bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nestin expression in stromal cells of trichoblastoma and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Misago N , Mori T , Narisawa Y
Published: March 2010

Background  Both trichoblastoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are considered to be a benign and malignant neoplasm of follicular germinative cells respectively. A recent investigation revealed that the mesenchymal cells in the perifollicular sheath and evolving follicular papilla of embryonic hair germs and those cells in hair follicles in early anagen express nestin.

Objective  The aim of the present study was to investigate whether trichoblastoma and BCC recapitulate the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions in embryonic hair germs or early anagen hair follicles by expressing nestin in stromal cells.

Methods  Immunohistochemical staining was performed with antibody against nestin for 15 trichoblastomas including large/small nodular, retiform and trichoepithelioma types, while adding the superficial type associated with nevus sebaceous and for 20 BCCs including superficial, nodular, nodulo‐infiltrative, and infiltrative/micronodular types.

Results  In all 15 trichoblastomas, the stromal cells expressed nestin with variable positive reactions, except for superficial trichoblastomas within nevus sebaceous lesions, in which stromal cells were constantly positive for nestin. In all 20 BCCs, the stromal cells were basically negative for nestin.

Conclusions The development of trichoblastomas incompletely recapitulates the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions in embryonic hair germs or early anagen hair follicles, whereas BCCs fundamentally have lost this ability. Among the various types of trichoblastomas, the superficial type associated with nevus sebaceous was found to have the most similar character to either embryonic hair germs or early anagen hair follicles.
Human leucocyte antigen class I and class II antigen expression in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is significantly downregulated
Authors: Meissner M , König V , Hrgovic I , Valesky E , Kaufmann R
Published: March 2010

Background  Abnormalities in the expression of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) by tumour cells impair cellular immune responses promoting immune evasion and tumour survival. To date, studies analysing HLA class I and class II expression levels in malignant fibrous histiocytomas, fibrosarcomas and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans are limited.

Aims  Therefore, we investigated the in vivo expression profile of HLA class I and class II antigens in 99 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, 20 fibrosarcomas and 34 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans from different anatomical sites.

Material and methods  Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to HLA class I and class II antigens was used to define the expression levels of these antigens on respective tumour samples.

Results  Frequent loss or downregulation of HLA class I and class II expression in malignant fibrous tumours was observed for the different types of tumours examined.

Discussion  The data presented suggest for the first time a high frequency of HLA class I and class II abnormalities in malignant fibrous histiocytomas, fibrosarcomas and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in vivo.

Conclusion  This information might be useful in the practical and clinical design of tumour vaccination strategies.
Age‐dependent histoarchitectural changes in human lymph nodes: an underestimated process with clinical relevance?
Authors: Hadamitzky Catarina , Spohr Hendrik , Debertin Anette S. , Guddat Saskia , Tsokos Michael , Pabst Reinhard
Published: March 2010

Experimental evidence indicates that lymph nodes in humans undergo alterations during ageing. This is clinically important because of the crucial role of these organs in the immune system and their lymph reabsorption and drainage function. Although some age‐related changes in lymph node histoarchitecture have been described, they are seldom taken into account in traditional depictions of lymph nodes. Recently introduced clinical procedures, such as intranodal vaccination or lymph node transplantation, have demonstrated the need for an accurate knowledge of these degenerative processes. In this study, superficial inguinal lymph nodes were obtained from 41 deceased patients between 17 and 98 years old. To minimize immunological influences, such as chronic diseases, specimens were only obtained from forensic pathology autopsies. An immunohistochemical analysis was carried out, on the basis of which lymph node degeneration was scored according to the numbers of lymphocytes and high endothelial venules, and degree of fibrosis and lipomatosis. We observed an age‐dependent tendency towards the replacement of areas populated with diverse immune cells by connective tissue. Paradoxically, these changes were also detected in some of the nodes from younger age groups. In conclusion, lymph nodes can display degenerative changes that are mainly age‐related and often diverge from the common description found in textbooks. These alterations should be taken into account when dealing with lymph nodes diagnostically and therapeutically in clinical practice.
The structure and mechanical properties of collecting lymphatic vessels: an investigation using multimodal nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Arkill Kenton P. , Moger Julian , Winlove C. Peter
Published: March 2010

This study employed nonlinear microscopy on fresh, unstained and unfixed collecting lymphatic vessels to determine the wall structure and its relationships to the mechanical properties of the tissue. Fresh bovine mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels were mounted in a vessel bath and imaged under different luminal pressures (0–30 cmH2O pressure head), and longitudinal tensions. The entire wall thickness was imaged, using two‐photon fluorescence to visualize elastin, second harmonic generation to image the collagen, and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering to image the cell membrane. The adventitial fat cells were coupled to the wall within the elastin‐rich network of fibres. The medial smooth muscle cells were too densely packed to resolve the boundaries of individual cells in en face images, but in tissue sections their appearance was consistent with electron microscopic data. Two distinct populations of collagen fibre were revealed. Large fibre (15–25 μm diameter) bundles were present in the inner media and small fibres (2–5 μm diameter) were distributed throughout the wall. The responses to longitudinal tension and luminal pressure indicated that the larger fibres resist the longitudinal strain and the smaller oppose pressure forces. Individual elastin fibres were of uniform thickness (1–3 μm) and interwove amongst themselves and between the collagen fibres. The network was probably too sparse directly to support mechanical loads and we speculate that its main function is to maintain the organization of collagen bundles during recovery from contraction.
Electron microscopic immunogold localization of statherin in human minor salivary glands
Authors: Isola Michela , Cossu Margherita , Massa Denise , Casti Alberto , Solinas Paola , Lantini Maria Serenella
Published: March 2010

