bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of precocenes (I and II) and juvenile hormone I on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae parasitized by Microplitis rufiventris Kok. (Hym., Braconidae)
Authors: Hegazi E. M. , El‐Singaby N. R. , Khafagi W. E.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Precocenes I & II (PI & PII) and juvenile hormone I (JHI) were topically tested on unparasitized and Microplitis rufiventris parasitized Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Parasitism interferes with normal host response to these compounds, decreasing their effectiveness. In all cases, the effect was dose‐dependent. In contrast to PII or JHI, the lower dose of PI was more effective than the higher one. Application of JHI to S. littoralis larvae was less harmful to parasitoid development than either PI or PII. It is therefore emphasized that the commercial utilization of insect growth regulators should be undertaken carefully to minimize possible disruptive effects on developing parasitoids.
Insecticide selectivity to Supputius cincticeps (Stal) (Het., Pentatomidae) and its prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Zanuncio J. C. , Batalha V. C. , Guedes R. N. C. , Picanço M. C.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The selectivity of malathion, carbaryl, permethrin, and deltamethrin to Supputius cincticeps (Stal) (Het., Pentatomidae) and its prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lep., Noctuidae) (fall armyworm) was evaluated using leaves dipped in insecticide dilutions. Based on LC50 values, malathion was the least toxic insecticide to the fall armyworm followed by carbaryl, permethrin and deltamethrin which was the most toxic compound to this insect pest. Malathion was also the least toxic insecticide to the predaceous bug S. cincticeps, while carbaryl and permethrin showed intermediate toxicity and deltamethrin was the most toxic insecticide to this species. Malathion and carbaryl were more toxic to the predator than to the fall armyworm showing low selectivity in favour of the first. However, the pyrethroids showed the opposite effect with deltamethrin being the most selective insecticide in favour of S. cincticeps. Nymphs of the fifth instar and adults of the predator were more tolerant to the pyrethroids than third‐instar nymphs. The other insecticides showed similar toxicity to all three developmental stages of the predator.

Sélectivité des insecticides pour Supputius cincticeps (Say) (Het., Pentatomidae) et sa proie Spodoptera furgiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lep., Noctuidae)

