future impacts of global environmental change such as some aspects of climate change can be projected and prepared for in advance, other effects are likely to surface as surprises – that is situations in which the behaviour in a system, or across systems, differs qualitatively from expectations. Here we analyse a set of institutional and political leadership challenges posed by ‘cascading’ ecological crises: abrupt ecological changes that propagate into societal crises that move through systems and spatial scales. We illustrate their underlying social and ecological drivers, and a range of institutional and political leadership challenges, which have been insufficiently elaborated by either crisis management researchers or institutional scholars. We conclude that even though these sorts of crises have parallels to other contingencies, there are a number of major differences resulting from the combination of a lack of early warnings, abrupt ecological change, and the mismatch between decision‐making capabilities and the cross‐scale dynamics of social‐ecological change.