In this study, which supplements a recent article on the localization of statherin in human major salivary glands, we investigated the intracellular distribution of this peptide in minor salivary glands by immunogold cytochemistry at the electron microscopy level. In the lingual serous glands of von Ebner, gold particles were found in serous granules of all secreting cells, indicating that statherin is released through granule exocytosis. In buccal and labial glands, mostly composed of mucous tubuli, statherin reactivity was detected in the serous element, which represents only a small population of the glandular parenchyma. In these serous cells, however, statherin labeling was absent in secretory granules and restricted to small cytoplasmic vesicles near or partially fused with granules. Vesicle labeling could be related to the occurrence of an alternative secretory pathway for statherin in buccal and labial glands.
Muscle–tendon structure and dimensions in adults and children
Authors: O’Brien Thomas D. , Reeves Neil D. , Baltzopoulos Vasilios , Jones David A. , Maganaris Constantinos N.
Published: March 2010

Muscle performance is closely related to the architecture and dimensions of the muscle–tendon unit and the effect of maturation on these architectural characteristics in humans is currently unknown. This study determined whether there are differences in musculo‐tendinous architecture between adults and children of both sexes. Fascicle length and pennation angle were measured from ultrasound images at three sites along the length of the vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, vastis medialis and rectus femoris muscles. Muscle volume and muscle–tendon length were measured from magnetic resonance images. Muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) was calculated as the ratio of muscle volume to optimum fascicle length. Fascicle length was greater in the adult groups than in children (P < 0.05) but pennation angle did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The ratios between fascicle and muscle length and between fascicle and tendon length were not different (P > 0.05) between adults and children for any quadriceps muscle. Quadriceps volume and PCSA of each muscle were greater in adults than children (P < 0.01) but the relative proportion of each head to the total quadriceps volume was similar in all groups. However, the difference in PCSA between adults and children (men ∼ 104% greater than boys, women ∼ 57% greater than girls) was greater (P < 0.05) than the difference in fascicle length (men ∼ 37% greater than boys, women ∼ 10% greater than girls). It is concluded that the fascicle, muscle and tendon lengthen proportionally during maturation, thus the muscle–tendon stiffness and excursion range are likely to be similar in children and adults but the relatively greater increase in PCSA than fascicle length indicates that adult muscles are better designed for force production than children’s muscles.
Validation of the murine aortic arch as a model to study human vascular diseases
Authors: Casteleyn Christophe , Trachet Bram , Van Loo Denis , Devos Daniel G. H. , Van den Broeck Wim , Simoens Paul , Cornillie Pieter
Published: March 2010

Although the murine thoracic aorta and its main branches are widely studied to gain more insight into the pathogenesis of human vascular diseases, detailed anatomical data on the murine aorta are sparse. Moreover, comparative studies between mice and men focusing on the topography and geometry of the heart and aorta are lacking. As this hampers the validation of murine vascular models, the branching pattern of the murine thoracic aorta was examined in 30 vascular corrosion casts. On six casts the intrathoracic position of the heart was compared with that of six younger and six older men of whom contrast‐enhanced computer tomography images of the thorax were three‐dimensionally reconstructed. In addition, the geometry of the human thoracic aorta was compared with that of the mouse by reconstructing micro‐computer tomography images of six murine casts. It was found that the right brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery branched subsequently from the aortic arch in both mice and men. The geometry of the branches of the murine aortic arch was quite similar to that of men. In both species the initial segment of the aorta, comprising the ascending aorta, aortic arch and cranial/superior part of the descending aorta, was sigmoidally curved on a cranial/superior view. Although some analogy between the intrathoracic position of the murine and human heart was observed, the murine heart manifestly deviated more ventrally. The major conclusion of this study is that, in both mice and men, the ascending and descending aorta do not lie in a single vertical plane (non‐planar aortic geometry). This contrasts clearly with most domestic mammals in which a planar aortic pattern is present. As the vascular branching pattern of the aortic arch is also similar in mice and men, the murine model seems valuable to study human vascular diseases.
Despite its role in assembly, methionine 35 is not necessary for amyloid β‐protein toxicity
Authors: Maiti Panchanan , Lomakin Aleksey , Benedek George B. , Bitan Gal
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1252–1262.