La sélectivité du mulathion. carbaril. pennétrine et deltamétrine pour Supputius cincticeps (Say) (Het., Pentatomidae) et sa proie Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lep., Noctuidae) (chenille du cornet) fut évaluée à l'aide de feuilles imprégnées d'insecticides. Le malathion s'est avéré l'insecticide le moins toxique pour la chenille du cornet, suivi du carbaril. permétrine et deltamétrine, cette dernière étant l'insecticidc le plus toxique pour cet insecte‐fléau. basé sur les valeurs du CL50. Le malathion a égalemenl été l'insecticide le moins toxique pour la punaise prédatrice S. cincticeps, alors que le carbaril et la permétrine ont affiché une toxicité intermédiaire et la deltamétrine, une grande toxicité pour cette espèce. Les insecticides malathion et carbaril furent plus toxiques pour la punaise prédatrice que pour la chenille du cornet, affichant une basse sélectivité en faveur du premier. Toutefois, les pyrétroïdes ont présenté un effet contraire avec la deltamétrine, celle‐ci étant l'insecticide le plus sélectif en faveur du S. cincticeps. Les nymphes du 5e stade et punaises adultes ont été encore plus tolérantes aux pyrétroides que les nymphes du 3o stade. Les autres insecticides ont révélé une toxicité similaire pour les trois stades de développement du prédateur.
Use of polymerase chain reaction to identify Anopheles gambiae Giles (Dipt., Culicidae) sibling species composition
Authors: Shililu J. I. , Maier W. A. , Seitz H. M. , Kubasu S. S. , Orago A. S.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: In an entomological study conducted in two high altitude malaria endemic sites in Kakamega district, western Kenya (1995–96), Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (A. gambiae s.l.) and Anopheles funestus were the only two anopheline species collected and identified based on morphological criteria. Anopheles gambiae s.l. was the predominant species forming 83% (n = 2667) of the total female anopheline mosquitoes collected indoors. In both ecogeographical sites, the two species showed different seasonal patterns in population densities and Plasmodium falciparum infectivity rates both which are responsible for variation in malaria transmission in the two sites. To establish the sibling species composition of the A. gambiae Giles complex 30% of the total A. gambiae collected were analysed by the DNA‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All 802 mosquito specimens tested belonged to one sibling species, A. gambiae sensu stricto (A. gambiae s.s). No A. arabiensis was present from the specimens tested. The results suggest that A. gambiae s.s. may be the only member of the gambiae complex represented in the high altitude sites in western Kenya. This species, unlike A. arabiensis, is highly anthropophagic and endophilic, and these behavioural trends may be useful in targeting specific control measures for this species in the high altitude sites such as indoor residual spraying and destruction of breeding sites. The present study is the first logitudinal entomological study to be carried out in highlands of western Kenya where malaria epidemics are frequent.
The influence of relative humidity on egg hatch in Euseius filandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari, Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Schausberger P.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The effects of different relative humidities (50%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% and 100% RH) on egg hatch were tested at 25 ± 1°C for three strains of Euseius finlandicus Oudemans, two strains of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and two strains of Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans. At decreasing humidity, egg mortality increased earlier in K. aberrans than in E. finlandicus and T. pyri. E. finlandicus and T. pyri had similar humidity responses. Differences between strains within each species were small. RH50 values (relative humidity at which 50% of eggs hatch) were 50.4%, 52.4% and 53.1% for strains of E. finlandicus, 51.8% and 53.3% for strains of T. pyri, and 55.3% and 57.5% for strains of K. aberrans, respectively. Eggs of the Finnish E. finlandicus strain were most drought resistant (50.4% RH50), eggs of the French K. aberrans strain were most sensitive (57.5% RH50). The results are discussed in relation to the abundance of these species on certain plants and to the humidity responses of other phytoseiids.
Key factors and regulation of population of Saissetia oleae (Hom., Coccidae) on olive trees in the region of Magnesia, Greece
Authors: Stratopoulou E. T. , Kapatos E. T.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Population studies of Saissetia oleae Olivier were carried out in the region of Magnesia (eastern central Greece) in a heavily infested olive orchard for five consecutive generations (1988/89–1992/93). The aim of the study was to investigate the causes of the outbreak and to evaluate the role of natural enemies on the population dynamics of S. oleae. The performed analysis on the constructed life‐tables indicated that mortality of crawlers and mortality during autumn and spring, comprising the action of internal parasitoids (mainly Metaphycus helvolus) and predators (mainly coccinelids), were the main key factors that determined the population changes of S. oleae during the course of the study. Mortalities during autumn and spring were related to population density, with direct density‐dependent relationships indicating that these mortalities acted both as key factors and regulating mechanisms. The regulating action was probably due to M. helvolus because the estimates of parasitism during the same periods were also related to population density with the same type of relationship. It was concluded that the outbreak was caused by the reduced action of natural enemies, presumably due to pesticide treatments applied against other olive pests the previous years. However, when their population recovered, they suppressed the pest population again. Therefore, preservation of natural enemies by applying selective control methods against the other olive pests is essential.
Nymphal development and adult reproduction of the stinkbug predator Podisus nigrispinus (Het., Pentatomidae) under fluctuating temperatures