An important component of the pathologic process underlying Alzheimer’s disease is oxidative stress. Met35 in amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) is prone to participating in redox reactions promoting oxidative stress, and therefore is believed to contribute significantly Aβ‐induced toxicity. Thus, substitution of Met35 by residues that do not participate in redox chemistry would be expected to decrease Aβ toxicity. Indeed, substitution of Met35 by norleucine (Nle) was reported to reduce Aβ toxicity. Surprisingly, however, substitution of Met35 by Val was reported to increase toxicity. Aβ toxicity is known to be strongly related to its self‐assembly. However, neither substitution is predicted to affect Aβ assembly substantially. Thus, the effect of these substitutions on toxicity is difficult to explain. We revisited this issue and compared Aβ40 and Aβ42 with analogs containing Met35→Nle or Met35→Val substitutions using multiple biophysical and toxicity assays. We found that substitution of Met35 by Nle or Val had moderate effects on Aβ assembly. Surprisingly, despite these effects, neither substitution changed Aβ neurotoxicity significantly in three different assays. These results suggest that the presence of Met35 in Aβ is not important for Aβ toxicity, challenging to the prevailing paradigm, which suggests that redox reactions involving Met35 contribute substantially to Aβ‐induced toxicity.
Satellite‐tracking of Northern Pintail Anas acuta during outbreaks of the H5N1 virus in Japan: implications for virus spread
Authors: YAMAGUCHI NORIYUKI , HUPP JERRY W. , HIGUCHI HIROYOSHI , FLINT PAUL L. , PEARCE JOHN M.
Published: March 2010

We fitted Northern Pintail Anas acuta in Japan with satellite transmitters and monitored their spring migration movements relative to locations where the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected in Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus in 2008. Pintails were assumed not to be infected with the H5N1 virus at the time they were marked because capture occurred between 2 and 5 months before reported outbreaks of the virus in Japan. We assessed spatial and temporal overlap between marked birds and occurrence of the virus and tracked Pintails after they departed outbreak locations. Eight of 66 (12.1%) Northern Pintails marked with satellite transmitters used wetlands in Japan where the H5N1 virus was detected in Whooper Swans. Apparent survival did not differ between Pintails that used H5N1 sites and those that did not. However, the proportion of Pintails that migrated from Japan was significantly lower among birds that used H5N1 sites compared with those that did not (0.50 vs. 0.79). Northern Pintails were present at the H5N1 sites from 1 to 88 days, with five birds present at the sites from 0 to 7 days prior to detection of the virus in Swans. The six Pintails observed to depart H5N1 sites did so within 2–77 days of the reported outbreaks and moved between 6 and 1200 km within 4 days of departure. Four Pintails migrated to eastern Russia. After their departure from outbreak sites, Northern Pintails made long‐distance migrations within the period when newly infected ducks would shed the H5N1 virus. This supports a hypothesized mechanism by which a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus could be spread by migratory birds.
Experimental evidence that deer browsing reduces habitat suitability for breeding Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos
Authors: HOLT CHAS A. , FULLER ROBERT J. , DOLMAN PAUL M.
Published: March 2010

The ecological impacts of increasing populations of deer (Cervidae) in Europe and North America are becoming more widespread and pronounced. Within Britain, it has been suggested that declines in several woodland bird species, particularly those dependent on dense understorey vegetation, may be at least partly due to these effects. Here we present experimental evidence of the effects of deer browsing on the fine‐scale habitat selection and habitat use by a bird species in Europe. The study was conducted in a wood in eastern England where a decrease in Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos numbers has coincided with a large increase in deer numbers. Eight woodland plots were cut to produce young coppice regrowth (a favoured habitat for Nightingales). Deer were excluded from half of each plot using steel fences, thus creating eight experimental pairs of exclosures (unbrowsed) and controls (browsed). Radiotelemetry and territory mapping of male Nightingales showed strong selection of exclosures. The density of territories was 15 times greater in the exclosures than in grazed controls. Selection for exclosures was significant for the minimum convex polygon, 95% kernel and 50% core home‐ranges used by seven radiotracked males. Tracked birds spent 69% of their time in the 6% of the study area protected from deer. Intensified browsing by deer influenced local settlement patterns of Nightingales, supporting the conclusion that increased deer populations are likely to have contributed to declines of Nightingales in Britain, and potentially those of other bird species dependent on dense understorey.
Wing‐beat characteristics of birds recorded with tracking radar and cine camera
Authors: BRUDERER BRUNO , PETER DIETER , BOLDT ANDREAS , LIECHTI FELIX
Published: March 2010

This study presents wing‐beat frequency data measured mainly by radar, complemented by video and cinematic recordings, for 153 western Palaearctic and two African species. Data on a further 45 Palaearctic species from other sources are provided in an electronic appendix. For 41 species with passerine‐type flight, the duration of flapping and pausing phases is given. The graphical presentations of frequency ranges and wing‐beat patterns show within‐species variation and allow easy comparison between species, taxonomic groups and types of flight. Wing‐beat frequency is described by Pennycuick (J. Exp. Biol. 2001; 204: 3283–3294) as a function of body‐mass, wing‐span, wing‐area, gravity and air density; for birds with passerine‐type flight the power‐fraction has also to be considered. We tested Pennycuick’s general allometric model and estimated the coefficients based on our data. The general model explained a high proportion of variation in wing‐beat frequency and the coefficients differed only slightly from Pennycuick’s original values. Modelling continuous‐flapping flyers alone resulted in coefficients not different from those predicted (within 95% intervals). Doing so for passerine‐type birds resulted in a model with non‐significant contributions of body‐mass and wing‐span to the model. This was mainly due to the very high correlation between body‐mass, wing‐span and wing‐area, revealing similar relative scaling properties within this flight type. However, wing‐beat frequency increased less than expected with respect to power‐fraction, indicating that the drop in flight level during the non‐flapping phases, compensated by the factor (g/q)0.5 in Pennycuick’s model, is smaller than presumed. This may be due to lift produced by the body during the bounding phase or by only partial folding of the wings.
Habitat selection of the globally threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola at the western margin of its breeding range and implications for management
Authors: TANNEBERGER FRANZISKA , FLADE MARTIN , PREIKSA ZYDRUNAS , SCHRÖDER BORIS
Published: March 2010

The globally threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is an umbrella species for fen mires and is at risk of extinction in its westernmost breeding population due to severe habitat loss. We used boosted regression trees to model Aquatic Warbler habitat selection in order to make recommendations for effective management of the last remnant habitats. Habitat data were collected in the years 2004–2006 in all remaining breeding sites in Pomerania (eastern Germany and western Poland) as well as in recently abandoned sites. Models were validated using data from similar Aquatic Warbler habitats in Lithuania. The probability of occurrence of Aquatic Warblers in late May/early June was positively associated with low isolation from other occupied sites, less eutrophic conditions, a high proportion of area mown early in the preceding year, high availability of vegetation 60–70 cm high, high prey abundance and high habitat heterogeneity. Early summer land management is needed in the more productive sites to prevent habitat deterioration by succession to higher and denser vegetation. As this also poses a serious threat to broods, management that creates a mosaic of early and late used patches is recommended to preserve and restore productive Aquatic Warbler sites. In less productive sites, winter mowing can maintain suitable habitat conditions. Aquatic Warbler‐friendly land use supports a variety of other threatened plant and animal species typical of fens and sedge meadows and can meet the economic interests of local land users.
Vicars, tramps and assembly of the New Zealand avifauna: a review of molecular phylogenetic evidence
Authors: TREWICK STEVEN A. , GIBB GILLIAN C.
Published: March 2010

The avifauna of New Zealand is taxonomically and ecologically distinctive, as is typical of island biotas. However, the potential for an old geological age of New Zealand has encouraged a popular notion of a ‘Moa’s ark’ based on the idea that much of the fauna was isolated when Zealandia broke from Gondwanac.83 million years ago. Molecular phylogenetics has proved useful for exploring the relative importance of different biogeographical processes, revealing for example that ‘tramp’ species (widely dispersing taxa) have arrived in New Zealand even in the last few hundred years, and that some avian taxa have close phylogenetic relatives overseas (predominantly Australian), indicating their recent ancestors were tramps, too. Distinctive taxa with deep phylogenetic ancestry might be ‘vicars’ that owe their presence to vicariance, but lack of close morphological, taxonomic and phylogenetic affinity provides only tenuous evidence for this. Disproving the alternative possibility that apparent vicars are descended from tramps that dispersed in earlier times remains challenging, but molecular analyses have yielded startling insights. Among New Zealand’s iconic taxa, the world’s largest eagle shared a Pleistocene ancestor with a small Australian eagle, and giant, flightless moa are phylogenetic sisters of the much smaller, flying tinamous of South America. The New Zealand avifauna is neither isolated nor stable, but demonstrative of prolonged and ongoing colonization, speciation and extinction.
Sibling resemblance in natal dispersal distance and direction in the Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Authors: DALE SVEIN
Published: March 2010

Natal dispersal distance and direction determine the likelihood that siblings will settle close together and hence the risk of inbreeding. Several studies have shown a sibling resemblance in dispersal distance, but few studies have analysed sibling resemblance in dispersal direction or the distance between siblings after dispersal at the landscape level. I studied the entire Norwegian population of Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana, which is patchily distributed in an area covering c. 500 km2. Males and females did not differ in dispersal distance (overall median 3.7 km), but directions were different. Natal dispersal distances and directions were positively related within sibling pairs, but comparisons with control individuals suggested that any effects were due to spatial effects of configuration of habitat patches in the study area. Brother–sister pairs (n = 16) were at least as similar as brother–brother pairs (n = 18). Distance between siblings after natal dispersal increased with dispersal distance, but even so, five of 35 sibling pairs settled < 1 km apart, despite dispersal distances of 8.3–9.9 km for two of these pairs. Including movements later in life, eight sibling pairs were < 1 km apart at some time (four pairs of brothers and four brother–sister pairs), and in one case a brother mated with its sister. Another case of mating between close relatives (father and daughter) involved short female natal dispersal. These data indicate that female‐biased natal dispersal and long‐distance dispersal may reduce, but do not exclude, the possibility of inbreeding.
External exoskeletal cavities in Coleoptera and their possible mycangial functions
Authors: GREBENNIKOV Vasily V. , LESCHEN Richard A. B.
Published: March 2010