Authors: Torres J. B. , Zanuncio J. C. , de Oliveira H. N.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Developmental rates, egg and nymph survival and adult reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae) were investigated under six fluctuating temperatures and night–day regimes with a photoperiod of 14 h light: 10 h dark compared with a check temperature of 27 ± 1.5°C. Lower development threshold temperatures for egg, nymphal stage and from egg to adult were estimated at 13.70, 11.96 and 12.68°C with a requirement, respectively, of 54.34, 284.25 and 327.13 degree‐days. The highest egg‐adult development rate was achieved at 25–35°C. At 10–20°C only 7.0% of nymphs reached adult stage, whereas at 27, 15–25 and 17–27°C, 93.0, 87.3 and 91.1% adult emergence was achieved, respectively. The females that emerged at 10–20°C laid no eggs, while those ar 25–35, 15–25, 17–27 and 27°C produced a total of 92.1, 453.2, 415.0 and 325.0 eggs, respectively. Results for threshold temperature and thermal requirement were approximately those reported at constant temperatures by other researchers, while the reproductive parameters of P. nigrispinus were better at intermediate temperatures ranging from 15–25 to 20–30°C.
Diurnal and seasonal flight activity of males and population dynamics of fall webworm moth, Hyphantria cunea, (Drury) (Lep., Arctiidae) monitored by pheromone traps
Authors: Zhang Qing‐He , Schlyter F. , Chu Dong , Ma Xi‐Ying , Ninomiya Yasuo
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Synthetic pheromone trap captures of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lep., Arctiidae) males were compared with those of virgin female‐baited traps and with visual observations. Delta‐traps with females and Uni‐traps with synthetic pheromone (1Z,3Z,6Z‐9,10‐epoxyheneicosatriene, 3Z,6Z‐9,10‐epoxyheneicosadiene, and 9Z,12Z,15Z‐octadecatrienal; total, 2–6 mg/dispenser) and visual observation at a fixed point were used. The diurnal rhythm of activity in the little studied first (spring) generation showed a broad peak (3 h) after sunset. The second (summer) generation showed a short (1.5 h) but intense peak of attraction before sunrise, both to natural and to synthetic pheromones. A second small peak, just after sunset, was detected only in traps with the synthetic bait. Males started to be attracted to females about 1 h later than to synthetics in both generations. The main flight of males (mid‐50% of cumulative male catches) was longer (8–11 days) in the first than in the second generation (5–7 days). The catches of males were increased by high daily maximum temperatures in the spring generation, while rain suppressed activity (phenology was delayed) in both generations. The total period of activity detectable by visual observations was about 6 days shorter than by pheromone traps. Population trends were recorded over four generations 1992–94 in two sites by trapping of moths and counting of larval webs. The second (summer) generation was two to six times larger than the spring generation. There was a correlation between the log‐transformed catch of males and larval webs (r = 0.92 for proportions of both infested trees and web density) of the same period. This allows prediction of the subsequent larval abundance (offspring) based on adult (parent) pheromone trapping in preceding weeks.
Cholesterol cycle during development of normal and nonspinning Bombyx mori L. (Lep., Bombycidae) larvae
Authors: Girgenti P. , Sandroni D. , Vighi M. , Serini G. Bolchi , Süss L.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Cholesterol content of Bombyx mori larvae was measured in two different silkworm groups, normally spinning and nonspinning, respectively. Cholesterol content in the spinning group showed very high values immediately after the moults, following which the concentration decreased and reached a minimum before the next moult. Alternatively, cholesterol content in the nonspinning group during the fifth instar increased up to the death of the larvae. Comparable behaviour was observed in a small percentage (about 20%) of nonspinning larvae of the second group. The reason for the nonspinning behaviour is not clear.
Tritrophic interactions between host plants, the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti Matile‐Ferrero (Horn., Pseudococcidae) and its parasitoid Apoanagyrus lopezi De Santis (Hym., Encyrtidae)
Authors: Souissi R. , Nenon J. P. , Rü B. Le
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The influence of the host plant on the parsitism of third instar Phenacoccus manihoti Matile‐Ferrero by Apoanagyrus (Epidinocarsis) lopezi De Santis, was investigated under laboratory conditions. Four different host plants were used: two cassava varieties (Incoza and Zanaga, Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae), the Faux caoutchouc (FC) (a hybrid of M. esculenta and Manihot glaziovii, Euphorbiaceae) and Talinum (Talinum triangularae Jack., Portulacaceae). The percentage of parasitism of P. manihoti by A. lopezi varied significantly between host plants and was 1.5 to 1.8 higher on Talinum than on the plants of the Manihot genus. The parasitism on Incoza did not differ from the one on Zanaga but was significantly higher than that on FC. The percentage of mummified hosts also differed among the four plants and was lower on FC (80.5%) than on the others. A significantly lower percentage of emerged parasitoids (69.5%) was recorded with the Incoza variety, which was the most resistant cassava plant. The total mealybug mortality due to parasitoid activity was significantly higher on Talinum than on the others. The results for the Manihot plants suggest that the probability of achieving successful augmentative biological control will be greater on the plants of the M. esculenta species despite lower A. lopezi survival on Incoza due to its high level of antibiosis resistance. Talinum would be a better host plant for a mass rearing of the host and the parasitoid in the laboratory.
The side‐effects of pesticides on the egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hym., Trichogrammatidae), acute dose‐response and persistence tests
Authors: Hassan S. A. , Hafes B. , Degrande P. E. , Herai K.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The side‐effects of 21 pesticides were tested on the Hymenoptera egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae, using four different types of laboratory methods. The methods combined: (a) adult parasitoid exposure to fresh pesticide residue on glass plates – initial toxicity worse case to select harmless preparations, (b) direct spray of host eggs enclosing the parasitoid pupae (less susceptible life stage), (c) duration of harmful activity (persistence) on adults – select preparations that are less persistent and (d) dose‐response exposures LD50 – to assess the risk margin.