This paper reviews the occurrence of external exoskeletal cavities in beetles and provides critical reassessment of their possible mycangial function. In most reported cases, the decision to attribute mycangial function to exoskeletal cavities was based solely on the combination of two factors: (i) observation of these cavities on beetle's body; and (ii) knowledge that this particular beetle species uses fungi as a food source. Such reasoning resulted in the assumption, occasionally premature and not supported by other evidence, that exoskeletal pits in the following families may function as mycangia: Rhysodidae, Ptiliidae, Staphylinidae, Hybosoridae, Scarabaeidae, Derodontidae, Ptinidae, Jacobsoniidae, Boganiidae, Cryptophagidae, Endomychidae, Erotylidae, Latridiidae, Nitidulidae, Phloeostichidae, Silvanidae, Sphindidae, Pyrochroidae, Anthribidae, Attelabidae and Curculionidae. We conclude that only two beetle families include species with adequately documented cases of external exoskeletal mycangia: (i) Curculionidae (some Scolytinae and Platypodinae); and (ii) the structurally complex mycangia of Attelabidae (Euopsfemales). One or more species of Sphindidae, Erotylidae, Silvanidae, and Latridiidae have likely functional mycangia. Exoskeletal pits with uncertain function are additionally reported from the following families: Cupedidae, Ommatidae, Lepiceridae, Carabidae, Histeridae, Hydraenidae, Leiodidae, Elmidae, Artematopodidae, Throscidae, Elateridae, Rhinorhipidae, Biphyllidae, Cerylonidae, Cyclaxyridae, Monotomidae, Mycetophagidae and Zopheridae. We also discuss the transport of fungal spores and conidia by waxy exudates or debris build up on beetle exoskeleton, as well as their passive attachment to the body.
Autotomy‐induced life history plasticity in band‐legged ground cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus
Authors: MATSUOKA Nobuhiro , ISHIHARA Michihiro
Published: March 2010

Crickets can autotomize their limbs when attacked by predators. This enables them to escape death, but imposes a short‐term cost on their escape speed and a long‐term cost on their future mating ability. Therefore, adaptive response compensated for the cost of autotomy might be advantageous for autotomized individuals. In the present study, we examined whether autotomy induced life history plasticities compensating for the future cost in the band‐legged ground cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus. Life history traits of D. nigrofasciatus were compared between autotomized and intact individuals. The developmental time and head width of the individuals that were autotomized as fourth instar nymphs were significantly shorter and smaller, respectively, than those of intact individuals. However, the adult longevity, number of eggs laid and oviposition schedule did not vary between autotomized and intact individuals. In addition, there was no difference between individuals autotomized at the fourth instar and adult stages in these three traits. Early maturation in the autotomized individuals might be advantageous through reducing the risk of predation owing to the shorter period in nymphal stages. The cost of small body size in the autotomized females might not be so great because of no significant difference in fecundity between autotomized and intact individuals. However, the cost of small body size was unclear in the autotomized males because in general larger males were preferred by females. These results indicated autotomy‐induced life history that might reduce the cost of autotomy.
Effects of temperature on the development and survival of an endangered butterfly, Shijimiaeoides divinus barine (Leech) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: KODA Keiko , NAKAMURA Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

The effects of temperature on the development and survival of Shijimiaeoides divinus barine were examined in the laboratory in 2008. The eggs and larvae were reared at temperatures of 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C with a long‐day photoperiod of 16 h light : 8 h dark (16L : 8D). The highest hatchability of eggs was 88.0% at 20°C, but hatchability at high temperatures of 30 and 35°C was 30 and 0%, respectively. The lowest and highest survival rates from the first to third instar were 18.8% at 15°C and 76.9% at 20°C. Few deaths were observed after the fourth instar. The shortest developmental periods of the eggs and larvae were 4.0 and 15.8 days at 30°C, and the durations of the egg and larval stages increased significantly as the temperature decreased. The developmental zero and thermal constants were 9.6°C and 82.6 degree–days for the egg stage, and 10.7°C and 306.8 degree–days for the larval stage. The developmental period of the natural population of S. divinus barine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture was calculated using the developmental zero, thermal constants and Azumino City temperature data.
Naturally occurring egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in a pomegranate orchard in Tunisia
Authors: KSENTINI Ines , MONJE Juan Carlos , JARDAK Taieb , ZEGHAL Najiba
Published: March 2010

Four Trichogramma species were found in a pomegranate orchard in Gabès, an arid region of Tunisia, from parasitized eggs of Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an economically important insect pest. Identification based on assessment of male genitalia and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences showed that they were T. bourarachae Pintureau and Babault, 1988, T. oleae Voegelé and Pointel, 1979, T. cacoeciae Marchal, 1927 and T. evanescens Westwood, 1833. Trichogramma evanescens is reported for the first time in Tunisia. Trichogramma cacoeciae was the largely dominant species in the analyzed samples, whereas T. bourarachae was present in a minor portion of 1.38%. The implications of these results for attempts at controlling E. ceratoniae are discussed.
Mites of the genus Holostaspella (Acari: Gamasida: Macrochelidae) in Indonesia
Authors: HARTINI Sri , TAKAKU Gen
Published: March 2010

The genus Holostaspella of the family Macrochelidae consists of more than 30 species. Of these, seven species have been recorded from Indonesia. In the present study, we review the genus in Indonesia, record two species (H. pulchella and H. similiornata) for the first time from Indonesia, and describe two new species (H. oblonga n. sp. and H. villosa n. sp.) on the basis of the specimens collected in Java and Sulawesi. A key to the species of the genus in Indonesia is also provided.
Breeding ecology and seasonal abundance of the giant water bug Appasus japonicus (Heteroptera, Belostomatidae)
Authors: OHBA Shin‐ya , KATO Katsuhiko , MIYATAKE Takahisa
Published: March 2010

Males of the giant water bug Appasus (= Diplonychus) japonicus Vuillefroy (Belostomatidae: Heteroptera) carry egg masses on their back, but little is known about the relationship between seasonal abundance and breeding ecology of the species. In the present study, therefore, a field survey based on a mark‐and‐recapture census was carried out at three survey points within a rice paddy area (0.3 km2) where A. japonicus forms a meta‐population in northern Okayama, Japan. We investigated the body size, seasonal abundance, dispersion, egg mass size (number of eggs within one egg mass), number of egg masses and the total eggs carried on the back of each male as fundamental parameters of the population and breeding. Significant differences in egg mass size, number of egg masses, and total number of eggs that males carried was found among the survey points. The present results suggested the possibility that the differences in breeding parameters of A. japonicus were influenced by differences in environmental factors among the microhabitats. These results are discussed in conjunction with previous reports on seasonal abundance and breeding systems in Belostomatidae bugs.
New subgenus of genusHylaeus(Hymenoptera: Colletidae) with two new records from China
Authors: CHEN Xuan , XU Huanli , DATHE Holger H.
Published: March 2010

A new subgenus of the genusHylaeusFabricius, 1793 is described and illustrated. The subgenusLaxoprosopissubgen. nov. is erected for one new Chinese species,H. (Laxoprosopis)sichuanensissp. nov. In addition,H. nipponicusBridwell, 1919 andH. monticolaBridwell, 1919 are recorded from China for the first time.
Behavioral observation of two fungivorous beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on wood‐decaying bracket fungus Cryptoporus volvatus
Authors: KADOWAKI Kohmei
Published: March 2010

The behavior of two sympatric beetles, Parabolitophagus felix Lewis and Ischnodactylus loripes Lewis (Tenebrionidae: Coleoptera), specialists of a bracket fungus Cryptoporus volvatus (Peck) Shear, was studied in Kyoto, central Japan. A sporocarp of C. volvatus has a distinct white volva, and a small elliptical ostiole near the base. Adults of two tenebrionids use the volval chambers of a sporocarp as mating space. Adults walked across closely located sporocarps infrequently on a tree at night (19.30–20.30 h). Field observation showed that the occupancy patterns of the volval chambers in the two species were temporally segregated: Parabolitophagus felix occupied them until May, while I. loripes occupied them in late May to early June
New Australian butterfly genus Jameela gen. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae: Polyommatini) revealed by morphological, ecological and molecular data
Authors: GRUND Roger , EASTWOOD Rod
Published: March 2010

This paper proposes to split the Australian Polyommatini genus Erysichton Fruhstorfer, 1916 into two genera on the basis of molecular, morphological and early stage behavioral attributes. The utility of reflective eye pattern as a taxonomic character is discussed and a neotype of Lycaena lineata Murray, 1874 is designated.
Pteromalid parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of Oulema oryzae (Kuwayama) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Japan, with notes on Pteromalus bifoveolatus
Authors: ISHIZAKI Tsuyoshi , ISHIKAWA Tadashi
Published: March 2010

The present paper discusses three Japanese species of Pteromalidae reared from cocoons of the rice beetle Oulema oryzae (Kuwayama, 1929) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Pteromalus cyclostomus Ishizaki sp. nov. is described. Spaniopus monospilus (Thomson, 1878) and Usubaia liparae Kamijo, 1983 are newly recognized as parasitoid wasps of O. oryzae, and the former is also recorded from Japan for the first time. Pteromalus bifoveolatus Förster, 1861 is also newly recorded from Japan, with a new host record from Samia cynthia pryeri (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).
First contribution to the bionomics of the pollen waspCeramius palaestinensis(Giordani Soika, 1957) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Masarinae) in Turkey
Authors: MAUSS Volker , MÜLLER Andreas , YILDIRIM Erol
Published: March 2010