The results showed that the preparations (used at the highest recommended dose) greatly differed in their initial toxicity as well as in their persistence. The fungicide Topsin M® (thiophanat‐methyl) and the herbicides Pyramin® (chloridazon), Butisan® S (metazachlor) and Banvel® 70 WG (dicamba) were harmless to T. cacoeciae. The insecticides Match® (lufenuron) and Admiral® (pyriproxifen), the fungicides Bavistin® (carbendazim), Aliette® (fosetyl) and Captan® 83 W (captan) as well as the herbicides Duplosan® 600 KV (mecoprop‐p) and Focus® (cycloxydim) were slightly harmful. The fungicide Scala® (pyrimethanil) was moderately harmful.

Telmion® (rape oil), Vertimec® (abamectin) and Scala were harmful in the initial toxicity test but only slightly persistent. These less persistent preparations are likely to have less impact on the natural enemy in the field. In the persistence test, Zolone Flow® (phosalon), Polo® (difenthiuron), Euparen® M (tolylfluanid), Dithane® M 45 (mancozeb), Kumulus® (sulphur) constantly reduced parasitism by between 90 and 100% and were rated as persistent. The direct spray of parasitized host eggs showed that Zolone Flow, Polo, Eupareum M, Dithane M 45, Scala and Touchdown® were harmless to the parasitoid pupae within the egg, that Telmion, Thiram® 80 WG and Kumulus were slightly harmful and Vertimec was moderately harmful. The dose‐response test indicated a risk quotient (dose in g or ml product per ha/LD50 value) of spray drift for off‐field parasitoids for the chemicals in the order of increasing risk as follows: Polo (1.33) followed by Thiram (3.62), Touchdown (7.54), Scala (10.39), Dithane M 45 (13.94), Telmion (27.04) and Zolone Flow (39.34).
Effects of perennial grass strips on spiders (Araneae) in cereal fields and impact on pesticide side‐effects
Authors: Huusela‐Veistola E.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:The effects of cultivation methods, pesticide use and perennial grass strips on spider fauna of cereal fields were studied in a large‐scale field experiment. The effects of two pesticide regimes (conventional and reduced) on spiders were contrasted with effects of two types of cultivation systems (customary and integrated farming practice). The plots under the conventional pesticide regime were sprayed with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and growth regulators annually. The plots on reduced pesticide regime were treated only when the control thresholds were exceeded (in 1992 with insecticide and in 1994 with herbicide). The perennial grass strips (sown with a mixture of timothy, meadow fescue, red clover and white clover) at the margins of the treated plots provided an additional element. Seasonal patterns of spider catches were quite synchronous in the field and in the perennial strip. Number of spiders were clearly higher in perennial strips than in the field. Furthermore, the composition of spider fauna differed between cerela plots and perennial grass strips. Lycosidae dominated in grass strips, whereas in cereal fields the family Linyphiidae was common. The dominance of Lycosidae in grass strips increased from year to year. The perennial strips affected the spider abundance of the field; total spider catches and Lycosidae catches, but not Linyphiidae, in pitfalls near the strips were higher than in pitfalls situated further away. However, the effects of pesticide treatments on spider numbers did not depend on the distance from the perennial strip. Reduced pesticide use plots had greater total spider catches than conventional plots in 1992 and 1994. In both years the difference was obvious for more than 3 weeks after insecticide (dimethoate) treatment. In 1992, pirimicarb was nearly harmless to spiders compared to dimethoate. In 1994, the dimethoate treatment (in June) did not decrease clearly the abundance of spiders, but deltamethrin treatment (in July) had dramatic effects on the total spider abundance and the difference was still obvious in the last sampling period. At family level, the effects of pesticide treatments varied between families. Statistically significant differences between pesticide treatments were found in all years in Linyphiidae numbers, but in Lycosidae only in 1994. During the period of 3 years, no differences were found in the numbers of spiders between the two cultivation systems tested.
Frequency and distribution of Antestiopsis orbitalis Westwood (Hem., Pentatomidae) in coffee plantations in Burundi: implications for sampling techniques
Authors: Cilas C. , Bouyjou B. , Decazy B.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The bug, Antestiopsis orbitalis Westwood (Hem., Pentatomidae), causes major damage in Burundi coffee plantations. Efficient management against this insect needs to have a reliable sampling procedure to estimate, with good precision, the level of the populations in coffee fields. Studies of the distribution and spatial dispersal of this bug are therefore required. To this purpose, an inventory of A. orbitalis in eight plots, of ≅ 100 coffee trees each, was undertaken. The number of bugs per tree fitted well to a negative binomial law, suggesting an aggregative behaviour of this insect. However, the aggregative coefficient was not constant on the different plots and adults were distributed in a more aggregative way than larvae. Study of the spatial dispersal of this bug generally indicated no particular structure (focus or gradient); only adults tended to be distributed according to gradients. Confidence intervals on the average number of bugs per tree were calculated following the robust method of bootstrap using different sized samples. Recommendations concerning sampling procedures are proposed.
Fumigant toxicity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed oil volatiles against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Col., Bruchidiae)
Authors: Reddy A. V. , Singh R. P.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Neem seed extracts and the pure compound present therein have been evaluated for various biological effects on insect and other pests. There is, however, perhaps no report on the evaluation of isolated neem seed volatiles against insect pests. Neem seed volatiles were isolated from need seed oil and evaluated for their bioactivity against eggs, 2‐ and 15‐day‐old grubs and adults of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. All stages were found susceptible to different doses of volatiles. At 200–50 μl it caused 100–81.6% and 100–25.4% mortality of adults and grubs respectively. Eggs when exposed to 100–200 μl dose for 3 days failed to hatch. At a 50 μl dose with a 5‐day exposure period the eggs that hatched failed to reach adult stage and terminated as grubs. The adults were found most susceptible followed by grubs and eggs. The effects of the volatiles was time‐dependent.
Association of interleukin‐18 promoter polymorphism and atherosclerotic diseases in Chinese patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN , CHOW KAI‐MING , POON PETER YAM‐KAU , KWAN BONNIE CHING‐HA , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO
Published: August 2009

Aim: Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine and possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between two IL‐18 gene polymorphisms, namely C‐607A and G‐137C, and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy was examined.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty patients (91 male) with diabetic nephropathy were studied. The IL‐18 promoter genotypes were determined. All patients were then prospectively followed for the cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality were also compared.