Data about the bionomics of the pollen waspCeramius palaestinensis(Giordani Soika, 1957) are presented for the first time.Ceramius palaestinensisis characterized by the following ethological elements: (i) the nest is excavated in non‐friable soil; (ii) the burrow is surmounted by a turret from earth extracted from within the burrow; (iii) the nest is possibly perennial; (iv) the nest has a relatively short, vertical to sub‐vertical main shaft with an expansion at the bottom; (v) the main shaft is not terminated by a cell; (vi) secondary shafts are absent; (vii) the cells are sub‐horizontal, all at different depths; (viii) brood cells are constructed mud‐cells built within an excavated cell, formed from earth excavated within the burrow; (ix) imagines visit only flowers ofTrifolium(Fabaceae) and brood cells are provisioned exclusively with pollen from this plant genus;Trifoliumspecies varying considerably in inflorescence morphology lead to different positions of foraging wasps on the inflorescences during flower visits;Trifolium resupinatumorT. clusiiinflorescences with resupinate flowers function as a disc‐shaped pseudanthium with the vexilla of the flowers arranged on the outer periphery serving as petal‐like exhibition organs; and (x) males patrol and perch at water collection sites, at flowers and within nesting aggregations; copulations or copulatory attempts are observed there.
Regional registry of patient alloantibodies: first‐year experience
Authors: Schwickerath Vicki , Kowalski Mary , Menitove Jay E.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) occur when pretransfusion alloantibody screening tests fail to detect previously formed alloantibodies. Hospital transfusion service records maintain historical alloantibody results. However, patients may receive transfusions at more than one hospital leading to dissociation of current and previous results. As such, we designed and implemented a regionally based registry linking patients and historic alloantibody test results with the intent of reducing DHTRs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We constructed a Web‐based registry connecting hospital transfusion services and alloantibody results from a blood center immunohematology reference laboratory. Registry development required consideration of HIPAA/regulatory and Web design issues addressed by consulting legal counsel, a Web design company, and a program administrator.

RESULTS: During the first year, more than 5000 patient alloantibody records were entered into the registry that were accessed more than 3900 times for 1766 patients at 68 hospitals. In four cases, registry utilization prevented a possible DHTR.

CONCLUSIONS: The regional alloantibody registry prevented potential DHTRs fulfilling preimplementation goals.
Levered Returns
Authors: GOMES JOAO F. , SCHMID LUKAS
Published: March 2010

This paper revisits the theoretical relation between financial leverage and stock returns in a dynamic world where both corporate investment and financing decisions are endogenous. We find that the link between leverage and stock returns is more complex than static textbook examples suggest, and depends on the investment opportunities available to the firm. In the presence of financial market imperfections, leverage and investment are generally correlated so that highly levered firms are also mature firms with relatively more (safe) book assets and fewer (risky) growth opportunities. A quantitative version of our model matches several stylized facts about leverage and returns.
Personal Bankruptcy and Credit Market Competition
Authors: DICK ASTRID A. , LEHNERT ANDREAS
Published: March 2010

We document a link between U.S. credit supply and rising personal bankruptcy rates. We exploit the exogenous variation in market contestability brought on by banking deregulation—the relaxation of entry restrictions in the 1980s and 1990s—at the state level. We find deregulation explains at least 10% of the rise in bankruptcy rates. We also find that deregulation leads to increased lending, lower loss rates on loans, and higher lending productivity. Our findings indicate that increased competition prompted banks to adopt sophisticated credit rating technology, allowing for new credit extension to existing and previously excluded households.
The Interdependent and Intertemporal Nature of Financial Decisions: An Application to Cash Flow Sensitivities
Authors: GATCHEV VLADIMIR A. , PULVINO TODD , TARHAN VEFA
Published: March 2010

We develop a dynamic multiequation model where firms make financing and investment decisions jointly subject to the constraint that sources must equal uses of cash. We argue that static models of financial decisions produce inconsistent coefficient estimates, and that models that do not acknowledge the interdependence among decision variables produce inefficient estimates and provide an incomplete and potentially misleading view of financial behavior. We use our model to examine whether firms are constrained from accessing capital markets. Unlike static single‐equation studies that find firms underinvest given cash flow shortfalls, we conclude that firms maintain investment by borrowing.
Performance and Persistence in Institutional Investment Management
Authors: BUSSE JEFFREY A. , GOYAL AMIT , WAHAL SUNIL
Published: March 2010

Using new, survivorship bias‐free data, we examine the performance and persistence in performance of 4,617 active domestic equity institutional products managed by 1,448 investment management firms between 1991 and 2008. Controlling for the Fama–French (1993) three factors and momentum, aggregate and average estimates of alphas are statistically indistinguishable from zero. Even though there is considerable heterogeneity in performance, there is only modest evidence of persistence in three‐factor models and little to none in four‐factor models.
Entrepreneurial and Business Growth and the Quest for a “Comprehensive Theory”: Tilting at Windmills?
Authors: Leitch Claire , Hill Frances , Neergaard Helle
Published: March 2010

Even though there has been sustained interest in growth for almost 50 years, relatively little is known about this phenomenon and much confusion and misunderstanding surrounds it. Based on a literature review and the articles in this special issue we make three recommendations that we believe will allow theory to advance and be applicable in practice. First, that discourse between key stakeholders is encouraged in order to achieve greater understanding. Second, that focus is placed on “growth as a process,” rather than as a “change in amount.” Third, that knowledge production requires inclusivity and pluralism in research perspectives and approaches.
“Business Growth”—Do Practitioners and Scholars Really Talk about the Same Thing?
Authors: Achtenhagen Leona , Naldi Lucia , Melin Leif
Published: March 2010