Results: Mean age was 64.3 ± 10.6 years; average follow up was 73.9 ± 33.6 months. The frequencies of CC, CA and AA genotypes of the C‐607A polymorphism were 25.5%, 48.2% and 26.8%, respectively; GG, GC and CC genotypes of the G‐137C polymorphism were 71.8%, 25.0% and 3.2%, respectively. Neither of the polymorphisms were associated with the development of primary cardiovascular end‐point. Cardiovascular survival was 84.8% and 70.6% at 60 months for GG and GC/CC genotypes of the G‐137C polymorphism, respectively (P = 0.027); the corresponding actuarial survival was 69.0% and 54.8%, respectively (P = 0.053). However, the G‐137C genotype was not an independent predictor of cardiovascular or actuarial survival after adjusting for confounders by multivariate analysis with the Cox model. The C‐607A polymorphism had no significant effect on cardiovascular or actuarial survival.

Conclusion: The G‐137C polymorphism of the IL‐18 promoter is associated with the cardiovascular mortality, and a trend of association with all‐cause mortality, in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The association, however, becomes insignificant after adjusting for confounding factors. Further studies are needed to test other genetic determinants of the association between systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease in renal failure patients.
An experimental investigation of the static and fatigue fracture behaviour of hybrid composite/metal joints for a tilting car body
Authors: JUNG D.‐W. , KIM J.‐S. , CHOI N.‐S.
Published: August 2009

The hybrid composite joint structures considered in this work, for application in a tilting railroad car body, are subjected to shear and bending loads. Two types of the joint specimens were fabricated and tested under both static and fatigue conditions: a hybrid bolted‐joint specimen subjected to a shear loads, and a hybrid beam‐joint specimen for the bending tests. The fracture behaviours of these specimens under static loads were different from those under cyclic loads. For the hybrid bolted‐joint specimens, static shear loads caused a pure shear fracture in the bolt pin body itself. However, cyclic fatigue shear loads brought about an opening‐mode fracture at the local site of the bolt which was the valley of the screwed region of the bolt pin and/or the perpendicularly angled region between the bolt head and the pin body. On the other hand, for the hybrid beam‐joint specimens, static bending loads caused shear deformation and fracture in the honeycomb core region, while fatigue cyclic bend loading caused delamination along the interface between the composite skin and the honeycomb core, and/or caused a fracture in the welded part jointed with the steel under‐frame. These fracture behaviours could arise in other industrial hybrid joints with similar sub‐structures, and were used in developing a design parameter to improve a hybrid joint structure.
Residual stress and constraint effects on cleavage fracture in the transition temperature regime
Authors: LEE K. S. , GOLDTHORPE M. R. , BIRKETT R. P. , SHERRY A. H.
Published: August 2009

Defects in structural components are often associated with welds that may contain significant levels of residual stress. Whilst the primary load acting on the component may induce low constraint conditions at the crack tip, the presence of residual stresses, e.g. due to welding, can modify this constraint level and consequently influence the observed fracture toughness behaviour. This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and numerical programme aimed at exploring this issue. Cleavage fracture toughness data for high and low constraint specimens are presented with and without residual stresses. The results indicate that under certain conditions, the constraint‐induced increase in cleavage fracture toughness may be eroded by the presence of a residual stress in the vicinity of the crack. The results are quantified with respect to two‐parameter fracture mechanics in which the T and Q parameters are appropriately defined. Preliminary guidance is provided for the assessment of defects when residual stresses may influence crack‐tip constraint.
Blood oxygen level‐dependent signal responses in corticolimbic ‘emotions’ circuitry of lactating rats facing intruder threat to pups
Authors: Nephew Benjamin C. , Caffrey Martha K. , Felix‐Ortiz Ada C. , Ferris Craig F. , Febo Marcelo
Published: August 2009

Lactating rats must continuously maintain a critical balance between caring for pups and aggressively responding to nest threats. We tested the neural response of lactating females to the presentation of their own pups and novel intruder males using blood oxygen level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7 T. Dams were presented with a single sequence of a control stimulus, pups or a male intruder in one imaging session (n = 7–9). To further determine the selectivity of neural processing, dams were imaged for their response to a male intruder in both the absence and presence of their pups (n = 6). Several maternal cortical and limbic brain regions were significantly activated by intruder presentation but not by pups or a control stimulus. These included the nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal gray, anterior cingulate, anterior thalamus, basal nucleus of the amygdala, temporal cortex, prelimbic/orbital area and insula. The nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal gray, temporal cortex and mediodorsal thalamus still showed greater neural activity when compared with intruder presentation in the absence of pups. The present results suggest that the high emotional state generated by a threat to pups involves robust activation of classical limbic regions controlling emotional responses. This pattern of blood oxygen level‐dependent activity may precede behavioral states upon which lactating rats initiate attacks against a potential threat to offspring.
A comparison of the STORZ video laryngoscope and standard direct laryngoscopy for intubation in the Pediatric airway – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: VLATTEN ARNIM , AUCOIN SYLVIE , LITZ SHARON , MACMANUS BRIAN , SODER CHRIS
Published: August 2009

Introduction:  Direct laryngoscopy can be challenging in infants and neonates. Even with an optimal line of sight to the glottic opening, the viewing angle has been measured at 15°. The STORZ DCI video laryngoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) incorporates a fiberoptic camera in the light source of a standard laryngoscope of variable sizes. The image is displayed on a screen with a viewing angle of 80°. We studied the effectiveness of the STORZ DCI as an airway tool compared to standard direct laryngoscopy in children with normal airway.

Methods:  In this prospective, randomized study, 56 children (ages 4 years or younger) undergoing elective surgery with the need for endotracheal intubation were divided into two groups: children who underwent standard direct laryngoscopy using a Miller 1 or Macintosh 2 blade (DL) and children who underwent video laryngoscopy using the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope with a Miller 1 blade (VL). Time to best view (TTBV), time to intubate (TTI), Cormack–Lehane (CL), and percentage of glottis opening seen (POGO) score were recorded.

Results:  TTBV in DL was 5.5 (4–8) s and 7 (4.2–9) s in VL. TTI in DL was 21 (17–29) s and in VL 27 (22–37) s (P = 0.006). The view as assessed by POGO score was 97.5% (60–100%) in DL and 100% (100–100%) in the VL (P = 0.003). Data are presented as median and interquartile range and analyzed using t‐test.

Discussion:  This study demonstrates that the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope provides an improved view to the glottis in children with normal airway anatomy, but requires a longer time for intubation.
Anesthetic‐specific electroencephalographic patterns during emergence from sevoflurane and isoflurane in infants and children
Authors: LO SANSAN S. , SOBOL JULIA B. , MALLAVARAM NAVIN , CARSON MARGARET , CHANG CHUNG , GRIEVE PHILIP G. , EMERSON RONALD G. , STARK RAYMOND I. , SUN LENA S.
Published: August 2009

Background:  Devices that monitor the depth of anesthesia are increasingly used to titrate sedation and avoid awareness during anesthesia. Many of these monitors are based upon electroencephalography (EEG) collected from large adult reference populations and not pediatric populations (Anesthesiology, 86, 1997, 836; Journal of Anaesthesia, 92, 2004, 393; Anesthesiology, 99, 2003, 34). We hypothesized that EEG patterns in children would be different from those previously reported in adults and that they would show anesthetic‐specific characteristics.

Methods:  This prospective observational study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and informed written consent was obtained. Patients were randomized to receive maintenance anesthesia with isoflurane or sevoflurane. EEG data collection included at least 10 min at steady‐state maintenance anesthesia. The EEG was recorded continuously through emergence until after extubation. A mixed model procedure was performed on global and regional power by pooled data analysis and by analyzing each anesthetic group separately. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results:  Thirty‐seven children completed the study (ages 22 days–3.6 years). Isoflurane and sevoflurane had different effects on global and regional EEG power during emergence from anesthesia, and frontal predominance patterns were significantly different between these two anesthetic agents.

Conclusions:  The principal finding of the present study was that there are anesthetic‐specific and concentration‐dependent EEG effects in children. Depth‐of‐anesthesia monitors that utilize algorithms based on the EEGs of adult reference populations therefore may not be appropriate for use in children.
Acupuncture management of pain and emergence agitation in children after bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion
Authors: LIN YUAN‐CHI , TASSONE ROSALIE F. , JAHNG STEFAN , RAHBAR REZA , HOLZMAN ROBERT S. , ZURAKOWSKI DAVID , SETHNA NAVIL F.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To further investigate the effect of acupuncture in postoperative pain and emergence agitation in children undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube (BMT) placement.

Background:  BMT insertion surgery in children is routinely performed under general anesthesia and is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pain and agitation upon emergence from anesthesia. Various medications have been investigated to alleviate the pain and agitation, which have been accompanied by high incidence of adverse effects. In children, anecdotal reports suggest that acupuncture may offer postoperative analgesia.

Methods/Materials:  This prospective randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture to control pain and agitation after initial bilateral myringotomy tube placement in 60 nonpremedicated children. Acupuncture was applied at points LI‐4 (he gu) and HT‐7 (shen men) immediately after induction of anesthesia. A single‐blinded assessor evaluated postoperative pain and agitation using CHEOPS and emergence agitation scale. Pain and agitation scores were significantly lower in the acupuncture group compared to those in the control group at the time of arrival in the post anesthesia care unit and during the subsequent 30 min.

Results:  Acupuncture treatment provided significant benefit in pain and agitation reduction. The median time to first postoperative analgesic (acetaminophen) administration was significantly shorter in the control group. The number of patients who required analgesia was considerably fewer in the acupuncture group than that in the control. No adverse effects related to acupuncture treatment were observed.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests that acupuncture therapy may be effective in diminishing both pain and emergence agitation in children after BMT insertion without adverse effects.
Efficacy of a low‐dose spinal morphine with bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing hypospadias repair
Authors: APILIOGULLARI SEZA , DUMAN ATES , GOK FUNDA , AKILLIOGLU ISAK , CIFTCI ILHAN
Published: August 2009

Background:  Children undergoing hypospadias repair need to be protected from highly unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences during and after surgery. We designed a double‐blinded, randomized, and placebo‐controlled study to compare the efficacy of a low‐dose (2 μg·kg−1) of intrathecal morphine with placebo for postoperative pain control of children undergoing repair of hypospadias surgery with spinal anesthesia.