The current growth literature has stalled over which measures to use in empirical studies, causing a fragmented theory base. This paper claims that there is a third issue that further curbs efforts in developing a better understanding of business growth. Based on a thorough literature review, a quantitative, and a qualitative study, we find that academic scholars and entrepreneurs do not talk about the same thing when they say “business growth.” For practitioners, growth is a more complex phenomenon—with a strong emphasis on internal development—which differs from the simplified conceptualization of growth used in empirical studies.
A Terminal Assessment of Stages Theory: Introducing a Dynamic States Approach to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Levie Jonathan , Lichtenstein Benyamin B.
Published: March 2010

Stages of growth models were the most frequent theoretical approach to understanding entrepreneurial business growth from 1962 to 2006; they built on the growth imperative and developmental models of that time. An analysis of the universe of such models (n = 104) published in the management literature showed no consensus on basic constructs of the approach, and no empirical confirmation of stages theory. However, by changing two propositions of stages theory, a new dynamic states approach was derived. The dynamic states approach has far greater explanatory power than its precursor, and is compatible with leading edge research in entrepreneurship.
The Growth of Business Groups by Habitual Entrepreneurs: The Role of Entrepreneurial Teams
Authors: Iacobucci Donato , Rosa Peter
Published: March 2010

This article reports the analysis of case studies of portfolio entrepreneurs that suggests that one of the main reasons for the formation and expansion of business groups is the need to create an entrepreneurial team, which is achieved by giving minority shares in the new ventures to others, mainly former employees. This enhances entrepreneurs‘ ability to grow and diversify the businesses under their control without compromising their ownership control of the overall business group. The article identifies and discusses the different types of entrepreneurial teams developed by portfolio entrepreneurs: joint ventures with established entrepreneurs, employee involvement, and intrapreneurship. The latter two types were specifically interesting in studying situations where there was a dominant entrepreneur and associate entrepreneurs. The article enhances the theoretical and empirical understanding of how growth is achieved in the small firms sector through business group formation, and sheds insights on how entrepreneurial team dynamics operate in multiple business contexts.
Fighting an Uphill Battle: Expansion Barriers, Intra–Industry Social Stratification, and Minority Firm Growth
Authors: Shelton Lois M.
Published: March 2010

Here, a model of minority firm expansion based on the resource–based view, the expansion barriers framework, and social stratification processes illustrates the economic and social barriers faced by minority companies. Firm growth is impacted by industry economic structure through expansion barriers, and by industry social structure through opportunity structures. It is argued that industry social structure, which includes discriminatory industry practices, can be used to stratify firms into higher and lower performing groups by ethnicity and will have a greater impact on minority firm growth in industries with more concentrated social structures and higher wealth creation potential.
Opt–e–scrip, Inc.
Authors: Huser Eleanor Ann , Swartz Ethné
Published: March 2010

Opt–e–scrip, Inc., has developed a patented test for determining the efficacy of drugs in individual patients so that doctors can prescribe the drug that really works for each person. In addition, test results show that older, less expensive drugs are often as or more efficacious than the newer, expensive drugs pushed by manufacturers. It, thus, benefits physicians, patients, and drug benefit payers. However, the company has had difficulty entering the market, given its complexity and their lack of resources. The test remains a product in search of an application and a customer willing to pay for its usage.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Size in Patients with Normal Ejection Fraction and Elevated Left Filling Pressures
Authors: Hanna Elias B. , Glancy David Luke , Helmcke Frederick
Published: March 2010

Objective: To evaluate the left‐ventricular diastolic chamber size in patients with a normal ejection fraction and elevated left‐sided filling pressures. Background: The consensus view that patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and elevated left‐sided filling pressures have a normal left ventricular diastolic size is a point of controversy. Methods: We reviewed the coded database of echocardiographic studies performed at one institution between July 2007 and July 2008. We performed a retrospective descriptive study of 35 patients with normal ejection fraction (≥55%) and elevated left‐sided filling pressures. We looked at their left ventricular internal diastolic diameter (LVIDD). Results: Our population had a high prevalence of hypertension (100%), obesity (63%), diabetes (40%), chronic kidney disease (51%), coronary artery disease (25%), anemia (43%), and left ventricular hypertrophy (65%). Clinical diagnosis of heart failure was documented in 63% of the patients. LVIDD was mildly increased in comparison to a normal historical population: 4.85 ± 0.5 cm for females, 5.3 ± 0.5 cm for males, as compared to 4.6 ± 0.3 cm for normal females (P = 0.045) and 5 ± 0.4 cm for normal males (P < 0.001). However, the distribution of the indexed LVIDDs in these patients was comparable to the normal population (2.6 ± 0.4 cm/m2 for the study population, as compared to 2.7± 0.2 cm/m2 for the normal population, P = 0.16). Conclusion: In a population of patients with a normal LVEF and high left ventricular filling pressures, the indexed LV diastolic size is not increased in comparison to a normal population. (Echocardiography 2010;27:501‐504)