Methods:  Fifty‐four children were randomly assigned to one of two spinal anesthesia groups. Group M (n = 27) received hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 2 μg·kg−1 of preservative‐free morphine and group P (n = 27) received hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.9% NaCl (placebo) under inhalation anesthesia. General anesthetics were discontinued subsequent to the block. The primary outcome was the presence of pain‐requiring analgesics during the first 12 h after the spinal block. Side effects were also recorded. The analgesic effects were evaluated by using the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale.

Results:  Forty‐nine patients completed the trial. Fifteen patients (60%) in group P received supplementary analgesics within the first 12 h compared to only four patients (16.7%) in group M (P = 0.005). Mean duration of analgesia was 480 ± 209 and 720 ± 190 min in group P and group M respectively (P = 0.009). The groups were similar in postoperative side effects.

Conclusion:  Spinal anesthesia provided by hyperbaric bupivacaine is adequate for distal hypospadias repair in children, but adding 2 μg·kg−1 intrathecal morphine provides better postoperative pain control when compared to placebo in these children.
Serengeti real estate: density vs. fitness‐based indicators of lion habitat quality
Authors: Mosser Anna , Fryxell John M. , Eberly Lynn , Packer Craig
Published: August 2009

Habitat quality is typically inferred by assuming a direct relationship between consumer density and resource abundance, although it has been suggested that consumer fitness may be a more accurate measure of habitat quality. We examined density vs. fitness‐based measures of habitat quality for lions in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. A 40‐year average of female reproductive success (yearling cubs per female) was best explained by proximity to river confluences, whereas patterns of productivity (yearling cubs per km2) and adult female density (individuals per km2) were associated with more general measures of habitat quality and areas of shelter in poor habitat. This suggests that density may not accurately distinguish between high‐quality ‘source’ areas and low‐quality sites that merely provide refuges for effectively non‐reproductive individuals. Our results indicate that density may be a misleading indicator of real estate value, particularly for populations that do not conform to an ideal free distribution.
Phenotypic population divergence in terrestrial vertebrates at macro scales
Authors: Jetz Walter , Ashton Kyle G. , La Sorte Frank A.
Published: August 2009

Phenotypic divergence between populations, i.e. how much phenotypes within a species vary geographically, is critical to many aspects of ecology and evolution, including eco‐geographical trends, speciation and coexistence. Yet, the variation of divergence across species with different ecologies and distributions and the relative role of adaptive causes remains little understood. We predict that genetic control vs. phenotypic plasticity of traits, geographical distance and (assuming adaptation) environmental differences should explain much of the phenotypic variability between populations. We tested these predictions with body sizes of 1447 populations in 98 terrestrial vertebrate species. Population phenotypic variability differs strongly across species, and divergence increases with increasing levels of clade‐typical phenotypic plasticity, the area covered by populations and body size. Geographical distance and environmental dissimilarity are similarly important predictors of divergence within species, highlighting a potential role for biotic and environmental conditions. Increased availability of phylogeographical and ecological data should facilitate further understanding of population divergence drivers at broad scales.
Do rabbits eat voles? Apparent competition, habitat heterogeneity and large‐scale coexistence under mink predation
Authors: Oliver Matthew , Luque‐Larena Juan José , Lambin Xavier
Published: August 2009

Habitat heterogeneity is predicted to profoundly influence the dynamics of indirect interspecific interactions; however, despite potentially significant consequences for multi‐species persistence, this remains almost completely unexplored in large‐scale natural landscapes. Moreover, how spatial habitat heterogeneity affects the persistence of interacting invasive and native species is also poorly understood. Here we show how the persistence of a native prey (water vole,Arvicola terrestris) is determined by the spatial distribution of an invasive prey (European rabbit,Oryctolagus cuniculus) and directly infer how this is defined by the mobility of a shared invasive predator (American mink,Neovison vison). This study uniquely demonstrates that variation in habitat connectivity in large‐scale natural landscapes creates spatial asynchrony, enabling coexistence between apparent competitive native and invasive species. These findings highlight that unexpected interactions may be involved in species declines, and also that in such cases habitat heterogeneity should be considered in wildlife management decisions.
Making training more cognitively effective: Making videos interactive
Authors: Cherrett Tom , Wills Gary , Price Joe , Maynard Sarah , Dror Itiel E.
Published: August 2009

The cost of health and safety (H&S) failures to the UK industry is currently estimated at up to £6.5 billion per annum, with the construction sector suffering unacceptably high levels of work‐related incidents. Better H&S education across all skill levels in the industry is seen as an integral part of any solution. Traditional lecture‐based courses often fail to recreate the dynamic realities of managing H&S on site and therefore do not sufficiently create deeper cognitive learning (which results in remembering and using what was learned). The use of videos is a move forward, but passively observing a video is not cognitively engaging and challenging, and therefore learning is not as effective as it can be. This paper describes the development of an interactive video in which learners take an active role. While observing the video, they are required to engage, participate, respond and be actively involved. The potential for this approach to be used in conjunction with more traditional approaches to H&S was explored using a group of 2nd‐year undergraduate civil engineering students. The formative results suggested that the learning experience could be enhanced using interactive videos. Nevertheless, most of the learners believed that a blended approach would be most effective.
The Neuropsychology of Proper Names
Authors: SEMENZA CARLO
Published: August 2009

The difference between common and proper names seems to derive from specific semantic characteristics of proper names. In particular, proper names refer to specific individual entities or events, and unlike common names, rarely map onto more general semantic characteristics (attributes, concepts, categories). This fact makes the link proper names have with their reference particularly fragile. Processing proper names seems, as a consequence, to require special cognitive and neural resources. Neuropsychological findings show that proper names and common names follow functionally distinct processing pathways. These pathways are neurally distinct and differently sensitive to focal or generalized brain damage, cognitive changes with age or lack of organic resources. Their precise location, depending on specific tasks, is still partly unknown.
Indexical Predicates
Authors: ROTHSCHILD DANIEL , SEGAL GABRIEL
Published: August 2009

We discuss the challenge to truth‐conditional semantics presented by apparent shifts in extension of predicates such as ‘red’. We propose an explicit indexical semantics for ‘red’ and argue that our account is preferable to the alternatives on conceptual and empirical grounds.
A Review of Individual Service Plan Goals for Learners with Challenging Behaviours
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Kerr Michelle , Roberts Donna , Couzens Donna , Attwood Tony , White Virginia
Published: August 2009

Individual Service Plans (ISPs) are often used to guide habilitative services for persons with intellectual disabilities. In the present study, we reviewed the types of goals included in the ISPs for 20 nonverbal individuals with severe disabilities and challenging behaviours from a large residential centre in Australia. Most goals focused on reducing challenging behaviour, teaching self‐care and domestic skills or described assessment and referral activities. Relatively little emphasis was given to increasing communication/language, recreation/leisure or community living skills. Behaviour management goals included strategies to suppress challenging behaviour and increase adaptive alternatives, as well as various ecological and physiological approaches. Habilitative services might be improved by including more goals on communication/language, recreation/leisure and community living skills. It is also recommended that behaviour management goals be based on a more thorough assessment of the variables controlling challenging behaviour.
Anorexia Nervosa in People with Severe Learning Disabilities
Authors: Thomas P. R.
Published: August 2009

A case of anorexia nervosa is reported in a 35 year old woman who has severe learning disabilities. She presents with all the symptoms of anorexia nervosa except amenorrhoea. This condition is under‐diagnosed in people with severe learning disabilities. It is important to recognise this condition because it can be life threatening. The case report includes the successful use of a behavioural treatment approach.
The Great Integration Debate
Authors: Ouvrey Carol
Published: August 2009

As a contribution to National Integration Week during 1992, BILD organised a special one day conference to explore the arguments for and against the integration of all children with disabilities into ordinary schools. The Great Integration Debate provided a forum for parents, teachers and other professionals and students who had experienced different forms of special educational provision. The motion under debate was quite simply ‘special schools should be abolished’. The debate created a great deal of interest and it was suggested that the main position of papers might be of interest to a much wider audience than was able to attend on the day. Papers based on other presentations appear in other issues of the journal.
Sexual Abuse in Adults with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Fenwick Annabelle
Published: August 2009

The recognition that people with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse is not new. However, only recently has it received much attention. The increased awareness of child sexual abuse within the general population, alongside the recognition that people with learning disabilities have sexual needs and the right to express their sexuality, has pushed the issue of sexual abuse to the forefront.

This is the first of two articles which address the issue of sexual abuse in adults with learning disabilities. It reviews current research literature on sexual abuse and focuses on those issues of particular relevance to adults with learning disabilities. The application of these findings to clinical investigations of sexual abuse will be discussed in the second article.
Caring for People with Learning Difficulties in Scotland: Comparative Costs
Authors: Ryan Mandy
Published: August 2009

This paper compares the costs of alternative forms of residential care for people with a learning difficulty in Scotland. The results suggest that whilst it costs less to care for adults with a severe and profound learning difficulty in hospital, it is cheaper to care for adults with a moderate or mild learning difficulty in the community. Evidence of economies of scale was found in providing care for these latter two groups in the community. Foster care placements were the cheapest form of care for children with a severe and profound learning difficulty. Other research has shown that community based small homes provide a superior quality of care.
Telling Children That They Have a Brother or Sister with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Hames Annette
Published: August 2009

The parents of 20 children with Down's Syndrome were interviewed to find out if, and how, they had told older siblings the diagnosis. The majority of parents agreed that other children should be told immediately, or as soon as they begin to ask questions about their younger brother or sister. This paper includes some quotes from parents, recalling how they had told siblings.